City to annex Wal-Mart Superstore site

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Jul 02, 2002 | by Kent, Joan

The Plan Commission probably would have voted to annex property where a Wal-Mart Superstore is planned anyway.

But resident Jim Bogdan gave them even more incentive Monday when he opened a briefcase, and pulled out all manner of goodies, which he said he bought from the WalMart Superstore in Rochester, Minn.

"I would be happy to keep my business in La Crosse," he said. "I would rather shop in town."

The commission approved the annexation with little discussion. The city would like the property in the city even if there is no commercial development, Mayor John Medinger, commission chairman, said in answer to a question by Shelby Town Chairman Kathleen Kistner.

On another property issue, the commission delayed for 30 days a decision on the preliminary plat for Grandad View Dairy Farm Estates, which is planned for the former Baier Nursery property. The city and La Crosse County, as well as town of Shelby, where the property is located, must approve the plat.

"It has our money tied up," Mark Schneider, who is developing the property into housing sites with Joe Hengel, said after the vote.

They argued the decision on the plat should be based on whether their engineer has answered the city engineer's concerns.

A holding pond planned within the development will decrease the amount of storm water going into the city's sewer from the development, said Fred Hilby of La Crosse Engineering.

But City Attorney Pat Houlihan said it is legitimate for the city to consider how the development will affect the Ebner Coulee flood plain. The city is not saying the development will not be tasteful and in keeping with the area, he said. "But we are in a predicament."

Putting a pond on the former Baier property may be an alternative to buying out La Crosse Floral, which the city does not want to have to do, he said.

The City Engineering Department hopes to give the La Crosse Common Council a report on solutions to the Ebner Coulee flood plain issue in the fall, said City Engineer Randy Turtenwald.

The commission also:

* Approved a new wireless communication ordinance that emphasizes use of existing towers, monopoles and structures, or stealth facilities, and limits new towers to 75 feet.

* Agreed to grant a conditional use permit that will allow Blaschke Funeral Home to demolish a house and build a garage and parking at 403 West Ave. S. The permit includes several conditions negotiated by Blaschke officials and neighbors.

* Postponed a decision on a new on-premise sign ordinance for 30 days.