March 27, 2023 at 2:20 p.m.
Keep the momentum going in Crescent
If you live in the Town if Crescent, hopefully you know Joel Knutson, our incumbent town board chair.
He is up for reelection.
In the words of local community members, Joel has gotten more done in this position than many others in previous years.
He is extremely active with our local silent trail association, and is active in protecting the natural landscape in Crescent.
Joel sought a number of grants for local community improvements, and he formed a town planning committee (which I am on - he recruited me to join) to update an outdated Crescent land use plan. He wants to protect Crescent in the future (given the projected population growth supported by our new L&M, Farm & Fleet, and new hotel) and offer development guidance for future land use in our area.
The entire town of Crescent is currently zoned as a "general use." This means there is no guidance to protect people from future development. Currently there are no assigned residential zones (except on lakes, which are zoned residential under county rules), no assigned industrial zones, etc.
For example, if somebody bought land next to your house, they could do anything with it. They could turn it into a dump, start a chicken farm, or build a warehouse or apartment complex because "general use" has no guidelines for what it can be or how it should look.
Joel's commitment to protecting the town of Crescent, has resulted in a land-use planning committee that has written measurable goals. One specifically advocates destination-based paths to connect our community such as walker, biker, silent trail paths. Joel informed us that County Road N is due for construction soon and that our town plan will help obtain funding to get a right-of-way path on N for walkers and bikers.
One of the destinations that Joel is moving along and has sought grants for, is an inclusive playground at the town of Crescent fire department.
Joel listens to the community, and if a change is made that has unanticipated negative effects, he re-evaluates. This is what makes an approachable and effective leader. He is one who constantly reflects on decisions and policies made.
I think Joel is doing great things and is making a concerted effort to protect and guide our community for the future and I would hate to see his momentum and progress cut short.
Lindsay Novak
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