Committee authorizes purchase of four parcels to enlarge highway facility site

County staff presented signed offers to purchase four residential parcels on the south side of a previously approved highway site, totaling approximately 5.47 additional acres. The purchase would expand the previously purchased 18.2 acres to nearly 24 acres.

Project lead Kevin explained the acquisition’s purpose: the wider area at the south end of the combined parcel gives designers more flexibility for building siting and setbacks, provides reserve space for future growth and allows the county to present a single street front rather than leave four privately owned parcels in the middle of a county facility. The county earlier discussed the project with the village president (Baker) to address neighborhood concerns, including water use; administration said the conversation was productive and helped resolve several issues.

Administrators noted the village of Kronenwetter has discussed zoning amendments that could impose significant setbacks for highway facilities; purchasing the parcels would provide additional site options and reduce uncertainty if longer setback rules are adopted locally. Staff said negotiations were conducted through a realtor, offers are signed and landowners have been given time to relocate if the county proceeds.

Supervisor Lemmer asked whether the parcels were residentially zoned; staff confirmed P3–P5 are residential and P6 is a commercial classification (M3 or similar). Staff said potential zoning changes could require rezoning or conditional use approval but would not necessarily prevent the county from acquiring the land.

Chair Gibbs moved to approve the purchases; Supervisor Hart seconded. The motion passed unanimously.