So this is where we are at: On January 18th the Manitowish Waters Plan Commission held a public hearing, followed by a Plan Commission meeting, on the matter of the petition to amend the land use plan to allow agricultural operations on the two parcels in question. The existing land use plan map calls for single family residential uses on one parcel and recreational uses on the other. Under town zoning, agricultural operations (other than hobby farms) are not allowed in these zoning classifications.
Prior to the meeting, the petition resulted in many contacts by citizens to the members of the Plan Commission and the town board, in person, via letter, and via email (many.) Approximately 80 citizens came to the public hearing itself to hear the presentation by the petitioner and his associates, and a number of these citizens offered testimony following. Other than the petitioner and his associates, no letters, emails, or testimony was received that was in favor of the petition. Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission meeting was convened. A motion was made to deny the petition, was seconded, and the motion passed 5-0.
Next is the matter of the re-zone request. Remember, changing the zoning classification of a property is a two-step process. First, the land use map must be amended. Accepting or denying a petition to amend the land use map is entirely within the power of the Plan Commission. Secondly, the landowner must also petition to change the actual zoning. This also requires a public hearing and a Plan Commission vote. However, this vote is only advisory to the town board, who has the final say in town zoning matters.
The public hearing and Plan Commission meeting for the re-zone request was last night, January 26th. No testimony was received prior to the hearing or offered at the hearing. At the Plan Commission meeting immediately following, a motion was made and seconded to recommend to the town board to deny the re-zone request. The motion passed 4-0.
Still not done with this. The town board will meet, possibly on February 1st, to take up the matter of the recommendation in advance of their regular meeting on the 8th. The town board obviously can do what ever they want with the recommendation, but it seems apparent that they will vote to accept the recommendation and deny the request. The zoning administrator will then send out formal notices of denial to the petitioners.
And what about after that? My belief is that at that point the 30 day clock starts ticking for the landowner to bring his violations (most particularly in the area south of Pine Lane) into compliance. I do not know what the landowner will choose to do -- perhaps he has already made up his mind and is charting a course of action, we will have to wait and see. I do know, however, that there will be a Part IV to this story. Stay tuned.