In 2020, Neighbors Received Notice of a Proposed Development to more than double the Population Recreating on the Lake.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Issue

Since December of 2020, as decision-making processes were underway regarding the review and approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) application, we observed local government officials disregarding relevant factors, our concerns, and those of the Spooner Lake District. Decision-making processes were conducted in ways that did not demonstrate open government or adherence to procedures required in the review, analysis and approval of a CUP application. The CUP application proposed a high-density development for 200 annually-leased RV sites. This would more than double the population living and recreating on Spooner Lake and the surrounding area.

The Spooner Lake District appealed Washburn County’s approval of the CUP. We agreed with the Spooner Lake District. We did not see substantial evidence that the proposed development would protect the lake’s health and peaceful character. We agreed that the Washburn County Board of Adjustment needed to reverse the County Zoning Committee’s decision and deny the CUP.

“This is a gigantic change, for it essentially drops an entire township into a place that is a bunch of swamps next to a lake.”

— Washburn County Zoning Committee member, February 23, 2021

 

CUP Found Incomplete

In an appeal, the Washburn County Board of Adjustment found that the CUP application was incomplete because it lacked essential information which directly influenced the proposal. The CUP was overturned on July 30, 2021 by the Board of Adjustment.

CUP erroneously approved in October 2021

On October 26, 2021 the Washburn County zoning committee approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for a development adjacent to Spooner Lake that will:

  • increase the number of residences in Spooner Township by 25%

  • double the number of residences adjacent to Spooner Lake

  • dramatically increase traffic, including ATVs/UTVs on roads

  • risk the water quality of Spooner Lake

  • more than double boat traffic and fishing pressure on Spooner Lake

  • reduce neighboring property values

There was an application for a 200-unit campground, more precisely described as a high-density RV subdivision, presented to the Washburn County zoning committee. It was the same application that was denied in July, but remarkably, even with additional pages, it still lacked substantial evidence that it will not damage Spooner Lake or have negative impacts on neighbors and the peaceful character of the area. ell your story online can make all the difference.

 
 
 

Appeals filed in November 2021

In response to the conditional use permit (CUP) for a 200-site RV development granted by Washburn County Zoning Committee October 26, the Spooner Lake District and two individuals filed an appeal to the Washburn County Circuit Court. An appeal was also filed with the Washburn County Board of Adjustment. For the details, please go to our Resources tab to see the appeal documents.

 

The Story Continues

Now, after much delay, the Board of Adjustment meeting has been scheduled to dispute the appeals.

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