Neillsville City Council Approves Change of Lot Designations
Thursday, March 26th, 2020 -- 8:37 AM
-The Neillsville City Council held a public hearing regarding the changing of two parcels of city property from single family to multi-family at their meeting on Tuesday.Even with the Governor’s “Safer at Home” Order, people were still allowed to attend the meeting or they could watch it on the city’s cable channel. If any member of the public wanted to speak on the item, they could call in during the meeting to offer their opinion. The owner of the property has an offer to purchase the lots and they will be converted to multi-family housing. One resident in attendance stated she spoke with the owner, Mark Lisenby, and he is a very good landlord and this is a very good thing for the city. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that this public hearing was published in the Clark County Press and property owners within 300 feet have been notified. Flynn stated that due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Emergency Restrictions, Mark Lisenby is not present tonight, but he is available by telephone if needed. Flynn also read a letter of support from Richard Schleifer.
Flynn also read a letter from Beth Darst, Darst Appraisal and owner of Black River Lodges, stating that the public hearing should have been cancelled in light of Governor Evers order that the public should stay home. She said it is lucky to find someone interested in the property, but she’s concerned that if the zoning change is made, what stops it from being subsidized or lower scale housing. It will be new and fresh at first, but after a few years the situation may change as Neillsville is not high income area and they will rent to whomever is available. She said neighbors will have constantly changing people next door and this will affect the market ability and ultimately values of their homes. Flynn then read a letter of support from Diane Renne. Renne stated that she has talked to Lisenby Propertie and they plan to develop 40 apartment units, units will be either 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms.
Flynn stated that Lisenby Properties contracts out for lawn care and snow removal services and has a regular maintenance crew. They also have no plans to go low income housing. The council then approved the change. Later, during the Communications portion of the meeting, Mayor Glassbrenner responded to the public hearing comment, that the public hearing should have been cancelled. The public hearing was legal, the Governor’s order was reviewed, comments have been accepted by telephone, email, regular mail and in person and, with the Clerk’s office help, the meeting room was set up for phone in comments.
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