Flathead County commissioners have again pushed back approval of the first phase of a planned luxury resort in Lakeside. 

The board agreed on Tuesday to table the final plat for Territory 1889 until Nov. 10, at the request of Planning Director Erik Mack. It's the second time he's publicly asked commissioners to put off the vote. 

"Erik, what's the reason for tabling this?" said Commissioner Randy Brodehl. "We've tabled this several times. We can't just leave it hanging out." 

Several conditions in the final plat have still not been met, Mack responded.  

Territory 1889 is a members-only resort planned to span 1,700 acres west of U.S. 93, near Blacktail Mountain. Arizona-based Discovery Land Company is backing the five-phase subdivision that calls for 359 single-family lots, a golf course, spa, restaurants, retail stores, offices and management facilities. 

Commissioners last year approved the preliminary plat for the subdivision. Phase I involves constructing water, wastewater and stormwater management systems for 79 residential lots and 11 open space lots. 

Commissioners tabled approval of the first phase on Sept. 24 due to pending confirmation of a water connection, according to planning staff. The final plat decision was rescheduled for Oct. 6, but later removed from the agenda.  

Mack said after the Oct. 20 meeting that an influx of written public comment warranted further investigation. The subdivision's potential impact on water resources and wildlife habitats has drawn the ire of some Lakeside residents and local advocacy groups. Parts of the subdivision have been challenged by several lawsuits in the last few years.  

He previously told the Inter Lake that there are discrepancies with the public water system and water rights issues with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.  

"The more we dig into it, the more we realize it's more than just the one [condition]," he said on Tuesday. 

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.