Fred Heinonen
Scandia area reporter

Big Marine Development, LLC gave a slide presentation of a preliminary plat of their Tii Gavo development at the Scandia planning commission-town board meeting July 11. The environmentally sensitive development group used the native Indian name, Tii Gavo, meaning ìThe Gathering Placeî to name their development.

Tii Gavo is a 154 acre, 37-lot development on the north shore of the east bay of Big Marine Lake. The development code normally would allow for 19, 2.5-acre lots on the lake and nine larger lots, but for various cluster development considerations this project qualifies for nine (100%) bonus lots.

The lots will range from one to 2.5 acres with 107 acres dedicated to open space and trails.

The development is bordered by the Lakamaga Girl Scout Camp on the west. A 24-foot collector road will run across the development from Newgate Ave N. to Lakamaga Trail N. Eight home sites will be on the southern peninsula with most of the rest being to the west and northwest.

Almost all of the open space is on the east field and northeast slopes. Tii Gavo will not be seen from Lakamaga Trail N. and will be unnoticeable from Newgate Ave N. in the summer.

A 19-slip dock in Turtle Bay will provide boating access to Big Marine Lake. A fishing pier will be the only thing protruding into Big Marine Lake. A community center with a clay tennis court is planned next to Turtle Bay. Large storage sheds are being proposed on the north end. There will be a mowed trail system around and within the development.

The developer floated a proposal for accessory apartments as a possible option for more affordable housing. A standoff developed here because the developer wanted up to five units on one lot or some variation and the board said that would count against the housing density allowance.

Planning Commission Vice Chairman Jim Malmquist, passionately stated, ìScandia needs affordable housing, one way or another. Why not get something started now!î The planning commission tabled this issue.

Several people voiced concerns about the impact of additional traffic in the area and safety. Turn lanes at both entrances will be considered.

The visual impact of the houses closest to the lake was discussed. This only affects the winter scene. A height restriction on up to three houses is expected to be agreed to at the next meeting.

The usual practice of building in the pristine areas and leaving what is left over for open space was questioned.

There were also concerns about the environmental impact and the extensive homeowners associationís maintenance responsibilities.

Town board Chair Dennis Seefeldt said the two flag lots (dead end shared driveways) in the northeast corner are not allowed. The town board tabled approval of the preliminary plat of the Tii Gavo development after the planning commission approved the plat with many conditions.

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