Final word on Henrys Lake Flats hotel may be announced Sept. 2
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ISLAND PARK — Fremont County Commissioners may soon announce a decision on a controversial development proposed for the Henrys Lake Flats in Island Park. The commissioners are scheduled to discuss the Flat Rock Hotel project appeal at 11 a.m. on Sept. 2 at the Fremont County Courthouse in St. Anthony.
Fremont County Clerk Abbie Mace says a final decision may be made at that meeting, although it is not guaranteed. “They have a 60-day window to announce their decision,” Mace said. “Hopefully, they will announce the decision at the time.”
The final decision, now in the hands of the commissioners, centers on Ensign Hospitality LLC’s proposal for a large-scale hotel and resort on the Henrys Lake Flats. The Fremont County Planning and Zoning Commission denied the project last November, prompting the developer’s appeal.
RELATED: Proposed 132-room Henrys Lake hotel and resort at center of public debate
At a public hearing on Aug. 13 at Fremont County High School, dozens of residents urged the commissioners to stick to their decision. Testimony overwhelmingly opposed the project, with many residents arguing it would damage the rural character and ecosystem of the Flats. Ensign Hospitality’s attorney also spoke at the meeting, arguing the project was slated to be on private property, and they would work with Idaho Fish and Game and environmental advocates to limit damage to the ecosystem.
Groups such as the Henrys Fork Wildlife Alliance are urging citizens to attend next week’s meeting in force and to continue voicing their opposition. They call the project a threat to the health of the Henrys Lake Flats and “a dangerous precedent for inappropriate development in rural base zoning.”
“The Henrys Lake Flats provide irreplaceable ecosystem services like water filtration, flood control, aquifer recharge, and habitat for wildlife ranging in size from grizzly bears to insect pollinators,” the group said in a statement. “The Flats also stand as a testament to the long history of agriculture and ranching in the Island Park area.”
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be streamed online here.