After about 12 years of legal wrangling and numerous appeals, the 456-acre White Horse development near Indianola seems to be moving forward.

The 18-hole championship golf course is under construction. Site work for the 224-lot residential community is “moving ahead.” But, as even the property owner Bob Screen acknowledges, the hurdles are far from over.

“We expect there to be appeals of everything we do up until the end,” he said.

The appeals came in almost from day one. Lawsuits followed.

“There have been many people in the community opposed to the project from the beginning,” said Charlie Burrow of the North Kitsap Coordinating Council, which has been challenging various aspects including preliminary plat approval, grading permit approval and the Environmental Impact Statement.

Although some appeals are still being reviewed, Screen says county ordinances allow them to begin work during the appeals process, so the first phase of the housing portion, 65 lots, is under construction and anticipated to be finished by spring. Four of five other phases will be finished within four years or longer, depending on the “absorption rate.” A clubhouse and community center with swimming pool, tennis courts, trails and a 15-room bed and breakfast are also planned.

“Our target market is people 50 or older who are interested in a quality development and want to downsize but at the same time upgrade the quality,” Screen said.

The golf course, one of only a handful designed by a woman, will be finished next summer with a planned opening of May 2005. Intended for professional golfers as well as women, seniors and youth starting to learn, the golf course will be walkable in addition to providing carts.

The architect, Cynthia Dye McGarey, comes from a renowned family of golf designers. She is the niece of world-famous Pete Dye and the daughter of the late Roy Dye, both golf course architects.

“This is the first project where Cynthia gets the credit as principal architect, and we are very excited,” Screen said.

Despite a 12-year work-in-progress, Screen feels this is a good time for the development to move forward.

“We knew there would be a long process for getting approvals so we planned for that,” he said. “The next two to three years is a good time to be developing and selling lots. There is scarcity of supply and great demand, especially in this area of the county.”

The opposition’s Burrow says they are finding more and more “things that are not following regulations” with the White Horse development, but are not very optimistic with regards to the appeals, given the history of the previous decisions. Even so, he says they will keep fighting against what they see an improper public notice process and planning review.