The Stearns County Planning Commission had asked for the hearing after the township officers had deposited some fill into the wetland on the west side of Baywater Road and had asked the county for an after the fact permit to do the work.
Approximately 50 people representing neighborhood landowners, the Paynesville Sportsmen's Club, and the Koronis Lake Association attended the hearing. All who spoke voiced disapproval of closing the access. Many were concerned about the “no parking” signs that had gone up along both sides of the road recently, making the use of the access and parking a vehicle and trailer an impossibility, and effectively closing the access.
The concensus of the audience seemed to be for keeping the access open and to take down the no parking signs. There was some difference of opinion on whether the parking should be expanded, left the same, or developed along the shoulder.
The Paynesville Township Board will be making a decision in the near future concerning how to proceed, possibly at their next regular meeting, scheduled for 8 p.m., Feb. 9, at the township hall.