Baseball facility talks kickstart downtown rezoning efforts

A proposed Flandreau Baseball Association indoor training facility is still in the discussion phase, but the conversation alone is already setting the stage for future downtown development.
Bret Severtson and Chris Wiese, both with the FBA, recently met with the Flandreau City Council to explore the possibility of constructing a new building that would allow for year-round youth training, adult recreation, and events in the heart of the downtown area.
The proposed site is on the south end of the block where the old Duncan Elevators once stood and where the new Flandreau Fire Department is located, near the Moody County Courthouse.
The plan is not yet finalized, but Severtson said he and others have an aggressive timeline and significant financial commitments to make the project happen.
They also want it as close to downtown as possible to ensure easy and equal access for all local kids, regardless of where they live.
Whether that specific block just south of the courthouse and home to the new fire station is the right location remains to be seen. The discussion, however, prompted the City Council to prioritize rezoning the property.
This past week, the local planning commission recommended changing the block from industrial zoning, which it has been for generations, to commercial.
Flandreau Mayor Dan Sutton said the recommendation makes sense as it provides the city with more development options.
A few neighboring property owners attended last weeks regularly scheduled meeting to ask about the impact of the new building on them.
It wont affect you directly, Sutton said.
It will just allow for the lots across from you to be developed into whatever the council sees fit, likely some mixed-use commercial, possibly residential.
The rezoning will not directly increase taxes, he added, but will change regulations regarding what can be built there and hopefully spur new development.
Currently, due to the old grain elevators, the area is zoned for industrial use.
Personally, I would think more multi-use development would enhance property values and aesthetics, Sutton said.
Theres nothing wrong with the elevators, but obviously, when they were in use, there was dust and other concerns. I think the City Council is trying to figure out how to redevelop land within city limits, and allowing for more multi-use purposes rather than strictly industrial just makes sense.
The ordinances second reading and potential passage are expected at the next City Council meeting.
Also discussed at the most recent Flandreau City Council meeting:
City officials extended gratitude to county commissioners. The county remains willing to collaborate with the city on finding a long-term solution for ambulance service in the broader community. Flandreau City Administrator Cohl Turnquist is currently working on a business model that includes budget, staffing, capital items, fees, and billing. The goal is to present a full ambulance service plan to the council by the second meeting in May.
The Boys & Girls Club is moving forward with its Early Childhood Learning Center project. See related story on page 1.
Recreational Trail/Bike Path: A meeting hosted by Banner engineers last week discussed the proposed recreational trail and bike path along Pipestone Avenue and Veterans Avenue. Survey work has begun and design work is expected yet this year with bidding anticipated next spring. The project involves coordination with the Flandreau Development Corporation (FDC), the Santee Sioux Tribe, Moody County, and the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT).
Water & Sewer Infrastructure: A pre-construction meeting will be held with the general contractor and city engineers to determine the timeline, staging areas, and other logistics. A public meeting will follow to inform residents about the process and potential impacts.
Board of Equalization: Property tax appeals must be submitted to the City Council by March 13 to be considered at the following weeks meeting.