Hidden Lakes development is a hole in one for county

Imagine what economic and governmental leaders would do if they caught wind that Jack Nicklaus was thinking about constructing a golf course here.

It's our guess they would do about anything to attract a Nicklaus Signature course and the 40-50 jobs and a host of other economic opportunities that would accompany it.

Instead of the economic development and chamber members pulling out all stops to attract the Nicklaus group, it appears one of the most revered names in golf has already been delivered to Bonner County.

It's akin to a hole in one.

The Bonner County Planning and zoning commission made the right call recently when it unanimously approved the plans to revamp Hidden Lakes. Planning and zoning's recommendation goes in front of the Bonner County commissioners on April 12.

The plan looks good to us.

There are many benefits to new ownership at Hidden Lakes. Here are a few:

? The Nicklaus Design group will not put its name on anything less than superb. We looked at some of the other golf courses with the Nicklaus touch and they are the best in the nation.

? Support at the March planning meeting was dramatic. This was in stark contrast to a meeting several years ago when Hidden Lakes wanted to open up part of Pack River for motorized boats. There was a line of protection drawn at that meeting; one that the new ownership has promised not to cross. That's why the support was so strong.

? Routine water quality monitoring in Pack River shows no downstream degradation. Resort officials said in some cases water is cleaner leaving the course than when it enters it. The future owner would have to adhere to state standards.

? Developers did not max out densities in order to preserve open space and rural ambience. There could be hundreds of more homes in the plan if developers had wanted.

? Planners are incorporating Idaho Fish and Game recommendations to minimize impact on habitat and wildlife populations.

? The new ownership plans on expanding what Dick Villelli envisioned for the course: There will be a kids camp, a public kayak and boat launch, a tunnel under the highway, swimming and tennis.

All this on top of a 7,115-yard Nicklaus Signature Course.

Chuck Reeves and the Nicklaus Design Group bring the clout and resources to make Hidden Lakes the golfing jewel in the Gem State.

It's our hope the county commissioners will look at the testimony from the planning meeting, study the plan and learn more about the Nicklaus Design Group to make an informed decision.

Dick Villelli and family have done a great job bringing Hidden Lakes to where it is today. Reeves and the Nicklaus group are willing and able to take Hidden Lakes into the future.

This will be a win-win for Bonner County and North Idaho.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee.