Plans for nudist resort draw some concerns

LONEDELL, Mo. -- Some residents near the small eastern Missouri town Lonedell are upset about plans for a resort -- a nudist resort.

Lawrence Enterprises Inc. of High Ridge is seeking a permit for an RV park and campground along with the private nudist resort on 52 acres near Lonedell, about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis. Details will be discussed today at a meeting of the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Company president Lawrence Schulz said in a letter to the commission that in addition to RV sites, plans call for campsites, motel rooms, lease lots and permanent sites. Year-round facilities will include an indoor pool and hot tub, outdoor pool and a clubhouse.

Several people whose property adjoins the site have organized a petition drive to halt the resort. Some are worried about how it will impact the value of their properties.

"I wouldn't have bought property across from a nudist colony," said Stephanie York. "Everybody out here is very upset about this."

In his letter to the commission, Schulz said "clothing optional" resorts are a popular trend in Europe and elsewhere in the United States.

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Information from: Washington Missourian, www.emissourian.com.