Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
The Shawano Plan Commission on Monday recommended approval of a special exception to the zoning code that would allow for a major redevelopment of the United Cooperative feed mill.
The facility at 660 E. Seward St. also borders East Green Bay Street on the north and extends south about four blocks to Center Street.
United Cooperative plans an extensive redevelopment of the site that would include tearing down and replacing some of the existing buildings, remodeling office, warehouse and fertilizer storage space, and adding grain bins and a feed manufacturing facility.
The proposal goes to the Common Council for consideration Wednesday night.
Several neighbors turned out for a public hearing before the Plan Commission on Monday: some with logistical questions about how such things as traffic and water drainage would be addressed, some with mixed feelings, and one outright opposed.
“This kind of property should not be in the middle of the city,” said Sally Baumann, who said her home is close enough to the property for her to be awakened by the roar of trucks at 6 a.m.
Mike Eidahl questioned what might happen to property values in the area, but also conceded the redevelopment would be a significant improvement over what is there now.
“It’s not a great looking place now, I think you’d agree with that,” he said.
Amy Bluemke said the condition of the property has attracted vandalism and “kids hanging out” in the area.
“I applaud you guys for doing something and tearing down those old buildings,” she told company officials.
Bluemke was concerned, however, about truck traffic proposed to exit the facility on Center Street, near a park heavily frequented by children.
Steve Cramer, president and chief executive officer of United Cooperative, said the facility has about 12 to 15 trucks coming through a day, which could grow to 20 in the future. The facility also plans to bring in additional grain by rail.
Cramer said the redesigned traffic pattern at the site should alleviate some of the neighbors’ noise concerns. He said idling trucks could also be stationed away from the facility’s residential borders.
That was one of the conditions the Plan Commission attached to its recommended approval Monday.
Other conditions include requiring United Cooperative to submit a water drainage and landscaping plan and work with the city and the facility’s neighbors to guarantee access to private property that would otherwise be closed off.
The cooperative’s plan includes closing East Schurz Street and East Division Street at the points where those streets enter the United Cooperative property.
The city’s planning consultant, Mike Slavney of Vandewalle and Associates, recommended approval.
“I think this is a real opportunity to address an operation that’s going on now that could be made better,” he said.
Plan Commission member Dave Passehl, who had earlier raised questions about whether it was the appropriate location for such an operation, cast the sole no vote.