Aspen Lakes decision on hold for a month

With two planning commissioners absent and one recusing himself from the decision, the Deschutes County Planning Commission decided Thursday night to postpone a decision on a proposal that would open the door for Aspen Lakes to become a destination resort.

The commission will hold off on a decision until June 12, when the full commission of seven members can be seated - except for one member. Keith Cyrus has recused himself from discussions and decisions on the matter because his family owns Aspen Lakes.

The Cyrus family is seeking a simple avenue to convert the existing Sisters subdivision into a destination resort. Destination resorts must include overnight lodging and amenities designed for visitors.

The Cyrus family is asking for a text change that would exempt them and any other cluster developments created before 1992 from regulations that affect destination resorts.

County planning staff has recommended denial of the Cyrus' application. Staff argues that "Aspen Lakes is not continuing or expanding an existing use that will have 'no greater adverse impact on the neighborhood.' Instead, this text amendment would change the nature and extent of the existing use."

The commissioners appear divided over the decision. Once their recommendation is made, it will go before the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners for final approval.