Country Bluff Estates Issues Continue Between Residents, Developer

On going dispute between a developer and residents of Country Bluff Estates was once again brought up at a Branson Board of Aldermen Meeting.

The dispute was a major topic of discussion at the May 10th meeting when an ordinance that would have extended an agreement with the city and Taney County in regards to the project was defeated by a 4-2 vote of the board. 

Developer Dan Ruda appeared at that meeting to address some of the issues that have been brought up by residents including Sherry Webster, which include removal of trees between Country Bluff and the property Ruda is looking to develop for housing. Several of the Board members who voted against the extension at the last meeting indicated a trust issue with Ruda over how events transpired was one of the reasons to vote the proposed extension down. 

At this past Tuesday's meeting, a discussion was held between Webster and Mayor Larry Milton which included Milton revealing some details of his efforts to visit with those concerned to get the storm water basin built to help with flooding issues in Country Bluff Estates. Webster restated her opposition to the agreement saying a compromise proposed by Milton just benefited Ruda. 

Later during Aldermen Reports at the end of the meeting, Aldermen Cody Fenton expressed his feeling that not all of the Country Bluff Residents have weighed in on the issue and encouraged them to do so while Aldermen Marshall Howden restated his reason for his no vote two weeks ago and reiterated that it was not only based on one person's action but the process that has occurred over the years. Aldermen Ralph LeBlanc also stated that the no vote should not be construed as dropping the project but a continuing process in trying to find a solution. 

A link to information on both of the meetings can be found on the City of Branson's YouTube Channel. 

(Jason Wert of the Branson Tri-Lakes News provided reporting for this story)