Council hears plan for Lester Park land-use study; transfer to DITA would be conditional on study and approvals

The Duluth City Council considered a resolution requesting a land‑use study for the former Lester Park Golf Course and discussed conditions that would govern any transfer of study‑approved parcels to the Duluth Industrial and Transportation Authority (DITA).

Why it matters: The 240‑acre site and an earlier 37.5‑acre parcel have been the focus of long public debate over parks, housing and development. Councilors and staff spent the meeting defining the public engagement steps, the funding source for the study and the legal steps that would be required before any change in ownership or land use could occur.

Council staff read the measure into the record as Resolution 8‑45, “resolution requesting a land use study for the former Lester Park Golf Course.” Manager Moses, who said she also serves as DITA executive director, told council that “DITA will not take ownership of the property until all of those requirements have been met.” That, she said, would include completing the study and any subsequent approvals the resolution requires.

Manager Moses and other staff outlined a multi‑phase process: an RFP to hire a consultant with expertise in natural resources and open‑space planning, community and stakeholder meetings, presentation of the completed study to the Planning Commission and a public hearing before the City Council if future‑land‑use map amendments are proposed.…