September 30, 2021 at 1:44 p.m.
Site of proposed Blain's Farm and Fleet store rezoned from residential to business
Site of proposed Blain's Farm and Fleet store rezoned from residential to business
Approval came despite vocal opposition from neighboring property owners. Approximately 14 people, some of whom share the same dwelling, spoke against the rezoning during the public comment portion of the council meeting.
As they did two weeks ago when the rezone ordinance amendment had its first reading, residents of Timber and Woodland insisted that the addition of a big box store would "change the complexion of the north side of our town" and permanently damage their neighborhood.
One speaker said he's concerned that Timber Drive will turn into "the next Lincoln Street" while another worried about the safety of children on Woodland Drive which he believes "will be used as a cut over" to get to the store.
Several of the residents claimed the traffic is already very heavy in their neighborhood and "children are everywhere" while another claimed headlights will shine into his home when vehicles go into the store parking lot.
While there is a 12-acre wooded buffer between the store and the residential neighborhood, at least one neighbor said it wasn't enough and red pine does not provide sufficient cover.
Another speaker told the council he finds it "mind-boggling" that Blain's would pay what he said was $2.3 million for land in a residential neighborhood. Others described the rezone as an example of "spot zoning" and claimed the retailer was being treated differently than others who request rezones.
As they have before, several of the speakers said they have nothing against the store or the company, just the proposed location.
"I'm very disappointed in Blain's," said Timber Drive resident Chris Dries."They bought knowing it would alienate our community. Why didn't they buy elsewhere?"
Another refrain was that the community has a greater need for residential housing than it does for a big box store.
In response, Jeff Verdoorn of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, which supports the rezone, said "it's too expensive" to develop the area in question for residential housing.
Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Lauren Sackett also read a statement from the chamber board in support of the rezone.
The statement noted that an estimated 100 jobs are expected to be created and the added tax base will help the city with needed infrastructure upgrades.
Later, as the council moved to its agenda items, alderman Gerald Anderson attempted to object to the agenda, arguing that it was "improper" for the second reading of the rezone request to be included.
City attorney Steve Sorenson assured the council that the agenda was proper but said that Anderson could move to "overrule the chair." He then attempted to do so but his motion did not receive a second.
Later, Anderson made a motion to postpone but did not get a second.
Anderson then offered extended remarks explaining his opposition to the rezone.
He expressed concern about "changes made randomly and in great haste" and stated that the area in question is simply not compatible with such a store. He also questioned the work of the planning commission, causing planning commission member and alderperson Carrie Mikalauski to take umbrage.
"I can verify that we did everything upfront and transparent," she said, adding that her constituents have voiced support for the rezone. She also said it appeared to her that the neighboring property owners were listing "worst-case scenarios" that won't necessarily come to pass.
She noted that Monday's vote was on the zoning change only and the finer details of the project will be discussed by the planning commission as the process continues.
Alderman David Holt, who also serves on the plan commission, stated it was unreasonable for Anderson to "infer the commission did not act properly."
"This was not a thoughtless or hasty decision," he said.
City council president Ryan Rossing said he believes the Highway 17 bypass, not Timber or Woodland Drive, will be the "most direct route" to the store, if it's built. He also said he considers the land in question to be "on the edge of a residential neighborhood" rather than in the middle of one and agreed with those who say the area is not likely to be developed for residential use.
He called the property owners who spoke during public comment "good people" and said he is friends with some of them. He noted that he understands this represents a major change for the area, and change can be hard, but expressed optimism that the retailer can and will do what it can to alleviate their concerns.
Rossing, Holt, Mikalauski, Andrew Larson and Tom Kelly voted in favor of the rezone. Anderson cast the lone dissenting vote. Alderman Tom Barnett abstained, explaining that the city attorney had advised him that he had a potential "conflict of interest." He also did not participate in the discussion, as is required when abstaining.
Alderperson Eileen Daniel was absent.
Later in the meeting, mayor Chris Frederickson made a statement defending the work of city employees and declaring that anyone who questions their work "will receive the bite of the dog coming back." The remark came after the rezone discussion and after the council discussed snow removal issues, but it was unclear what prompted it or to whom it was directed.
The public is encouraged to view and interpret Frederickson's statement for themselves. It begins approximately one hour and 38 minutes into the meeting.
The full council meeting is available to view at www.hodagtv.com.
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