Waupaca County board approves underground pedestrian tunnel at Lind camp to improve safety

The Waupaca County Board of Adjustment on June 21, 2024 approved a variance permitting an underground pedestrian walkway and tunnel across County Road E at the Wisconsin and Northern Michigan District Council of the Assemblies of God camp in the Town of Lind.

Chair A. Richardson opened the public hearing at 9:08 a.m.; after an on-site inspection beginning at 8:30 a.m., testimony from the applicant and a staff recommendation, the board voted unanimously to approve the request. P. Leder moved to approve the variance "as it is planned to follow all applicable codes," and B. Abba seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote and roll call confirmed 5 ayes, 0 nays (Chair A. Richardson—yes; Secretary J. Fulcher—yes; B. Abba—yes; P. Leder—yes; M. Strebe—yes).

The variance covers about 37.82 acres (parcels 12-18-33-4 and 12-18-34-7) at Fire Number N1385 County Road E. Applicant representative Rich Lemberg testified that the under-road walkway is intended to "significantly reduce pedestrian traffic crossing County Road E," saying it "will result in a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists," and estimating that "approximately 4,800 crossings [would be] rerouted thru [the] walkway" on peak days. He also provided photos of proposed fencing along County Road E.

Candace Bauer, Land Use/Code Enforcement Specialist for the Planning and Zoning Office, presented the staff report and recommended approval. Bauer told the board the property has been used as a camp since 1946 and noted that the county's first zoning ordinance dates to 1967; she said the tunnel and walks "will greatly improve the safety and efficiency of the highway by reducing the number of pedestrians needing to cross highway traffic." The board asked questions of Bauer and Lemberg during the hearing; no rebuttal or opposing testimony was offered.

In its written findings the board concluded the variance met the three statutory tests: (1) conformity with the ordinance would be "unnecessarily burdensome" because a surface crossing is unsafe given the volume, ages and physical abilities of camp guests; (2) unique physical property limitations exist because County Road E runs through the property and limits reasonable alternatives; and (3) granting the variance would not harm the public interest and would instead promote safety and efficiency of the highway.

The board formally recorded the motion to approve, finding the plan will follow applicable codes. B. Abba moved and Secretary J. Fulcher seconded to close the public hearing at 10:14 a.m.; M. Strebe moved to adjourn at 10:16 a.m., and the meeting concluded. The clerk's minutes were prepared by Becky Landre.

Construction details, a permitting timeline and an implementation schedule were not specified in the record and will be handled through applicable county permitting processes.