Lakeside access meets opposition

An offer of public lake access in Lakeside is proving to be more complicated than the county had anticipated.

Last month a Lakeside landowner had offered to lease to the county a 65-foot stretch of prime Flathead Lake access at just $600 a year for the next 30 years.

The property, on the north end of Lakeshore Boulevard, is located just below the Little Red School House and a county right-of-way, which has never been utilized.

The landowner came to the county with the lease agreement with the stipulations that the land be used for public benefit and that he remain anonymous.

The agreement has since turned a bit more complicated.

Neighbors of the proposed park have come out in full force against the county's plans of constructing a dock, swimming area and a few parking spots.

Neighbors, who have spoken out to both the Lakeside Community Council as well as the County Weed and Parks Board, have voiced concerns with public safety, increased traffic and the small size of the property.

There have been also rumors that the anonymous landowner was having second thoughts and wanted to rescind his offer. However, Flathead County Weed and Parks Director Jed Fisher called those rumors absolutely untrue.

Fisher said the donor had been considering rescinding the donation after hearing that the county might not follow through on the agreements outlined in the lease, but that matter is now settled.

As a part of the lease, the county had agreed to remove a number of boulders from the county's property. The boulders were placed on the county's property by a property owner to the west. When the property owner heard rumors that the boulders would be staying put, he asked to get out of the lease.

According to Fisher, however, he met with the donor and everything was cleared up.

Wednesday morning Fisher stated that a county road crew was likely removing the boulders "as we speak."

As for the concerns of the Lakeside community, Fisher said he sympathizes with the neighbors of the park.

"Nobody wants a public park in their backyard," he said. "I understand their concerns. But we are good neighbors."

A letter from Lakeside Community Council Chair Gregg Schoh to Fisher stated that the council also has concerns with the proposed park.

"Our main concerns revolve mainly around public safety. Vehicular, pedestrian and bike traffic on the narrow boulevard is already at dangerous levels during the summer months," the letter states.

The community council is recommending that the county consider disposing of this property and acquiring one that is more suitable.

The County Weed and Parks Board took up the matter at their last meeting on Nov. 5. A number of Lakeshore Boulevard residents suggested the board create a committee focused solely on finding additional water access. Many suggested the board simply find another location.

Fisher insisted he is listening to the Lakeside Council and residents' concerns, but that he has no intention of backing away from the deal unless an alternative lake access is brought into the mix.

"Anytime I can get a county resident and their kids on the lake, I'm doing my job," he said. "I'm committed to this."

There have also been concerns voiced by neighbors that the proposed park could be neglected, citing the park down the street as an example. Fisher explained, however, that the existing park is a Lakeside community park and is supposed to be cared for by Lakeside volunteers. Fisher said he has recently decided that his department will take care of the park as a public service and will help to maintain it.

Tom Esch, an attorney for two Lakeshore Boulevard residents, said many neighbors feel that as there is already a public park on Lakeshore Boulevard, they have contributed enough of their neighborhood to public access.

Esch went on to say that he doesn't think the county is to blame for the dispute.

"You start with what you think is a great idea," he said. "And then before you know it you've got all these neighbors mad at you because you didn't talk to them first."

The County Weed and Parks Board will pick up the issue again at the next meeting, which will be held Monday, Dec. 3, at 8 a.m. at the Weed and Parks Conference Room at 311 FFA Drive.

Reporter Amy May may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at amay@dailyinterlake.com