Permit OK'd for Rosewater

The developer of the planned Rosewater water-skiing subdivision has cleared the final hurdle in the planning process for the 27-acre manmade lake that will be featured in the unique development.

The Flathead Board of Adjustment last week approved Bill Tanner’s conditional-use permit application for construction of the lake. The permit was a condition tacked on the project when the commissioners granted approval in June for the 58-lot subdivision east of Whitefish Stage Road and north of Rose Crossing.

The board set the hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, though neighbors had proposed 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the planning staff had suggested a compromise of 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tanner, of Score Management, assured the board that boat noise won’t be a problem at the subdivision.

Five people spoke at the Board of Adjustment public hearing on Oct. 1; three were supportive of the project and two expressed neutral feelings.

However, a group called the Rose Crossing Neighborhood Coalition sued the county commissioners following their approval of Rosewater. The group has asked Flathead District Court to void the approval, claiming it violates the county growth policy, the Two Rivers Neighborhood Plan and the state constitution.

The neighborhood group further alleges the manmade lake poses serious environmental concerns and potential impacts the commissioners didn’t adequately address or mitigate.

It’s unclear if the lawsuit will affect the time line for the project; Tanner could not be reached for comment.