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Council advances first reading to rezone railroad corridor to heavy-industrial for ethanol plant rail spurs
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Summary
At first reading of Ordinance 131, council considered planning commission recommendations to rezone a railroad corridor and spur tracks to heavy-industrial to allow Denco (an ethanol plant) to stage rail cars. Council noted potential wetland impacts, and a second reading and public hearing were scheduled.
The Morris City Council approved a first reading of Ordinance 131, a zoning-map amendment to reclassify a stretch of railroad and potential spur tracks to heavy-industrial zoning to accommodate expanded rail shipping for an ethanol manufacturer.
Blaine said the planning commission recommended changing the zoning for the railroad line west of County Road 22 past Highway 28 to heavy industrial so that a local ethanol plant, identified in the material as Denco, could add sidetracks and store rail cars on property it already owns. The proposed zoning change would allow a sidetrack or two for car staging, reduce semi truck traffic through the business district and potentially improve shipping rates for the plant.
Councilmembers asked about environmental implications, including wetlands and proximity to Lake Crystal, and staff said they would avoid impacting wetlands while accommodating rail shipping. The council approved the ordinance on first reading by voice vote and scheduled the public hearing and second reading for the next meeting.
Blaine noted this situation is unusual because the project spans different existing zones and that most railroad lines in the city are already designated heavy industrial except for the segment near Lake Crystal.
