Link to 8-page packet of information

From the Minutes of the May 3, 2022 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pretty Lake Conservation Club Guests:

PLCC Board President Scott Alexander introduced guests, Neal and Lydia Wolheter, who asked to be permitted to address the board in a good-faith effort to explain a proposed development at Pretty Lake. Neal and Lydia are husband and wife, local realtors and farmers, who live about 5 miles south of Pretty Lake. They own and presently farm about 20 acres on County Road S. 890 E., across the road from the Pretty Lake DNR Public Access. This area was formerly the Goodpastor strawberry farm. They have owned the land for about 9 years, and have recently petitioned the LaGrange Co. Planning Commission for approval of a 22-lot residential subdivision on that land, which they intend to call “Strawberry Acres.” The Planning Commission meets to hear the proposal and take public comment on May 23 at 7:00 pm. They said that single-family residences only are planned, not apartments, not a campground, and not a mobile home park. They said that no re-zoning of the land is required, and no environmental impact assessment is required. Covenants and restrictions are being considered, and they are open to hearing what the local area residents might want to see in those restrictions. They provided an 8-page handout detailing the proposed development (attached). They plan to develop the subdivision in two phases. This would include construction of a new road approximately extending the north section of C.R. 895 E., and another private access lane off of C.R. 500 S. Sewer lines will be required by the County. Water will be obtained by wells. The development plan includes 2 ponds/water retention areas. They own and intend to sell an easement for a 10-foot pier that is publicly recorded, located next to 4869 S. C.R. 890 E. They own just one of the three easements in that area on the western most of the 2 channels in that corner of the lake. They said this is a one-boat pier easement, and funneling is not permitted. Board members asked many questions regarding the proposed development and its impact on our lake, including the areas of: noise, traffic, sewage, pollution, runoff, funneling, increased use of the lake and of the DNR public access, minimum square footage, lot costs and building cost estimates, road maintenance, stick-built vs. manufactured housing, environmental impact study, utilities, quality of life, wildlife impact, and whether a need really exist for a development. They were asked that as they go forward with this plan, if they must, they please keep in mind the concerns of our lake community. The Wolheters promised they would do so. After the presentation, the consensus of the board was to not take any action on behalf of the PLCC, as although some issues might be somewhat related to the stated purpose of the PLCC, the concerns should be raised to our elected and appointed LaGrange County officials by individual Pretty Lake area community members. The board believes that all Pretty Lake residents who have concerns about the proposed housing development should attend the May 23 LaGrange County Plan Commission meeting to listen to the proposal and raise any concerns with our elected and appointed county authorities. Concerns may also be addressed directly to the Wohleters. Lydia may be contacted at (260) 668-1541, and Neal at (260) 336-2219.”