Manson community hears pros and cons on the Master Planned Resort Antheia of Chelan

MANSON – The Manson Community Council hosted an informational meeting, presented by the Klate Road Neighbors on the Master Planned Resort Antheia of Chelan, on Jan. 8.

The snow didn’t stop anyone and on Tuesday evening, the Manson Grange Hall was packed by community members who wanted to hear more on the project and express their thoughts on the development.

Antheia of Chelan proposed by Kim Ustanik, Alissa Hei and Gerry Ustanik, “is a multi-faceted concept that rolls unique agriculture, educational experiences, great memories and down-to-earth relaxation into one.”

According to Hei, the project is her and her daughter’s future. The project “is comprised of years of listening to community members desires and needs,” she said.

That evening, Ustanik and Hei, painted a clear picture of the proposed project and clarified any misunderstandings.  Hei asked the public present to listen to them with an open mind and to be respectful.

“The first and core part of Antheia is olives and agriculture ... Antheia, who in Greek mythology is the Goddess of gardens and vegetation,” stated Ustanik.

Growing olives, harvesting, milling them to oil, brining and enjoying them is something that has not been done in the area therefore Ustanik explained that this would be the perfect way to complete Lake Chelan.

“We think our trees will survive here, which is why we have taken this risk,” she added.

Yoga and retreats, glamping, special events and education will be an add on to Antheia.

“At the end of our project we will have 19 organic, manicured acres of lush flower and vegetable gardens, with three clusters of Mediterranean-inspired bungalows for our guests to come stay and a beautiful property to host our guests’ most important and special days of their lives on,” said Ustanik.

The olive grove, yoga and vegetable farm and a meadow are the three major components of the project and make up an area of 52,000 square feet or six percent of the whole property.  “Parking lots and roads account for 13 percent, this means our project will be 81 percent open space,” explained Hei.

Hei and Ustanik also addressed areas of concern regarding soil remediation, economic impact, water use, traffic impact, fire suppression, sound mitigation, property values, permits, codes and business allowed, damage to easements on the property along others.

“The manor in which our information is presented by the County can be misleading ... we humbly ask the Manson Community Council to either support our endeavor or opt out from commenting,” said Hei.

The community also heard Robin Werner’s overview on what is a Master Planned Resort and how it is reflected in the Klate Road neighborhood proposed plan,

“A Master Planned Resort is a destination resort that provides accommodations, food and a variety of entertainment for its guests,” she said.

On land off of Klate Road, Antheia of Chelan is surrounded on every side by homes, five plus acres residential lots and orchards. According to Werner, the Ustaniks have proposed 51 structures, 24 glamping sheds including a hotel, a cafe, a store and a special event venue for weddings and concerts.

“Our neighborhood is comprised of families who enjoy outdoor living, who play outside with their kids and grandkids and we enjoy a quiet peaceful atmosphere,” Werner added.
She also expressed her concerns on water usage, traffic impacts, property values, noise pollution, safety, security and health and wellness.

“The only way to oppose a MPR approval ... is to find a particular code that is in conflict with their submitted MPR plan. We have found several areas that specifically apply to the Antheia MPR proposal,” explained Werner.

She also informed the public on the struggles on fighting an MPR. “We’ve had to learn zoning laws and codes, we’ve dozens of conversations with the community development department ... our group of neighbors is working hard to convince the community development department to deny Antheia’s MPR application.”

Ustanik and Hei then answered questions from the community and also heard their comments both against and for the proposal. Overall, that night it was clear that the project is a good one, however, it doesn’t belong in the agricultural neighborhood of Klate Road according to those who live in the area.

The deadline for comments to Chelan County Community Development on the proposed project was Jan. 10.