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Thorp alder raises zoning and parking concerns for Kamz Investments; owners propose adding parking and a $10,000 contribution
Summary
Alderperson Abramczak questioned whether offices operated by Kamz Investments on W. Stanley Street comply with the city’s home-occupation rules and cited parking congestion on W. Prospect. Property owners Mitch Rice and Jeff Riger said no one resides at the office, described client-use rooms and pledged to add parking and possibly contribute $10,000 toward a lot.
At the May 11 City of Thorp council meeting Alderperson Abramczak raised zoning and parking concerns related to Kamz Investments’ office on W. Stanley Street, saying staff and client vehicles are creating congestion on W. Prospect Street near Oakbrook Health and Rehab.
Abramczak said the business’ operations may not fit the city’s home‑occupation ordinance and questioned whether the property was in compliance. Building Inspector Bob Christensen told council he needed more information about the property to determine whether it met zoning requirements.
Owners Mitch Rice and Jeff Riger responded that the W. Stanley office has three or possibly four rooms available for client emergencies and is used by staff but is not a residence. They said the backyard lot can hold up to 10 cars and that they expect to add more parking spaces within a month. Rice suggested building diagonal parking in the boulevard in front of Oakbrook Health and Rehab that could add 12–15 spaces if the land were available.
Rice offered that if the city owned the parcel near Oakbrook and constructed a parking lot, Kamz Investments would contribute $10,000 toward the project. Council directed staff to check surveying costs and ownership of the land and bring the information back to a future meeting.
The discussion noted that Kamz Investments is seeking to grow in Thorp and is evaluating other properties in the city. No formal enforcement action was taken; the Building Inspector will investigate compliance and council will revisit parking options after staff returns with survey and ownership information.
