Hearing examiner gives nod to golf club

A Kootenai County hearing examiner has recommended approval of the 665-acre Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club on the hillside above Arrow Point.

The Kootenai County Commission will have final say on the proposal by Discovery Land Co., based in San Francisco.

Examiner Gary Young, in Tuesday’s report, wrote that the maximum height of the clubhouse is three stories and that it shouldn’t exceed 35,000 square feet. He added that Discovery needs to submit a geotechnical analysis.

The company is currently working to identify the wetlands on the former cattle and hay farm property. It’s also working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to see what type of permits are needed before any work is done to the wetlands under the agency’s jurisdiction.

The property includes seven natural wetlands and a small stream that runs through the southwest corner of the property. Discovery wants to incorporate these natural areas into the golf course, which would be designed by Tom Fazio.

Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club is proposed as a $100 million private 18-hole golf course. Plans call for 375 high-end homes and condos in a “farm-inspired” design that Discovery representative Andy Holloran said would fit in with the rural area east of state Highway 97.

Discovery compares Gozzer Ranch to Black Rock, the recently opened luxurious gated community and private golf course on the west end of the lake at Rockford Bay.

Some neighbors oppose the development because it would increase traffic on Highway 97 and perhaps cause sewer odors. Some residents also worry about the increased commercialization of the east side of the lake.

The land is owned by Fortress LLC, a Canadian-based company that has ties to Arrow Point Condominiums. Discovery plans to eventually buy the property from Fortress.

Members would have to buy one of the various styles of residences ranging from condos and cabin-style homes on quarter-acre lots to grander homes on up to three acres. The residents would then have to buy a membership to the championship golf course. The lots would start at $200,000.

For more information, call the Kootenai County Planning Department at 446-1070.