There was a meeting at the Court House last night regarding the new development in the Green Lake Conference Center. This was a meeting for re-platting and re-zoning the area.
My first question is how did this get to the county agenda so quickly without first having township approval? The Town of Brooklyn Zoning commission has not even met on this issue yet. The conference center seems to be trying to act as though they can just do whatever they feel like doing without any community support, input or discussion. This is a mistake on their part. Community input and that "hot" word transparency are in the interests of all parties involved.
The ABA should be looking for feedback and suggestions from the community as they go, not to mention involving the right government entities right off the bat. (Both the DNR and Sanitation district are obvious examples here) It would seem to make the whole process easier for them and more transparent for us without hurt feelings on both sides.
There was a lot of information exchanged, not to mention some upset property owners from the grounds of the Baptist Assembly. I learned a few things.
First I would like to ask where are the “Friends of Green Lake”? The Friends were made up mostly of homeowners on Illinois Ave and near Norton’s. When the Norton’s development issue was on the table they were loudly proclaiming how they wanted to protect the “character” of the Green Lake area. The current development proposal at the Conference Center will affect the character in a much larger way for generations to come than the development of Norton’s ever would have. The Friends should step forward to help and support the current homeowners of the ABA and prove that they were not just about what went on in their own back yard.
Steve Sorenson, the Ripon attorney is representing some the the property owners. He spoke eloquently and brought up some very good points. I think some of the FRIENDS should get in touch with him to see how they could help him out. Also, Nancy Hill, Executive Director of the propery owners asscociation spoke. Get in touch and protect the future of the lake.
The Center wants to put in 107 new ½ acre lots. These lots would surround the Woodlands section of the golf course. This is a very high density for the conference center and would not fit in with the current character of the homes currently there. By necessity they would be smaller tract homes. The key here is DENSITY. The complaining neighbors don’t seem to be upset over the development of more lots in the center but the type and amount of lots being developed. Why doesn’t the conference center consider larger lots, with larger homes more in character with the current development of the homes on the conference center grounds?
The entrance for these lots would not through the current gate at the front of the ABA but would be at the east corner where the old gate by House of the Seven Gables is currently. There are several issues with this arrangement. First, the center wants to rezone the just the small little corner the Gables house sits on to commercial property. The ABA wants to use this corner for Lindenwood Development use for selling model homes. Why is this a problem? Once you change this zoning and Lindenwood is done with using it for selling lots you could put anything you wanted to here. A Laundromat, liquor store, adult book store, anything. This is not reversible. Once it is done, it is done. We are stuck with it.
The conference center also wants to make this a gated community. You would need some sort of device to enter like a keypad, door opener or something like that. The main entrance is not available to them. The Center is essentially trying to cut the Conference center in half, not giving them access to the grounds from INSIDE the center. The residents would have to drive out to the east gate, turn left on 23, and then re-enter the ABA by turning left again. What will this do to traffic on an already busy Highway 23 in the summer time? This is a ridiculous proposal. There would be as many as 800-1000 more cars per day going in and out of this entrance that would have to stop and start blocking traffic on 23 in the middle of the summer.
With the current proposed density of these lots there would be a sewer issue. Because of the character of the grounds septic systems will not be possible. The Conference Center maintains this is not a problem. This is not true. It is a huge problem for our current sanitation situation. How will these homes hook up and do we have the capacity for this amount of homes?
The proposed road system would be private so they would not have to conform to current standards for emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles would not have easy access to the development because they would have to go into the current main entrance and then go through private access roads to get to the development. I also hear they aren't doing any road beds, just surfacing. The roads will deterioate in about 2 years.
One of the best moments of the meeting was when one of the young high school Wallenfang girls got up and asked “what would this development do to her future” after the current county board is gone and they were the generation that had to deal with what they left behind? (I am paraphrasing here, she was very nervous but she showed up and made her voice heard which is more than I can say for others. Paging The FRIENDS of Green Lake here.)
There quite a few other issues which should be discussed in an open public meetings. There are eagle roosting areas in the development zone and rare American chestnut tress that Mrs. Lawson planted. Both of these are problems that will get the DNR and possibly the Dept. of the Interior interested.
There are many more issues here. The conference center is trying to bully its way through here and acting as though none of this is a local issue or any of our business. I must say they are right if public response is any indication. If you thought the Norton’s development was a big deal then this should be of more interest to the future development of the area.
The conference Center is sending out brochures to prospective buyers indicating the first level of approval is already complete. This is not true. The developers (Lindenwood) are already starting to dig up ground as if they already have approval. They don’t. This needs much more discussion and input from the community. Don’t let the current residents of the ABA stand alone for issues that will affect the entire are for generations.
The director of the ABA got up and spoke at the end of the meeting. He seemed upset that anyone would get involved with the Conference Center plans.
How fast are the lots at Maplewood selling? How long will it take to sell 100 ½ acre lots in the ABA at $200,000/parcel? Why doesn’t Conference Center consider larger lots for higher income people who will need the services of the local community? Why would someone want to buy a ½ acre lot in the Conference Center when they could find much larger parcels for less just down the road?
Who is Lindenwood Development and what kind of funding do they have. I have heard they wanted to buy a parcel of local land a couple of years ago for $300,000 and couldn’t get funding. Then how do they expect to do this kind of development? If they can’t do $300,000 how do they do $30,000,000? Follow the money. Or lack of it. What kind of homes have they built in the past? Where?
We don’t really need more people here who will need more local jobs. We need people who will rely on the services of the local people currently but paying the same amount in property taxes. The higher income people will need our services and we should encourage that sort of development. Larger lots for higher income people which need less infrastructure services and create more jobs locally instead of flooding the local job market, which is clearly a problem already.
Our local politicians would like us to just sit quietly by and not get involve because it “increases our tax base”. That is not enough. It effects our infrastructure, raising our taxes, crowding the already tight local job market and the character of the area.
I also found it interesting that there were none of our local leaders at the meeting. You would think they would attend just out of interest but they hold the simplistic view of “increasing our tax base” is good for us so we should just sit by while they approve of this development.
So far this seem to mostly an issue of DENSITY. No one is arguing against controlled development. Green Lake should grow but not through uncontrolled growth that the ABA seem to think won’t effect us at all. Why should we care? It just increases our tax base and that should make us all happy. Right? Not true. As I see it so far this is an issue of density, which the Green Lake Conference Center doesn’t seem to think is a problem. It is.
There are more issues here but I think I have gone on long enough and given people enough to think about. Get involved. Don’t just bitch about “our government”. We are “our government”.
The County Zoning Commission tabled the plans for three months.
Posts
28 comments:
Chief,
"The Friends of Green Lake?"
That is rich. Haven't heard hide nor hair of them in months. Perhaps some of the "friends" are pricipals in lindwood development. Or perhaps they finally tired of the sound of their own voices and retreated back their fabulous lives on Chicago's North Shore. Not that we don;t love the North Shore, it;s just not as selective as Green Lake's newest "gated communinty" promises to be. Please keep us posted!! and Thank you!
http://lindenwooddevelopment.com
Chief,
If we want to influence the shape of the GLCC development, it is especially important that people attend the Town of Brooklyn meeting on April 12.
I have heard a rumor that the Town will have a joint meeting April 12 with both the Town Board and the Planning Committee, and that they plan to make a decision that night. Thus, rather than having two meetings, two chances to revise the proposal to reflect community interests, the proposal could get ramrodded through that night.
If people care about this, they need to be there to let elected representatives know their opinions.
This would need to be confirmed, but I believe that the meeting April 12 would be held at the GL County Courthouse.
The purpose of both Town planners and Board meeting is so that do not need two meetings covering the same info. Often, not all info is furnished for planners and then another meeting is required. Engineers Strand found 25 issues on the plans which MUST be completed. Major problem for develpers are titles of land owners which say right in ingress and egress over Shore Road which must remain "...as is..."
Must Dash and so...Good by!
Chief:
Put the fire water down and wake up....you should know that no matter how many people show up to voice their disapproval with regard to the Lindenwood Development, unfortunately it does not matter. The town leaders, and our beloved Mayor, and the other powers to be have already made up their minds, and as far ss they are concerned, it is wagons ho! They only see more tax dollars that they can irresposibly spend. You cannot change their minds by attending their pow-wow's and trying to smoke the peace pipe with them, it willl not work nor matter.
If you want to stop this, you need to hire a lawyer to find the fly in the ointment, and fight it legally. When a lawyer protests someting on ligitimate grounds, the City Council then has to listen and adjust, period. For your information, that is what he Friends of Green Lake did with regard to the Norton's Developemnt. They faught it legally and it cost them damn near $50,000, if not more, to do just that. So maybe before you try to scalp the Friends of Green Lake you should belly up to the bar, lay your beads down, and hire a lawyer to fight this.
There is a lawyer involved. Steve Sorenson of Ripon.
Steve is a good attorney/lawyer and will he will represent the current owners very well. The point I was trying to make (the fly in the ointment), which I did not relay very well is that Steve and/or the owners should not be arguing this on things like "density", "entrance to it", "more people needing more jobs", "destroying the character of the area", or "how fast are Maplewood lots selling and why do we need more lots like that".
Those are all aesthetic issues which the City Council or Board(s) Members could care less about. They need to focus on scientific discovery, or uncover other issues which, due to this development, would put the evironment such as the lake itself, the surrounding land, surface water issues, groundwater, plants, birds, animals, or archilogical sensitive entities at risk.
These earth sensitive issues, if there are any, should be the center piece of the argument with the aestehics issues secondard and supportive to the scientific environmental issues. If there are no meaningful environmental issues, then all they have is aesthetics, which I do not think they have a prayer in arguing to be heard, even with the GLA backing.
Did they think of maybe approaching Tom Eddy (the GLHS High School Biology teacher) to see if he can shed any light on such issues since he seems to be the towns foremost self appointed naturalist and tree hugger with the necessary credentials to support any theory he may discover.
Has anyone looked into the posssibilty that Maybe the Baptist Church-Organization has some sort of covenent in their doctorine which prohibits or frowns upon such
developments in/on their holdings?
The Developers MUST correct the 25 engineer's comments and errors on their plans submitted. Brooklyn has had wonderful help with enginning input! (Strand Associates, Madison). Real problems exist with deeds from 1934 and earlier regarding shutting off Shore Drive and KG and developers must now recognize these problems as fact! Problems with roads: will blacktop on new roads only be driveway thickness? Too narrow? Only one entrance! Too much density - vehicles & people & pets. Can houses have additions? The plans for those houses must be approved as developer wants to build each house.
Trees are important in breaking impact of rain, etc., collects CO2 and gives off water vapor. GOOD for the world and our area! Soils, steepness and ground water problems exist. Sewers all the way to Norwegian Bay - not cheap.
If only build up the lake area with larger lots and houses perhaps would pay the ABA as much as doing so many houses in the woods! A few houses only on spaces around the golf course, and we all cheer for MUCH less density!
Must dash ... So Goodby!
There are environmenttal being addressed. The American Chestnuts, Bald Eagle roosting spots, and watershed development too close to the lake. (Whiich the ABA says doesn't really need and special permits for building which is wrong for anything within 500 feet ot the lake. I am sure this will be pursued futher. The commerical development at the corner is a real issue also as is egress and ingess for the property. I can just see people backed up on 23 trying to get their garage door openers to open the gate while traffic waits. The 4th of July would be dandy for that I'll bet.
I just did a quick run through the lindwood web site. Somethings do not add up to me. First if you listen to the testimonial,with the lovely background music, you will hear her go down the check list that any college marketing major could write. Got all the key words in there. Pay close attention to the features in that video. I then googled Doug Crusan this top bulider (which I have never heard of, but that means nothing)Only seems to have one house for sale and absoultly no property. His home gallery shows the same houses of which their are two, with all the same faucets, note the design. They are basically the same. If this guy is so big why does he not have a more expanded gallery? Will all 100+ homes look the same? What type of quality will they be? Things can look pretty, but will they withstand time? Will they just bulldoze down everything, or will they try and conserve the environment? I really wonder how good, and how big these guy are. Who is Doug Crusan and Ted Dominowski?
.Chief,
I did not go to the meeting, but in reading all of this my interest grows so please forgive me if I sound nieve about certain aspects.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Dec 5, 2006 quotes Giacoletto as saying his organization researched animal and bird species, water quality protection, and the personal, professional and financial credenticals of a couple of dozen developers. He predicted lot sales to begin early this year! Wait!!! Can you sell lots without it having to pass anything? Also if he did enviromental studies, did they present them at the meeting? I am sure that Mr. Giacoletto will say this development will some how enhance the animals and water quality. I think Loves Deep Green Water is right.The enviromental issues look to be key in fighting this. What about the archilogical issue? That land was also a big indian gathering ground. The traffic on 23 would also be another key issue in fighting this. What/did the WI Dept of Trans do a study on this? Did Mr. Giacoletto contact them while he was having all of his other studies done and checking into peoples personal financial credenticals? Sounds like I need to get educated on a very serious development that is being rammed down our throats. Thanks for keeping us informed!
Church Lady- Much of what you bring up has yet to be addressed but was mentioned. The Conference Center seems to view these items as trivial issues that really shouldn't concern us little yokels too much. Giacoletto did seem to make a veiled threat to sell the whole place off to a commercial developer such as Hilton. Personally, this may be better than having God as architect and business partner. More jobs for us yokels and larger estates parcels for the "tax base" we seem to so desperately seem to need. Not to mention another venue to go to by boat on the lake and a little competition for Heidel House. They could use a little. How many local people even work there anymore?
The Friends stuck their necks and their pocket books out there, only to be made to feel like pyriahs. Once again, the townspeople opted to portray the entire thing as an "US" vs. "THEM" battle instead of an "All of us who value the lake" versus BAD Development. See what happens? You're watching it now...
Green Spaces:
Hilton would be better. As you indicate they would at least create more needed jobs. Concerning jobs, if this thing continues to go through, as it looks it very well may, maybe our Board Members and/or City Council could require some conditions associated with approval of the development. A simpe thing for them to think about would be to require that some percentage, say at least 75%, of all construction costs (clearing, grubbing, roads, houses, infrastructure, etc.) has to be contracted to local contractors, suppliers, service poviders, etc., period, no negotiating. This should have been the case for the Maplewood Development. This is a very very common practice by governments and I would think it about time that our local government be willing to accept help from and learn from out-of-town successful sources who actually do try to operate governments for the people, by the people, and not with only their personal agendas being foremost.
As an answer to Anonymous being upset for the Friends. This is local politics. This is the way it works. The Friends were not portrayed as "against" anybody but people may have felt they were out to protect their special interests, justified or not. This is an oppurtunity for the Friends to show they are for the lake area. All they have to do is write a letter to Steve Sorenson or the Conference Center and state their position on this issue. Sitting at home pouting because they felt put upon is proving the point of people who would ridicule the Friends. No one is asking them to open their wallets. Just speak up.
With a list of 25 issues from Strand Engineering, needing corrections on develpers' plans, they seem naive. Would a developer with money to lose take on this GLCC plan? Not many more than an average of 25 properties exchange hands on the lake during a year and all developments are apparently not doing well. Will the Town and County Boards have any bonding or plan to have some financial guarantees that the infrastructure will be completed before the first building permit be granted? Today's owners would sue the Town and County to finish off their services if the developer went under and the owners would probably win.
First of all, lets set the record straight—there are not any more remnants of the American Baptists – the PERSON, currently running the Green Lake Conference Center is a very different breed of human than the preceding organization of Christian groups. There were many years of fine leadership of the ABA and the current administrator is just riding on/ hiding behind that façade of that past reputation of respectability and of a trust worthy organization. Now Mr. Giacoletto runs the place like a dictator. Ask anyone who works there (unless they’ve been paid off, or had their “bottom line” met), if you disagree with him, you’re out. There is a wolf in charge of the hen house. Its such a shame that all those years, decades, from the Lawson’s on have come to rest in the hands of this soul. There are many interesting parts of the Conference Center that really risk being lost, and have recently been lost. There is no board over seeing or approving what Mr. Giacoletto does or how he does it—over the past 10-20 years he has managed to shape the current situation into something that begins and ends with him and only him, unless you can consider his two son-in-laws in his administration (one of which has the cozy responsibility of handling the books, the accounting). If anyone knows of someone who would be interested in investigating a not-for-profit-organization for fraud or racketeering - send them there- something stinks. Mr. Giacoletto will say anything, anyone who bought property in the past year (before this development was publicly announced)was told there would be no more lots sold , no future development plans. He has claimed in the newspapers and in a report to the “board” (which is under a gag order, reduced to puppets, rubberstamps, names on a list with no authority) that the homeowners cut-off communications, or did not respond to him. Completely a lie, ask any homeowner, ask Steve Sorenson, homeowners have been trying to help the GLCC with any support they may have needed. Unfortunately,Giacoletto Enterprises has other initiatives.
How can anyone trust such a liar to handle any development well? This is politics, democracy run mafia style. Maybe the gangster spirits that were said to hide out in the area back in the 20’s & 30’s are back again. Maybe that’s too much of a “romantic” notion, these are just profiteers in the good ‘ole boy way of making a buck. The joke is, the saddest part is generations really risk loosing a small part of what is left of an environment, of natural history, of an area that has fortunately been preserved. The real estate market is terrible so these “developers” probably won’t make any money and they’re not going to figure that out until the excavating has been done and the county/township (or other) has to pick up the bill. There is a fishy set up here and many of us will hope and try to find a way to direct the protection of this area.
I have spoken w/ the homeowners also, and yes,they have tried to work with Ken. These are very different days than when I was growing up and the ABA was what it was. Anyone who has met Ken can tell you he is a congenial person, you can go into a meeting mad as can be at him/ about an issue, then leave thinking he's the greatest guy around. Only wait a week because what was said in the meeting is not what will pan out.
This is unfortunate but it is what it is. Contact our local/ state officals, attend the April 12th meeting, ignore personalities.
Chief,
There must be no shortage of leafs for the piece pipe and many if not all must be smoking it. It only takes a few drives thru the Cleavers neighborhood to see that Home Depot is about to have a big run on 4 x 8 sheets of plywood if something doesn't change.
The winds of change are beginning to blow. Now, should we put up some windmills to take advantage of these winds and maybe put out our clothes to dry. Absolutely. I can't think of a single retailer who doesn't feel that their business is near where it needs to be for them to run a consistently profitable business. Why are there so many restaurants and businesses for sale?
So, how do you change this?
Norton's development was an issue of zoning, not growth. If Norton's, along with Carvers, Linda's and any other lakefront commercial entity were zoned for only commercial and not residential as well, the properties would remain as such and the attraction to large profits through a conversion to residential property would be eliminated. They would be valued as any other business is: revenue and profits. The same thing is true of the commercial property in downtown GL. Without seeing the books, I feel certain, none of the businesses for sale can support the asking price based upon cash flow and profits.
Green Lake is a wonderful place with very few other places like it. Anyone who has spent any portion of their life here knows that. But since it's inception, change has taken place and will continue to do so. The important thing is that it is done with foresight and integrity. The largest developments on the north shore of GL that has some form of association and access to the lake would be Sugar Loaf, Robinhood and Lac Verde. I am not certain with respect to Sugar Loaf, but I am certain that both RH and LV lots are 1/2 acre. I would think that most people would agree that those communities are not track in nature and have a good fit in the community.
With regards to the people who currently live in the ABA I can empathize but only to a degree. I can understand their desire to keep things as they are. Sure, why not. Great for them, but most likely selfish intentions. They may have forgotten that if it weren't for past expansion in the ABA, none of them would have a homes there today. For them to say they bailed out the ABA when the ABA needed some money is a stretch at best. Bailing someone out is providing an individual money without getting something in return. I don't think that is the case for the current owners of lots/homes in the ABA. I'm sure they wish all their investments reached the same ROI as their "helpful" ABA investment.
The ABA is a treasure. No arguments there. But treasures are meant to be shared. It just has to be done correctly. I feel certain, that in the end, the project will take place but the plat will not look as it does today. There will be less lots but they will remain 1/2 acre in size so as to not limit their potential market group.
I agree with the person who mentioned an investigation into Lindenwood. The city should have them put up a large security bond to insure the development is completed as promised with respect to infrastructure. It should also be pointed out that this development is not just for the "out of towners". I would think many locals, if affortable, would love to be able to live and enjoy the ABA on a daily basis. If you look at the developments mentioned above(RH,LV,SL),It is likely when these were proposed to the City and County, people had similar concerns. Why do we need these, density is too high, etc. Since then, many locals and second home owners have enjoyed raising their families in and around GL because of such developments.
Deep down in side, I think the majority of people who live and work in the GL area realize that change is an evolutionary practice that will continue to evolve and grow out of necessity. I don't think the problem lies with the ship, but more with the captains and first mates. Change will come whether we want it to or not. It's who is controlling the change that is the issue.
In the end, it is you that can make the difference. Vote-and make it count. If you pick the driver, you can't complain about the destination...
Well, this should give you all something to think/drink about on St. Patty's Day
Erin Go Bra-less
One additional thing on the subject at hand: I like the idea of including the local tradesmen as part of the approval process. You can't make it an edict as that would be considered inclusion but it could be noted that X % of the services provided in the build-out must come from local tradesmen as long as their bids are competitive in nature. Might end up eliminating or at least reducing situations like what happened at Tuscumbia. Still, in the end, it will be up to the local tradesmen to determine if they want to work as a sub for Lindenwood. Some may determine that working relationship would be acceptable. Others, I feel will not be comfortable with that hierarchy.
Good spring day to ya Chief and tribe-
I agree with Lost in Lac Verde's comments and concerns about the dowtown businesses- the city government needs to be more welcoming, more supportive of new and sustaining business. Is there a downtown business organization? GL is so lucky to have the Thrasher Opera House and many possibilities for a really great downtown-- there is no reason why Ripon and Princeton can attract establishments and we seem to be barely keep'in things open..(I know they struggle and have their problems like any downtown America these days-but you can see they're trying)Green Lake has the Lake front and all kinds of possibilites. What's happening with the Marina by the way? - that was a great location for a restuarant. It seems we've had some nice businesses try to start out but can't get through the slow season. How can the city make it more possible for a business to stay- whether its businesses or housing developments the city has to look at them as not just "additions to the tax base". They'll only be helpful to the city if the buisness stays & grows- a housing development will only be helpful if its quality and done well to increase the living quality for all. I can understand Lost in Lac Verde and others thinking that the GLCC Homeowners may have selfish intents- some do I suppose and some sincerely wish to see an area protected for eagles, rare groves of trees,& wildlife -- for all to enjoy, not a gaited community. The over-development, everywhere, can make you stop and think and try to recognize an area for its value- better to be cautious & careful- than be sorry you weren't...The winds of change are blow'in, the real estate market is not the same temperature it was. The GLCC probably will be developed hopefully in the way that's best for everyone/ everything...using local workers would be a good idea to have in the contract.
Good day-
You know many of the people in the ABA were there before the ABA. After the Lawsons it was a development company out of Chicago that sold many of those lots. When the depression came along they went bankrupt and the Baptists bought it at that time. So in fact many of those people were there before the ABA.
Who are Mr. Giacoletto's son-in-laws ? You mention one is in a role of accounting. What is the others role ?
The other son-in-law does public relations/ marketing.
March 20 did leave out a few years! After H O Stone came out of bankruptcy, the property was run as a summer resort. The land probably was purchased by a bank which ran it as a summer resort with swimming lessons at the pool at the front of the hotel, dances Wednesday and Saturday nights (formal) attended by many couples from this area, meals in the lovely dining room in the hotel, a casino, 18 hole golf course and horses to ride along the golf course and roads in the woods. Even a Monday evening camp called "Camp Cyuga" for the young folks with a bonfire in the woods up past the Big Tower. Flower shows started and anually raised money for Hattie Sherwood Park. So, this continued until WWII when summer visitors and help went into the service or helped with the war effort in various ways. (Still no ABA) During WWII, some of the private homes on the grounds and other homes around the lake were opened during summers by their owners. Many of these summer families were close by in Princeton, Markesan, Ripon, Berlin, etc. The hotel was closed, young livestock were free to run on the fenced 18 hole golf course (the Links) and German prisoners of war were sheltered in the buildings near the gate. Sometimes, on hot evenings, they went swimming in the lake at Hattie Sherwood, marching down the road (HWY 23) and back. They helped plant and harvest food crops and assisted dairy farmers. Meanwhile, way back in 1933, 19 properties with improvements won a law suit at the time of the end of the bankrupcy to be separated from the rest of the former property of H O Stone and it was varified they each had right of ingress and egress. Yes, some of these families and all of these 19 homes were here before the Baptists who arrived several years after WWII.
Must dash! So ....Good by!
Thank you, wonderful history to know, again, stating that this area is a wealth of special historical treasure. We have to be very careful when planning development. Why doesn't the Wisconsin Historical Society seek an interest in protecting this area-?- or is it us locals who have to seek our politicians- who have to seek the Historians-? Someone made reference to Indian Mounds in the area, none have been documented-? it seems time is of the essence for this information as well.
This week the County Committee on development and zoning denied the first Lindenwood plat (Lawsonia Estates) which had been denied also by Township of Brooklyn via their plan; nothing was done re. zoning changes by either of these two groups as plat not approved. Recent meeting of the Town recognized the Comprehensive plan which was for lots 1 or 2 acres and not more than 5. A rumor was around that Lindenwood agreed to the larger size from 1/2 an acre but latest is that Lindennwood determined not to follow the Town's Comprehensive plan re. lot size, claiming plan is not in effect until 2010. No way is that correct as ALL county's in WI have to have a plan set by 2010. Town's plan has already been approved by Green Lake County and even went to the State where it has had approval. So, Lindenwood has been stubborn and many efforts have been done ($$$) by this company having to do with water movement, sewer system, roads in area and connection(s) with HWY 23, etc.. Piles of maps have been prepared for members' review. Also, coming in soon to all members working on this development issue, will be report from the Engineers hired by Town (Strand) whose latest number of issues is 61. Some, of course, have been completed.
Another important issue is that GLCC is really the American Baptist Assembly, Inc. and in 1958 at time of Grant Anderson, ABA directly revarified the properties (specific lots) had the right to use ALL of the roads. It sounds as though a very poor title search was done by the developer with the omission of these important legal limitations including the isolation of their development from others and changes in the roads.
Must Dash...
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