Oakwood pier issue to be settled soon

Department of Natural Resources recently sent a letter to Thomas Niezer, attorney for Ian Rolland, receiver for the Oakwood Foundation, approving a transfer of the pier permit from Buckingham Co. to Rolland.Niezer explained in a phone interview the original pier permit will be transferred to the foundation. Meanwhile, he expects a settlement between the foundation and the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation to be settled within a week. The amended permit will note the reduction of piers to 120 boat slips and the location of those piers, which will be outside the channels.Niezer noted it is unknown what the new configuration for the piers would be as that will be up to a potential buyer.DNR will issue an agreed order to the amended permit as part of the settlement package.Oakwood's potential buyer would then have to apply for the permit to be transferred from the foundation to him when the property sells. Niezer explained the DNR wants approval of the transfer since it is a group pier as opposed to an individual pier.The pier will solely be used by the Oakwood Inn and any future development within Oakwood Park, as well as current and future Oakwood property owners. Niezer stressed the group pier would not be a marina.There is currently no timetable as to when the new configuration of the group piers will be announced or when they will be constructed. Niezer did say it is expected the piers will be constructed in phases.Niezer also assisted Buckingham Co. in requesting permission of the Alcohol Control Board to keep the alcohol license for the Oakwood Inn in escrow for a year so when the buyer is ready, it can be transferred. The new buyer will still have a hearing in front of the ABC to finalize and approve the transfer.Niezer noted Buckingham Co. has been extremely cooperative and good to work with on both matters.