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Eagle River council approves rezoning of Riverside Park over broad public opposition
Summary
After extensive public comment urging preservation, the Common Council approved Ordinance 601 to rezone Riverside Park to R‑2 and Resolution 1072 approving a 10‑lot preliminary plat with two outlots; the vote was 2‑1 with one abstention. Petitioners and dozens of residents had urged delay and impact studies.
The Eagle River Common Council voted Jan. 13 to rezone Riverside Park from Park/Recreation to Single and Two‑Family Residential and approved a preliminary plat for 10 lots with two outlots, prompting sharp public reaction.
Mayor Deb Brown presided as residents and written commenters — including a petition presented to the Planning Commission with 577 signatures — urged the council to oppose any sale or rezoning, request environmental and fiscal impact studies, and explore alternatives to selling public riverfront land. Robin Ginner, city staff, provided a handout clarifying what matters the council would consider at the meeting.
Vilas County Chair Jerry Burkett, representing the petitioner, told the council Vilas County faces fiscal pressure and that any county sale would be conducted via Wisconsin Surplus Auction and require a two‑thirds county board vote. Burkett said roughly 50% of property in the city is tax‑exempt and urged attendees to contact state officials about levy limits.
Council members split over whether the rezoning is compatible with the city comprehensive plan and whether an impact study was needed. Councilmember Kim Schaffer and Councilmember Dan Dumas voted in favor, citing sewer access, lot sizes limited to single‑ and two‑family housing, and potential tax base benefits. Councilmember Vic Washelesky voted no, saying the change is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and raised concerns about infrastructure impacts. Jerry Burkett abstained from the council vote because he appeared as Vilas County’s representative.
The motions carried on roll call: Ayes — Schaffer, Dumas; Nay — Washelesky; Abstain — Burkett. Following the vote the council recessed for five minutes.
During public comment, residents and stakeholders repeatedly called for a comprehensive impact assessment before any rezoning or sale; concerns included loss of waterfront open space, environmental impacts on the river and shoreline, traffic and parking at event times, and insufficient analysis of longer‑term fiscal effects. Several commenters suggested alternatives such as improving park use, pursuing other revenue sources, or structuring any future sale so portions remain public.
Mayor Brown reiterated that Riverside is county‑owned and that the City cannot prevent Vilas County from selling county property; she said she would like an impact study to inform future decisions and noted that levy limits constrain the city's revenue options.
The council’s approvals change the city zoning designation and accept a preliminary plat; they do not transfer county ownership or complete a sale. Vilas County would still need to decide whether to pursue a sale and follow county procedures, including a county board vote if applicable.
The council did not schedule further action on the parcel at this meeting; residents asking for postponement were told county decisions and additional procedural steps would determine next steps.
