Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The City Annexation Board has approved the city of Spirit Lake’s request to make 39 acres West of Indian Hills golf course part of the city. The plan was rejected last month when board members were nervous about the new territory being connected by a thin strip of privately owned property. Gregg Owens – who serves as both the City Manager and Attorney for Spirit Lake says the reworked request makes the connection with Highway 9.

During the October meeting, neighbors expressed concern about drainage issues if the land is developed. At Wednesday’s meeting, only one Spirit Lake resident spoke against the request.

This time the panel voted unanimously to approve the voluntary annexation. Board member Jim Halverson said the maneuver does not technically create “an island” but says extending infrastructure might prove problematic.

Developers hope to build “affordable” homes and apartments on the property.