Watertown City Council rejects proposed Lake Kampeska development (Audio)

January 2, 2024
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–A proposed $12 million development at Lake Kampeska was voted down by the city council Tuesday night.

Crestone Companies CEO Eric Skott wanted to develop eight acres of land on South Lake Drive to include up to 45 living units, or ‘sportsmen’s condos” as they were referred to.

The land is currently zoned R-1, for single family homes.

Nancy Beasley lives in the area of the proposed development, and asked councilmembers to keep it R-1…….

Ward E Councilman Lynn Jurrens…

Councilman Mike Danforth cited density concerns and whether it was a good “fit”…….

Councilman Bruce Buhler…..

Mayor Ried Holien talked about the property tax dollars this development would bring into the city…

The proposed development needed a super majority, or five “yes” votes from the council in order to move ahead, because the Planning Commission earlier rejected it on a 4-3 vote.

The city council voted 5-2 against it, with Holien and Councilman Randy Tupper voting in favor.

Similar arguments were made last year on a Planned Unit Development proposed in the Eastwoods neighborhood of northeast Watertown.  Neighbors packed City Hall to argue against the “fit”of 48 living units on a small piece of land, and the traffic congestion it would create on 14th Avenue, but the council approved that development unanimously.