To The Telegram:
On July 21, I received a letter informing me that there would be a meeting for the purpose of re-zoning the Stockade Motel property from R- I (single family homes) to high-density development, which would provide for the building of 17 townhouses and 17 garages. We had less than five days to register opposition.
Some of the neighbors were not even notified. It seems the plan had been worked on for some period of time, perhaps a couple of years or more, and was a well-kept secret.
The zoning committee, which by city ordinance is composed of seven members, met on July 27 . Most neighbors were in attendance and expressed their opposition. Four members of the zoning committee were present, and all expressed approval of the proposal.
We have met with the mayor and the planning director in an attempt to gain more information about the project.
ADVERTISEMENT
A developer with integrity would have attempted to explain his plan to the homeowners directly affected by these buildings far in advance of the zoning meeting, and would have notified all involved parties instead of trying to keep them ignorant of the plans. Much preparation had to have taken place to garner total approval from the council, again without the consideration for the taxpaying residents of the neighborhood.
Neighbors will meet with the common council at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at their regular meeting in the Board Room at the Government Center. We will have a three-minute allotted time span to express our opposition for the zoning of these buildings.
A comprehensive plan for re-zoning the East Second Street corridor (also known as Highway 2 and 53), which will also affect East Third Street, is slated for development in the future.
I just hope it doesn't happen in your neighborhood, but it could. If you live along East Second Street and East Third, it will!
-- Lois Strauman
Superior
