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Planning commission approves We Energies permit to relocate gas regulator at 800 Fremont Street
Summary
The Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission voted 5–0 to approve a conditional use permit allowing We Energies to move an existing gas regulator out of the right-of-way into a fenced 50-by-50-foot enclosure with a 10-by-16 shelter at 800 Fremont Street; staff recommended approval with building-permit conditions after limited public comment about safety.
The Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit, by a 5–0 vote, allowing We Energies to relocate and enclose a gas regulator and related equipment at 800 Fremont Street (Partial ID 3401820) in a General Industrial M-1 zoning district.
Robert Borkowski, representing We Energies, told the commission the company seeks to move an existing regulator out of the roadway and onto private property about 100 feet from the current location. He described the proposed installation as a roughly 50-foot by 50-foot fenced area containing a prefabricated shelter about 10 by 16 feet and a 10-foot wall to protect valves from winter freezing. “The new facility will be fenced in, larger than the existing… it’ll approximately be about 50 foot by 50 foot fenced area,” Borkowski said.
Elizabeth Edwardson, associate planner, reviewed the zoning and site-plan standards, saying the parcel is more than 14 acres and can accommodate the roughly 2,500-square-foot fenced area. She said the proposal meets building setback and architectural requirements (staff noted a 50% decorative facade), and that required building permits must be obtained. Staff recommended approval with conditions that include obtaining all applicable building permits and allowing minor modifications to the plan to be approved by the Community Development Department.
Commission discussion focused on safety and aesthetics. A commission member moved to approve the conditional use permit, and the motion was seconded; after a brief public comment period the commission voted in favor, the chair announcing “ayes have it” and a 5–0 tally.
Two members of the public spoke during the hearing. Tim Spalding of Riverview Drive asked whether new regulators were being installed and expressed concern about gas safety. Borkowski and a We Energies engineer responded that the project would not increase gas flow but would replace outdated valves and move the regulator away from truck traffic, which the company said improves site safety and reduces roadway encroachment. Nick Olson asked whether gas flow would increase; the company representative said flow would remain the same and the work is driven by equipment replacement and safety considerations.
The commission’s approval includes the standard conditions noted by staff: building permits for the fence, shelter and driveway are required, and the Community Development Department may approve minor plan modifications. The commission closed the public comment period at 4:14 p.m. and adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.
