Some of you may know that the DNR has owned property south of the curve of Co. Ro. 11 where it goes from north to east near Schafer Lake. The property consisted of two parcels of approximately 39 acres and 25 acres. The city had wanted to acquire these properties when the DNR considered them surplus but the state no longer will donate properties to other governmental units. There intention was to sell the property.
Several years past they has set a minimum value and tried to auction off the parcels. The value was apparently too high for a minimum bid so the property did not sell. After a few more years hoping to sell the property, the DNR reestablished a value that was considerably lower than previously established. The auction date came and went with no one bidding on the property. After that date the minimum established price becomes the purchase price for anyone interested in buying the property. This spring the 25 acre parcel sold.
The property was zoned Public as it was DNR property but to use the property by a buyer requires the rezoning to another designation. The intended use was residential so after a public hearing the Planning Commission had recommended the property be rezoned to Wooded Residential.
After the property owner and the DNR closed on the property, the property could be rezoned as recommended. The City Council at their May meeting rezoned the property. There are no immediate plans for construction of a residence on this parcel but we will see some changes when the property owners plans become current.
