Plan Commission issues unfavorable recommendation for Lenting parcel rezoning (R2 to C2) after strong neighborhood opposition

The Town of Saint John Plan Commission on Oct. 15 voted to forward an unfavorable recommendation to the Town Council on a request to rezone approximately five acres (a farm‑stand parcel fronting U.S. 231) from R2 (residential) to C2 (commercial).

The applicant, represented by Doug Reddick of DVG and property owner Dale Lenting, said the rezoning is sought for possible future commercial use of a farm stand area and that no immediate building is planned. Reddick said the property "does lie within the Route 231 Overlay District," and staff noted it also lies within the U.S. 41 overlay and thus is subject to the stricter overlay regulations.

Multiple nearby residents opposed the request during the public hearing, citing traffic congestion and safety on Schneider Place, the narrow local road, vehicle queuing to access U.S. 231, and neighborhood character. Tim Neary presented a petition and said neighborhood residents "do not want this." Ken Kaiser said the traffic corridor is at capacity and added that commercial traffic would create public-safety hazards. Residents repeatedly asked that the applicant consider existing vacant commercial buildings instead of creating new commercial frontage.

Staff clarified that the plan commission may only make a recommendation to the Town Council on a rezone and summarized the state statute requiring the commission and council to "pay reasonable regard" to the comprehensive plan, existing uses and conservation of property values when acting on a rezone. Counsel explained that the statutory "reasonable regard" factors are the criteria the commission should consider.

After discussion, Russ Vogel moved that the commission make an unfavorable recommendation to the Town Council with the findings of fact; the motion was seconded and passed in a roll-call vote. The roll call recorded ayes for an unfavorable recommendation; the recommendation will be considered by the Town Council, which has the authority to grant or deny the rezoning.

The commission’s action is a recommendation only; if the Town Council takes up the rezoning, it will review the application using the statutory "reasonable regard" factors and the town’s overlay requirements before making a final decision.