Controversial Liberty Lake Home Development Approved

Thu., Nov. 12, 1998

By Pat Sciuchetti pats@spokesman.com

County hearing examiner Mike Dempsey has approved a controversial plan to build a 44-home subdivision on the east shore of Liberty Lake.

The development, called Mackenzie Bay Beach Properties, will be built on a 24.5-acre parcel about a quarter mile south of the intersection of Lakeside and Neyland roads. It will include 200 to 300 feet of common beach area and a handful of waterfront lots.

The land is owned by Rex Harder, who is currently seeking a preliminary plat and zone change for a second development across the street to the east.

Opponents of the Mackenzie Bay Beach Properties subdivision have not decided if they will appeal the decision to Superior Court.

The group, called Friends of Liberty Lake, believes the development would impact an important drainage basin and threaten the health of the lake. They also worry that the proposal, as approved, could leave Harder responsible for only 60 percent of the costs of the development’s water system. The group is represented by attorney Stephen Eugster.

The hearing examiner has admitted that Harder’s proposal is a very complex one, involving issues such as erosion, slope, wetlands and shoreline protection. His approval, planners say, simply allows Harder the chance to try to make the project successful - despite the many requirements set up to prevent adverse impacts on property or the environment.

Harder had originally hoped to have lots at Mackenzie Bay Beach Properties ready for sale this summer. He suffered a setback in February when the hearing examiner sent the application back to him, saying it lacked critical information about the proposed development’s water system, sewer capacity and stormwater runoff control.

While not providing specifics in all of these areas, the revised proposal provided enough information to convince Dempsey that acceptable solutions are available.

Harder could not be reached for an updated timeline on the project.

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