Committee tables Walker Bros. petition to rezone 41 acres to industrial after town of Trenton disapproval and public opposition

The Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Committee on March 24 held a public hearing on a petition by Walker Brothers LLC to rezone approximately 41 acres in the Town of Trenton from A2 General Agricultural to I2 Industrial to allow future industrial development and then voted to table the matter pending a written explanation from the Town of Trenton.

County staff read a report describing the site as rolling farmland with a small wetland on the northern portion and mapped as agricultural on the county’s future land use map. Staff said the county’s comprehensive plan designates some areas for industrial use and that staff believes the committee could make the findings necessary to recommend approval under the county code. The notice on the agenda identified Lucas Lisois of General Engineering Company as agent for Walker Brothers LLC.

Bruce Walker, identified at the hearing as a member of Walker Bros., LLC, said he had purchased the property about three years earlier and that the rezoning was a step intended to allow eventual industrial development. Several nearby residents spoke in opposition. Bill Rake told the committee the Town of Trenton had denied the proposal and that his view was the area did not need additional industrial land; he said there is no sewer or water and that development would likely require annexation to the City of Beaver Dam. Ron Ganske said the rezoned land would have taken a family farm and expressed opposition.

Committee members repeatedly noted that the Town of Trenton had submitted a formal motion to disapprove the petition but had not supplied a written rationale explaining the reasons for disapproval. County staff advised the committee that under the Dodge County Land Use Code the town’s disapproval should include findings and that the committee could request additional input before making a recommendation to the County Board.

A motion to lay the petition on the table until the committee received the town’s stated reasoning passed by voice vote. The committee closed the public hearing but did not make a recommendation; staff said the County Board will receive the item later if and when the committee forwards a recommendation.

Public comment at the hearing also included discussion about recent annexations to the City of Beaver Dam and nearby industrial development (referred to in the hearing as Alliance Park). Walker emphasized the purchase was speculative based on expected local growth. The committee asked staff to seek the town’s written findings explaining the basis for its disapproval before the committee resumes action.