SAM Magazine--Elk Meadows, Utah, November 28, 2006--The controversial Mount Holly Club planned for the defunct ski area at Elk Meadows, Utah, has received conceptual approval from the Beaver County Planning and Zoning Commission. The resort, which opened in 1971, went into bankruptcy in 2004. It has 420 skiable acres and 1,400 feet of vertical drop, served by one quad, one triple and three double chairlifts.

The proposal, by CPB Development is to create a gated luxury community, the Mt. Holly Club, featuring 1,200 homes and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Much like the Yellowstone Club, homeowners would have to meet stringent conditions including a minimum net worth.

As reported at saminfo.com on October 5, approximately 200 people who currently own homes and condos at the area would be effectively shut out of the new developent. The developer proposes to buy and raze the existing homes; remaining homes would be walled off from the club. The skiing and snowboarding would be restricted to members only.

Due to the project's impact on local property owners, it's likely that the developer will still have to jump through hurdles to re-develop the property. The initial approval by the Commission is just that - initial approval. The project will still have to pass additional tests, including submitting blueprints, engineering and environmental studies, within the next six months, and face the scrutiny of County Commissioners who may be able to derail the project. \