Crow Wing County commissioners on Dec. 30 denied a land‑use map amendment that would have changed a 2.26‑acre shoreline parcel (parcel 99260606) from Shoreline District to commercial, following extensive public comment and board discussion.

Staff told the board the planning commission recommended approval 3–1 but noted the file carried two past denials dating to March 22, 1983, and Jan. 6, 1998. Residents who live around Gilbert Lake urged commissioners to reject the rezoning, citing water‑quality, traffic and precedent concerns. ‘‘Rezoning this parcel would allow for a gas station, which seems like the most likely use,’’ said Matt Karlgaard, a local resident, adding it could add ‘‘significant petroleum … runoff’’ to a lake already identified as at risk.

Several speakers called the proposal ‘‘spot zoning.’’ Jim Knudson, a retired real estate broker, said, ‘‘This is spot zoning. It's the worst kind of zoning as it benefits one person to the disadvantage of many.’’ Other residents described erosion and drainage patterns that direct runoff into Gilbert Lake and urged elected officials to protect the shoreline.

Commissioners questioned whether the planning packet contained all mailed comments and whether the planning commission’s findings of fact fully addressed whether reclassification would be detrimental to nearby properties. Commissioner Francine said the county’s updated comprehensive plan, adopted August 2024, contained no plan for commercial zoning in that area and called the request ‘‘spot zoning.’’ A motion to deny the rezoning was made and seconded; roll call recorded affirmative votes and the motion passed.

The board directed staff to consolidate the denial language into the findings of fact and to add submitted written comments to the administrative file. No development proposal was approved for the parcel; the board left the property classified as residential Shoreland District.

What's next: staff will record the board's denial and finalize the file, including the planning commission materials and public comments that were submitted to the county.