County approves rezone for 40-acre site for Kolnick Trucking warehouse expansion in Darien area

The Walworth County Zoning Agency on May 15 approved a rezone request to change roughly 40 acres of prime agricultural zoning (A-1) to M-1 industrial zoning for property owned by Joanne Kuhhorn in Darien Township. The applicant is under contract with Kolnick Trucking for an expansion that would include a new ambient-temperature warehouse and roughly 12 full-time employees.

Attorney Christina Green represented the applicant and told the committee the rezone area is contiguous with the Village of Darien’s industrial and commercial districts and lies about 270 feet from I-43 at its northwest corner. The Walworth County 2050 land-use map had been amended earlier in the month to show that portion of the site as consistent with industrial uses.

Kate, the county planner, reported the rezone application is consistent with the amended future land-use map and explained the site access will be provided from Badger Parkway, avoiding existing residential streets. The owner and applicant said there are no wetlands or floodplain on the parcel and that a detention pond will be placed on the south end of the rezoned area to buffer nearby residences.

After public comment — none opposed — the committee voted to approve the rezoning. The rezoning moves next to the full county board for final action as required by the county’s process for rezones. The applicant was told standard conditions and technical plan approvals will be required during permitting.