At last night’s Planning Commission meeting, discussions centered on the proposed 14-unit Planned Unit Development (PUD) named The Port on Little Detroit at 1377 West Lake Drive, submitted by owner Chad Wendel. The meeting also addressed significant community concerns regarding the potential loss of the town’s only bowling alley.
### Key Points from the Meeting:
**Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use Permit:**
– The preliminary plat and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for The Port on Little Detroit were reviewed. This development aims to provide modern living spaces while adhering to local planning regulations. Owner Chad Wendel emphasized the potential benefits to the community.
### Community Concerns Over Bowling Alley:
**Resident Participation:**
– Numerous residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns about losing the only bowling alley in Detroit Lakes. They highlighted the vital role the bowling alley plays in the community, especially as one of the few indoor activity venues in town.
**Impact on Local Sports and Economy:**
– League bowlers stressed the importance of having a local bowling alley to support the town’s competitive bowlers, who participate in state-level championships. The absence of a bowling alley would redirect business revenue to other towns, affecting local economic activity.
**Construction Costs:**
– Both residents and the Commission acknowledged that the primary obstacle to building a new bowling alley is the high construction cost. Despite this, the community underscored the necessity of such a facility for local events and activities.
**Community Benefits:**
– The bowling alley serves various groups, including schools, group homes for adapted bowling participants, and families. From April through June, the facility is packed every weekend for events leading up to the State High School Bowling Championships, with participation from Detroit Lakes increasing by over 200%.
**Strategic Importance:**
– A resident pointed out that there are no sufficiently large bowling alleys between Alexandria and Moorhead, suggesting that a new facility could attract significant business to Detroit Lakes, benefiting the town economically.
### Participation Statistics:
Over the past five years, participation in regional and state bowling competitions has seen a significant increase, particularly in adapted bowling. Detroit Lakes has seen a consistent presence in these competitions, contributing to the town’s reputation for fostering competitive bowlers. The Minnesota Adapted Athletics Association has recorded strong participation from schools in the region, including Detroit Lakes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local bowling facilities for both recreational and competitive purposes.
### Comparative Insight:
– The discussion drew a parallel to the bowling alley in Hawley, which was successfully rebuilt and improved, illustrating the potential positive impact of investing in a new facility in Detroit Lakes.
### Next Steps:
– The Planning Commission will continue to review the preliminary plat and CUP for The Port on Little Detroit, considering community feedback. Future meetings will address any concerns and explore possibilities for supporting the construction of a new bowling alley.
### Conclusion:
The Planning Commission’s deliberations highlighted the dual focus on approving new housing developments while addressing community needs for recreational facilities. The DL City Council will vote on the recommendation of the Planning Commission at their next meeting which is August 12th, 5pm in the new City Building on Roosevelt. The outcome aims to balance growth with preserving vital local amenities.