Supervisors table proposal for private grass landing strip after neighbors raise safety, wildlife and noise concerns

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors recessed a hearing Tuesday on a proposed rezoning that would allow a private grass landing strip on about 12.86 acres at 6410 Lauren Butler Road, after nearby residents raised safety, wildlife and property‑value concerns.

Joseph Gman, planning staff, told the board the applicant was seeking the zoning change "to be able to put a grass landing strip across this property," and noted FAA and overhead utility issues could require future mitigation or costs to the applicant.

Why it matters: Residents who live adjacent to the parcel said the landing strip would bring aircraft noise and endanger waterfowl and other wildlife that use nearby wetlands. Several speakers said they also feared fence and access changes would affect farming operations and hunting habitat.

Local residents voiced objections directly. Jerry Rowling, who said he lives about 300 yards south of the proposed strip, told the board, "We are opposing it from the standpoint of for us noise" and raised concerns about fences, gates and deer on the site. David Aerson, a third‑generation farmer nearby, said the land contains ponds and wetlands used by migratory birds and said a landing strip could "ruin that as far as the noise and everything."

Supervisors probed both planning and practical questions: whether takeoffs and landings would require utility-line relocation, whether the strip could be used in both directions, and whether the purchaser was the current owner or a prospective buyer. Joseph Gman said the zoning condition would require the surface remain grass and that, if FAA or utility concerns exist, the applicant would be required to comply with FAA requirements or to pay for utility changes.

Board members said they wanted more information and the chance to hear directly from the prospective buyer. "I have a hard time proving something that is not by the property owner," one committee member said during the discussion. Another board member, who identified himself as Chris, said he was prepared to vote against the rezoning today: "I'm going to vote it down." Several supervisors said they preferred to either visit the site in person or invite the prospective owner to provide more detail before deciding.

The board voted to recess and table the hearing for further fact‑finding and outreach to affected neighbors and the proposed purchaser. The motion carried on a roll call with the members present voting in favor. No final rezoning action was taken; the matter will return to the board after staff follow‑up.

What’s next: The board asked planning staff to gather additional information, coordinate site visits, and ensure the prospective applicant and nearby landowners have an opportunity to speak at the next hearing.

Sources: Board hearing and public comment at the May 12, 2026 Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors meeting.