The Sturgeon Bay City Plan Commission essentially decided not to decide the question of zoning for a hotel development on the former Door County Cooperative property during its special meeting Wednesday evening at the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium. Instead, on a three to two vote, with committee chairman Danny Wiegand casting the tie-breaking vote, the commission opted to seek public input by way of meetings, forums, surveys and online activity. The logistics of setting up such an information-gathering operation will have to be determined. The idea of gauging public opinion came from commissioner Dennis Statz, owner of the White Lace Inn and other local businesses. Following the hour and a half meeting, Statz talked about his rationale for seeking more input…
Statz explained what he hoped the information-gathering effort would accomplish…
A baker’s dozen folks addressed the plan commission during the segment reserved for comment on non-agenda items. Most chose to comment on the development anyway. Their input covered such areas as tugboats, shared ideas, waterfront history, occupancy rates, blocked views, condo’s, parking and smart growth.
Plan commission members Mike Gilson and Ed Ireland voted to support the proposed west side development, although Ireland indicated that he’d like to see a plan developed by the opposition. Gilson, Lakeshore Region Market President for Baylake Bank, is a strong proponent of community development…
Gilson said the effort to spur development in a community is not easy and missteps can set back positive movement for years…
The entire plan commission meeting at the Sturgeon Bay High School auditorium Wednesday evening was taped and has been added to the government access channel’s schedule. Jason Mann of Mann Communications said he hoped to have the session racked up on the city’s website by Friday.
