Local businessman Jeff Latz appeared before the Lutsen Town Board on Tuesday November 16 to explain a re-zoning request that he is taking to Cook County Planning & Zoning.
Latz said he had recently purchased a six-acre parcel behind Clearview Store, approximately 460 feet from Highway 61, which was identified in the Lutsen Town Center planning process in the 1990s as a desirable location for a light industrial business development area (LBDA). “The Lutsen Town Center plan created ‘guiding principles’ that suggest that this area should be used as a business development area for light industrial uses,” said Latz.
He distributed a map of the Lutsen Town Center plan that was approved by the township and then the county in May 2004 and which has been incorporated into the Cook Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Latz said when the Town Center planning was done, property owners had the option of changing the zoning to the desired conditions at that time. The owner at that time, Pete Ochsner, declined changing the zoning from forest, agricultural, recreational (FAR3). However, Latz said that light industrial business development area use of the land would really be the property’s “best use.”
He told the board that the land was mined for gravel in the 1980s and has been used as a storage site by previous owners. He also pointed out that it is in an area of high use, behind the Clearview complex and near the credit union, coffee shop, and County Heating and Plumbing.
Gary Gilmore, one of the three homeowners on the road, spoke up with concerns about how the zoning change would impact what he said “is basically a private road.” He said he appreciated Latz’s work toward economic development, but expressed concern that more density would create a “bottleneck” on the road. “I don’t know how that could be handled,” said Gilmore, whose property is about 850 feet from the proposed LBDA lot. “Maybe the township would have to take over the road.”
Supervisor Joe Buttweiler asked Latz if he had immediate plans for the land. Latz said nothing was “set” yet.
Buttweiler asked Latz if he considered rerouting the road accessing the property to avoid use of the road Gilmore is concerned about. Latz said that a reroute onto Steam Engine Road had been considered but wasn’t found feasible. Supervisor Diane Parker said, “Besides, that would just be a problem for other property owners.”
Latz agreed and added that there had already been a re-alignment of the road. He said he, the Lutsen Development Corporation, and the Goettl family took on the responsibility of that realignment. To Gilmore, he said, “You cross over part of that road.”
Supervisor Parker noted that the road is probably not built to withstand heavy use such as would be seen in a heavy vehicle
storage or repair business. Latz agreed, “So it would not be a good idea to put a business like that there.”
Parker asked what sort of development could take place on the parcel. Latz said the zoning he seeks has a two-acre minimum and there are some wet areas, so the six-acre lot could likely only sustain two lots. “I understand Gary’s concerns—if there are a dozen employees there, yes, there could be a problem. But we won’t know until we know what goes in there,” said Latz.
” Latz added that there are “all kinds” of restrictions in the light industrial business area zoning regarding screening and landscaping.
Lutsen resident Jim Vick, a member of the Lutsen Town Center planning group, said the community had worked really hard to identify a non-retail business area. “That was clearly the intent of the group back in 2004. Right now the property is kind of an eyesore. Anything would be an improvement. I’m excited to see this back in discussion,” he said.
Vick added that he believes the county looks to the township for guidance in planning and zoning decisions. Lutsen resident Sam Parker, a former member of the Cook County Planning & Zoning Board, said, “One of the first things the county will look at is the road. They will probably talk to someone from the county highway department. If they are happy with the road width, drainage, etc. you probably wouldn’t have a problem getting this approved.”
The board debated whether it should write a statement of support for the rezoning, but finally decided it was not necessary. Supervisor Parker noted that the zoning plan had been approved by the township in 2004. However, it was agreed that a board member should go to the planning and zoning meeting to share what had been discussed.
Superior National concerns
County Commissioner Bruce Martinson gave a report on the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) and its steps to establish a new management board for its golf course Superior National at Lutsen.
A golf course employee at the meeting asked if this new management board meant more overhead expenses for the golf course. He said that would not go over well with workers as they have not had a pay raise for five years. “The EDA is a sore point down here,” he said.
Martinson said there would be no pay for the management board at this time. He said he was hopeful that the new management board would be successful. He noted that Supervisor Hansen and Tom Fredeen were Lutsen citizens on the board. “There will be more Lutsen representatives than ever before,” he said.
Ginny Storlie asked that the new board look at the gardens at the golf course as well. “If it weren’t for the volunteers, the gardens would be dandelions,” she said.
Fire hall renovation plans
still preliminary
Lutsen resident Jim Vick asked about plans for expansion or renovation of the town hall/fire hall. “How do townspeople find out about this plan? Will there be public meetings? Will this be published?”
Supervisors assured Vick that the idea was in its very early stages. “It started by talking about needing more room for fire trucks and wanting to get rid of the old green garage. There really aren’t any plans yet,” said Supervisor Joe Buttweiler.
Supervisor Marland Hansen said, “But we welcome any thoughts or ideas from the public.”
“Yeah, suggestions written on $20 bills,” joked Lutsen Treasurer and Firefighter John Groth.
In other business
. Cook County North Hospital Board Member Tom Spence attended the meeting to introduce new Hospital Administrator Kimber Wraalstad. Wraalstad told the Lutsen supervisors that the hospital board is working on a strategic plan. She said one thing under consideration is establishing a paramedic
EMT program. She encouraged
citizens to contact her with feedback. . The board reviewed bids for cleaning services in 2011 and accepted the low bid from Larry McNeally. The board also accepted the bid for snow plowing from
Fred Schmidt, with Hansen abstaining
because he is related to the bidder. . The board approved liquor license renewals for Moguls Grille & Tap Room, Papa Charlie’s, the Summit Chalet, and Rosie’s Café.
From the 2004 Lutsen Town Center Plan
Business Development Area (LBDA): Recognizing the need for a place for existing home businesses to expand to allow for more employees, and for the creation of living-wage jobs, an area for small business development should be created near the Town Core. This area would allow only low-traffic, self-contained businesses such as public utility offices, warehousing and indoor storage and very restricted light-industrial uses.
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