Residents urge board to pause Smokies Crossing plan, cite spot zoning, traffic and wildlife concerns

Residents packed the Kewaskum board chamber to protest the Smokies Crossing concept, saying the plan's hotel and sports complex would be "spot zoning" that threatens property values and safety. "You guys have not kept us informed," resident Jess Guy told trustees, saying her listing fell 10% after the conceptual rendering was released and that she would consult an attorney.

Other neighbors raised related concerns about public notice and closed-door discussions. "Nobody wants that," Darlene Walls said of the hotel proposal, while Sandy Russ called it "the biggest development in Washington County" and said the village provided little outreach beyond the website. Several speakers also warned of traffic and school impacts: Tom Macklatan asked whether traffic studies had been done for intersections at Highways 28 and 45 and Old Fond Du Lac Road, and Sarah Cowles asked whether the school district had assessed capacity and whether administrators had been consulted.

Environmental and wildlife questions were also raised. Resident Allen Ever said he had contacted DNR and federal wildlife officials and reported three eagle nests near the site, noting protective distances and breeding timing. Tammy, the interim administrator, told the board the developer has completed an environmental review and the preliminary plat is under final engineering review; she said the developer has submitted materials to the Department of Administration and received conditional DOT approval for a proposed intersection, and that formal public hearing notices would be mailed to properties within 200 feet at the zoning‑amendment stage.

Trustees did not take immediate action on the development at the meeting; several residents said they will return for future hearings and asked the board to slow the process and increase transparency.