Letter Revives Issue of Public Fishing at Lake

Some residents who live on the shores of Lake Lindero say they are taken aback by a letter from the Lake Lindero Homeowners Assn. that renews the debate over a developer’s plan to convert the private lake into a public fishing hole.

Even though a fishing permit would be required, it would be available to people who are not members of the association.

The controversial issue appeared to have died down last month after the developer, Mark Lee of Pan Pacific, withdrew his proposal.

But in a letter received by residents Wednesday, the homeowners’ board asked for direction on whether it should continue negotiations with the developer.

Lee said Friday that he is aware of the letter but declined further comment.

The letter warns that the 459 association members eventually could be responsible for dredging the lake, should it become necessary, and that the estimated cost could exceed $1 million.

Golf Projects Lindero, the association’s management company, is responsible for the golf course and basic maintenance of common areas, including the water, but not major lake improvements or dredging.

According to the association letter, residents have only two options to “find a solution to this pending financial liability” without having to raise homeowner dues.

One would be to identify developers and government agencies responsible for contributing to the deterioration of the lake and to take legal action against them to correct the problems.

The other is to enter into an agreement with Pan Pacific under which the company would be responsible for maintenance and improvements.

Lakeside homeowner William T. Webber said he and other residents plan to campaign against the Pan Pacific proposal because it would mean allowing up to 100 people on the lake--”our backyards”--at a time to fish.

He said the lake is in good condition and may not have to be dredged for another 25 to 30 years. By then, he said, the association should have enough reserve funds to cover the cost.

Board members referred calls Friday to association president Terry Miller, who could not be reached for comment.

GPL president David Smith said he endorses the plan because it has benefits for the association and lakeside residents, as well as himself.

He said he hopes residents will “be open-minded enough to listen and see the potential upsides of this.”