There have been several inquiries regarding the position of the Crooked Lake Association in connection with the proposed redevelopment of the Casey’s Cove property. Although most reading this would be aware, it is worth a reminder that the CLA is a voluntary association of property owners who choose to join, rather than a mandatory homeowners association that has certain statutory powers to enforce rules, covenants and restrictions against real estate, and the like.
The CLA‘s mission is to protect and enhance the health, biology and wildlife associated with Crooked Lake, as well as to promote a sense of community and community events and to generally strive to make our lake and surrounding community a pleasant place to live. The CLA does not have any authority over individual property rights, construction, building and land-use regulations, or anything of the type. Accordingly, it is not within the purview of the CLA to take a position or become involved in any way in matters pertaining to the use of and/or development of private property. Those matters are governed by public authorities such as the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County Commissioners, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District.
With this being said in the event the proposed development/land use is identified by qualified experts as likely resulting in detrimental effect to the lake itself or to the safety, health and/or well being of our residents, then the CLA could properly take action, including determining to spend association funds in an effort to protect the lake.
An example of this is when several years ago a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) was proposed which would have including the spreading of significant amounts of animal manure on fields near the lake and watershed affecting the lake.At that time, the association voted to contribute financially to the already separately organized opposition and remonstrance, based solely on the potential ecological effects on a wide ranging basis. The association only took action because the group that organized, hired legal counsel, raised funds and engaged experts presented their position and findings to the CLA (and other local groups and stakeholders) which demonstrated likely negative effects on the lake.
Regarding the Casey’s Cove property, and unlike the situation involving the CAFO, the CLA has not and cannot take any position as it has not been presented with information of any likely significant detrimental effect on the lake. To the extent such information is developed through independent investigation and supported by qualified individuals, then the CLA could properly consider that information and decide, through the Board, whether or not taking any position is appropriate.
We thank all our neighbors for your passion about and love of our beautiful lake!
Sincerely,
Crooked Lake Association Board of Directors