Rezoning passes on parcel considered for potential solar power plant

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – A zoning change in Wisconsin Rapids passed the Planning Commission with a unanimous vote at their January 5th meeting. The parcel on Whitrock and Two Mile Avenue is being considered for a solar power project by the Water Works and Lighting Commission. The first step in the process is rezoning the parcel from an R-2 Mixed Residential to a C-1 Conservancy zoning.

Commission members asked about the benefits of changing the zoning. They asked if the zoning change would further protect the wellheads on the property.

“There’s very few permitted items or uses within that district,” says Community Development Director Kyle Kearns.

“If it’s the intent of the council and the plan commission to protect those lands, to limit development, then conservancy is a fitting zoning classification regardless of the solar power project.”

The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to approve the rezoning.

Conditional use permit for the solar project

Another item on the agenda was the conditional use permit request from WWLC to construct a solar power plant on that parcel.

During the public hearing, every resident who spoke voiced opposition to putting a solar power array on that location.   

Amy Grimm lives on Two Mile Avenue. She said the area is too small to get any amount of energy from the number of panels planned for the project.

“To me it’s just not worth it and I hope you’re actually listening to us and you haven’t actually made up your mind already,” said Grimm. “Because, it’s just a shame to take that small area for something that’s not going to be significant enough ever.”

Mayor Zacher explained a vote yes doesn’t approve the project.

“But ultimately through the finance and property committee,” said Zacher. “That committee has to vote on, are we funding, are we going ahead with the solar project.”

The Planning Commission voted 5 to 2 in favor of the conditional use permit with added recommendations. It will now go before the Finance and Property Committee before being considered by the full council.

Other agenda items

The Planning Commission voted to reclassify 473 Griffith Avenue from a mixed Land Use classification of Residential and Governmental/Public/Institutional to a Governmental/Public/Institutional Land Use classification. The commission unanimously voted to approve the zoning from a Rural Residential Zoning District to an Institutional Zoning District.

The commission voted to approve a request from Athena Hoefling to move her vehicle sales and rental business, Black Diamond Motors, to 25th Avenue North.

A request was made to vacate a portion of 8th Avenue North from Brown Street to Wilson Street. According to the meeting packet, the engineering department confirmed that no current or future public use of the right-of-way exists at this time. The City’s future land use map calls for the area to develop as industrial. This motion passed unanimously.

Another item involved setbacks for driveways to create consistency for both gravel and paved driveways. A motion was made to amend the Chapter 11 Zoning Ordinance as outlined by staff including a small setback for all driveways and related parking areas. This passed unanimously.