Residents and canal company flag water, access and traffic concerns on Roberts rezoning

Multiple residents and a canal‑company representative told the Planning and Zoning Commission that the 114.96‑acre rezoning request near Roberts raises unresolved infrastructure and water questions. Byron Evans, speaking for the Market Lake Canal Company, said a canal right‑of‑way dating to 1957 remains on the land and that recent statute changes have altered permitted canal and district water uses; he warned that bridges would be required to reach the northern portion of the property if developed.

Residents listed specific local impacts: Matt Wilde and David Stump said traffic on the small E 625 N road would be substantially increased and that Roberts lacks sewer and public water to support more homes; Janae Wilde and others warned of losing rural character and viable farmland. Several speakers asked for hydrological or soils studies before any rezoning or subdivision; Andrew Mickelsen said "hydrological studies should be required with Re‑zone applications of this type." The commission cited those infrastructure and agricultural‑preservation concerns in recommending denial of the rezoning application.