Wright County approves rezoning for Gardner property in Rockford Township over township-city objections

The Wright County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 on Nov. 4 to rezone property owned by Ms. Gardner in Rockford Township, accepting the recommendation from the county planning commission.

The issue drew extended discussion from commissioners about communications with the city of Hanover and the township's growth plans. Commissioner Diedrich urged the board to deny the rezoning and direct the city of Hanover and Rockford Township to negotiate an orderly annexation agreement, saying the property lies in the city's growth pattern and the city had not taken steps to negotiate an agreement. Diedrich said denying the rezoning would protect a coordinated solution between the city and township.

Other commissioners said statutory time limits on rezoning applications made further delay infeasible. Administration noted a 120-day statutory window for rezoning actions; commissioners who supported the rezoning said the applicant would otherwise lose statutory rights and the planning commission had already reviewed the item. In debate, commissioners expressed concern that Hanover had not engaged earlier with county planners or attended the site visit described to the board.

Commissioner Moyna moved to accept the planning commission recommendation to rezone the Gardner property; Commissioner Holland seconded. The motion passed 3-1. The transcript does not record a roll-call of how each member voted; the board recorded a tally of three in favor and one opposed.