Ice melting on Echo Bay

56572's long-time County Commissioner Mac Lee was the 1 in yesterday's 4-1 vote allowing developers of Echo Bay to proceed with their project. Mac has been the pioneer of trying to regulate development around Otter Tail County waters since 1971 when he drafted the first County Shoreland Management Ordinance. The four other Commissioners must have determined that developers had complied with the current ordinance in voting yes. Mac was quoted as saying "approval of the 209-unit development goes against the spirit of the county’s shoreland ordinance, which he said was aimed at controlling overcrowding on lakes. All those things go down the drain with the new type of development.” This is rather confusing. As we don't expect Mac to run for office again due to failing health, his no vote was not to placate voters in District 2. What was it then that raises Mac's dander? Does he have legacy worries?
People in 56572 would like to see the development. The few businesses left can use all the customers they can find. We can also use help in paying for a new school and fire hall. People who own property on Pelican Lake will now come out with bared fists swinging against yesterday's decision. 56572 applauds the 4-1 green light vote. It is encouraging to see a green light after so many red ones.