Board approves variance to replace rotted railroad-tie wall with concrete barriers at Kinney Lake Rd campground

The Waupaca County Board of Adjustment on March 31 unanimously granted a variance to Genes Land LLC to reconstruct and enlarge a retaining wall within the shoreline setback along Kinney Lake Road, allowing replacement of rotted railroad ties with 2'x2'x6' concrete blocks to reduce runoff into the lake.

Owner Gene Gagas testified the new concrete barrier wall will be longer lasting and will keep runoff from entering the lake; he said the campground is for sale and he wants to resolve the issue before transfer.

Becky Landre read a letter from Dale Rezabeck, Shoreland Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; the content of the letter was placed into the hearing record. Planning and Zoning staff, represented by Candace Bauer, recommended approval on the grounds that the reconstruction allows continued campground use, the site’s location between a steep hillside and the lake gives it unique physical limitations, and the new wall will help prevent erosion into wetlands and the lake.

The Board found that forbidding the replacement would unreasonably prevent continued use of the campsites, that the combined shoreline and steep-slope conditions are unique, and that replacing creosote-soaked railroad ties with concrete barriers serves the public interest. The Board granted the variance unanimously with the conditions that a Land Use Permit be obtained within 60 days and that the property owners have the duration of the Land Use Permit (two years) to complete the project.

The motion to grant was moved and seconded and carried by a unanimous vote of the five board members present.