There’s a new plan in the works for the former White Pines Lodge on Big Lake Road in the Town of Red Springs.
A proposal is moving forward to convert the former resort into a residential treatment facility for CORE Treatment Services, which provides outpatient behavioral health services, residential treatment services, recovery services and consulting to those with substance use and mental health challenges.
Kari Hopfensperger, Shawano County planner, told the Planning, Development and Zoning Committee on March 5 of the company’s intent to purchase the site from Badgerland Travel International Inc., owned by Jeff and Kathy White.
“The current business plan would have to go through the conditional use permit process,” she said. “CORE Treatment Services is also looking at trying to change their business plan, because currently it would be a major indoor institutional use, and they’re trying to make it fit into the minor indoor institutional use.”
The determining factor between the major and minor distinctions is the number of people served. For the minor indoor institutional use, there must be fewer than 15 people receiving treatment.
“That no longer goes through the conditional use permit process,” Hopfensperger said of the minor use. “Then it would be a permitted use.”
In the spring and summer of 2024, officials with Newcap Inc., the nonprofit organization that provides a myriad of services and programs for those in need, proposed using the site for apartments for low- to moderate-income residents. The request was denied by the Red Springs Town Board and the county PDZ committee.
In addition to the conditional use permit needed for Newcap, a zoning change was also required. That is not the case with the CORE Treatment Services proposal.
Hopfensperger said the department has some concerns with the current proposal.
The septic system is the most significant. Access for emergency services was also cited.
“Based on our ordinance … it is not an appropriate location, and so, as staff, we are not going to issue a permit (if they come back with the revised plan),” she said.
The intended use falls under the category of clinically manned residential services designed for people with serious psychological or social issues who need 24-hour oversight and are at risk of imminent harm.
“It just feels like a pretty intensive use for that remote of a location,” Hopfensperger said.
Supervisor Kathy Luebke said a controversial decision such as this, if the minor use is eventually proposed, should not fall on the shoulders of staff.
“Last time, the town was totally against anything there,” Supervisor Ken Capelle said. “So, now, are they trying to go around the town? The town has to be brought up to date here, and then move forward.”
White Pines Lodge is comprised of just over four acres. The motel includes a large wraparound driveway with green space to the south and a small wooden area on the northwest corner. Captain’s Cove Resort is immediately west of the site.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
White Pines Lodge back with another proposal
