Trustees table rezoning, conditional-use permit after residents protest proposed church and housing project

The Denton Village Board on Sept. 8, 2025 unanimously tabled decisions on a developer's request to rezone several parcels and a conditional-use permit that would allow a church on a roughly 6.13-acre site.

William Jefferies, speaking for Linda's Retirement LLC, asked the board to rezone one parcel from TA to RE and three other parcels from TA to R-1, saying the change would permit "different options for the R1 zone and a possible future church." Supporters at the hearing included Father Craig Doty of St. Mary's Church and an adjacent property owner, Tim Stewart.

Dozens of residents spoke in opposition. Speakers raised concerns about impacts on nearby agricultural land, potential tax effects and the scale and design of the proposed development. The clerk reported a petition submitted during the meeting with roughly 13 signatures from property owners within 300 feet—about 60% of landowners in that radius—which the village attorney said would trigger the need for a super-majority vote under Article 11.01 of the Denton Zoning Ordinance.

Trustee Amanda Fangmeier moved to table the rezoning request for the 6.13-acre parcel; Trustee Ryan Osborn seconded, and the board voted unanimously to delay the matter until a meeting with a full board. The board took the same action on the R-1 rezoning for the three parcels and on a separate conditional-use permit under Ordinance 5.06.03.3 that would specifically allow churches, temples and related residences on the 6.13-acre site. Jefferies said developers are discussing a transfer of the parcel to the Lincoln Diocese and requested waivers related to easements and lagoon removal.

Because a super-majority is required and a number of nearby property owners formally protested, trustees said they would revisit the proposals at a future meeting when all trustees are present. No formal approvals or denials were recorded at the Sept. 8 session.