DNR asks high court to review site of large Hubbard house

Last update: January 8, 2009 - 11:52 PM

The quest by broadcasting mogul Rob Hubbard to build a large house overlooking the St. Croix River in Washington County took another twist Thursday when a state agency asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the case.

The petition by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requests a review of a recent appeals court decision that overturned a previous ruling by Mark Holsten, the DNR's commissioner.

Holsten earlier had sided with an administrative law judge and concluded that his staff properly rejected Hubbard's request for a setback variance on land he bought in 2006 in Lakeland.

Hubbard, president of broadcasting and television at Hubbard Broadcasting, wants to build a much larger house on the site of a small 1950s-era cabin. He said last month that most of the house is built.

St. Croix River rules and ordinances require that new houses be built farther from the river. Hubbard, whose family has a long history along the river, said he's a been a good environmental steward.

The Supreme Court hasn't yet agreed to hear the case.

KEVIN GILES

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