Kootenai sold

I think most everyone knew it was inevitable. The sale of the Kootenai Lodge property went through at 4:40 p.m. Friday.

Whether you like it or not, the Milhous Group now owns the land that many in the Swan Lakes neighborhood have been fighting to keep the same as it has for much of the past century. The news was so disheartening to members of the Swan Lakers they chose not to update their Web site regarding the news until after the holiday, according to those in the know.

Mark Rolfing, however, issued a press release Tuesday afternoon announcing the sale:

"On Aug. 20, 2004, Debi and I entered into a Buy Sell Agreement with our neighbor for the Kootenai Lodge property which we owned. The agreement provided for the due diligence period for the Buyer to satisfy certain contingencies with the property. During the due diligence period, the Buyer's proposed development plan for the Kootenai Lodge property apparently changed. Given that the Buy Sell Agreement did not address any future development issues, Debi and I felt it was important to fulfill our obligations to the Buyer. Consequently the transaction closed and recorded on Friday, July, 1, 2005."

In other words, I think what is being said here is that the Rolfings aren't too happy with what Paul Milhous has planned for the property: 57 condos, for example.

Swan Lakers President Peter Leander is on vacation but I'm sure he would say that the group will continue fighting the proposed development—in court and out.

I and I think many others in the community, will be on the sidelines watching.

As a reporter, I get to stay neutral. If for nothing else, to maintain journalistic responsibility and fairness to both sides.

I wish Paul the best of luck, as well as the Swan Lakers. See, that was easy!

This morning, June 7, Paul is having what appears to be his first event at the lodge. He's hosting up to 50 Rolls Royce owners at his new acquisition. The roads leading into historic Kootenai Lodge should be quite a sight.