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Neighbors urge council to oppose rezoning of Linting property on Route 231, citing traffic and neighborhood impacts
Summary
Several St. John residents and neighbors spoke during public comment on Oct. 22 opposing a rezoning request for the Linting property on Route 231. Speakers cited traffic safety, truck access, and lack of prior outreach by the owner; the property owner said he purchased with expectation rezoning was possible.
St. John — Residents urged the St John Town Council on Oct. 22 to oppose rezoning of the Linting property on Route 231, telling the council the change would bring unwanted commercial traffic and disrupt a long-standing residential neighborhood.
Multiple neighbors said they had petitioned against a rezoning request at a recent Plan Commission meeting and that the commission rejected the rezoning. Ken Kaiser (10813 Snyder Place) told the council neighbors do not want additional traffic on Route 231 and said a farm stand there is not a permitted business use. Tim Neri (11025 W. 100 & Eighth Ave.) said semitrailers and construction traffic would damage residential lots and that neighbors had discussed preferred redevelopment of an existing vacant bank building rather than adding commercial uses in the subdivision.
Dale Linting, who identified himself as the property owner at 10911 W. 100 & Eighth Ave., told the council he purchased the property about 10 years ago after learning from his listing agent and town staff that rezoning to commercial was possible; he said his intent would be to operate a tile- and flooring-related business. Linting said he had invested in the town and maintained the parcel since purchase.
At least one commenter said neighbors are elderly in some cases and buyout offers had been discussed privately; others expressed frustration that the owner did not consult the neighborhood before pursuing rezoning. Jim Neer and others said they had a petition to present opposing the rezoning.
Separately during public comment, Denise Rudens requested clarity about terminology used in the Oct. 8 minutes, saying residents were unsure whether the item had been “denied” or “terminated.” A town staff member responded during public comment that the item was terminated and “not coming back,” clarifying the status for concerned residents.
Why it matters: Rezoning along Route 231 would change permitted uses and could alter traffic patterns and neighborhood character. Neighbors said traffic and truck access are their chief concerns; the owner said he purchased with the expectation that rezoning was possible and hopes to invest further in St. John.
No council motion to rezone was recorded in the Oct. 22 meeting; the public-comments period was used to register neighborhood opposition and for the property owner to explain his position.
