Townsend planning panel recommends dividing Luecke property and rezoning one lot to single-family

The Comprehensive Planning Commission for the Town of Townsend recommended approval April 3 of a proposed two-parcel land division for property identified in the meeting as parcel #042-29290131462 on Birchwood Lane and a rezoning of the proposed one-acre Lot 1 to Residential Single Family.

Jess Smith explained the owners, identified in the record as Brett Luecke, propose creating Lot 1 (about one acre) and Lot 2 (about two acres) with two out lots across Explosion Lake. The commission’s review found the division meets local ordinance standards and is consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan, goals and development strategies. The panel noted wetlands and a shoreline “meander” of Explosion Lake that separate portions of the property and said Out Lots 1 and 2 are designated unbuildable by Oconto County and will remain separate parcels.

Commissioners discussed a right-of-way issue on Birchwood Lane, which currently measures about 60 feet in the parcel area. To meet the town standard of 66 feet (4 rods), the owners agreed to dedicate 3 feet from each side of the affected section to the town to bring the road to the standard. The commission also concluded there are adequate public facilities to serve the proposed uses and that the proposal would not conflict with surrounding properties because the rezoned lot would match neighboring uses.

Dan DeMoulin moved to recommend approval of the land division; Dave Exferd seconded and the motion passed. Willie Evans moved to recommend rezoning Lot 1 of parcel 042-292901314B2 from Rural Residential (RR) to Rural Residential Single Family (R1); Ken Schwebke seconded and the motion passed. Both recommendations were forwarded to the Oconto County Board of Adjustment for final review and any required approvals.

The commission did not adopt additional conditions beyond the road dedication. The next planning meeting was announced for May 7, 2024, if necessary.