Infrastructure committee forwards $750,000 offer for Kronenwetter parcels after resident raises displacement concerns

Marathon County's Infrastructure Committee voted to forward an offer to purchase four parcels in the Village of Kronenwetter to the county's HR finance committee for further review and for possible consideration by the full County Board. The committee moved the matter after staff described an accepted purchase proposal covering parcels labeled P3, P4, P5 and P6.

The offer presented to the committee was $750,000 for the four parcels, which staff said would provide nearly 24 acres excluding a separately handled parcel, P2. Commissioner Griesbach told the committee the parcels were bundled into a single offer and that P1 and the public service parcels had already been purchased earlier. "We do have an offer to purchase assigned by both parties at this time for $750,000 for those 4 parcels," Commissioner Griesbach said.

The purchase discussion drew a public comment from Ariel Shefkin, who identified herself as a resident of the village and said her house, bought in 2022, sits in the middle of the proposed site. "I'm Ariel Shefkin, and I live in the village of Kronenwetter at 2384 Old Highway 51," she said. Shefkin told the committee that a realtor informed her on April 11 of a verbal offer on her property and that the prospect of relocation has caused significant stress and financial strain. "We love our home," she said, describing unreturnable purchases for home improvements and saying, "we can't afford to move."

County staff and administrators told the committee they are working to reduce harm to residents adjacent to the proposed site. County Administrator Leonard said staff would "work with the landowners" and with village officials to "be a good neighbor," and that staff would pursue potential options for the family identified in public comment, including relocation possibilities if acquisitions move forward. Jim, identified in the meeting as presenting on highway operations, said in response to a question about demolition that the county would likely use its own crews for removing residential structures if needed: "we'd just use our own crews." Staff noted disposal and landfill fees would likely be the largest demolition cost.

The committee also discussed potential zoning changes posted by the village that, if adopted, could require a 500-foot setback between a highway facility and residential parcels. Mike, a staff member who reviewed village zoning, said, "Under their current zoning code, utilities are a permitted use, even in residential zoning districts," and that under current rules the parcels would be consistent with the planned use. County staff warned, however, that proposed zoning amendments could make development of the P3–P6 parcels more challenging and that a conditional-use permit or a variance could be required if the village adopts the 500-foot setback.

Committee members asked staff to continue conversations with the village and the affected landowners. The committee approved forwarding the purchase offer to HR finance with a voice vote in which members answered "aye," and the motion carried. Staff said they expect to return with more information on parcel P2 and on potential options for the resident who spoke.

The matter will next appear before the HR finance committee and, ultimately, the full County Board if HR finance recommends moving forward.