October,
2005
Big Foot Farms Update
In summary,
Sho-deen, Inc. wants to put 2,000 to 3,000 homes on less
than 960 acres. The Village of Walworth Planning Commission,
after 1 1/2 hours of questioning and discussion, asked
if they would develop a plan to do 500 or less homes.
David Patzelt with Sho-Deen answered “No”, the
meeting was over, and he left.
Reviewing
the main issues of the evening; Sho-Deen plan calls for
40% of the property to be held as "open space."
However, they include the 100 acres of Lake Petite and
the 125 planned acres of golf course in those 380 to 400
acres of "open space." Not a lot of land conservation
there.
Commissioner
Dave Rasmussen said that before any proposals are considered,
a full topographical workup of the property should be
done. He pointed out that 6 square miles of the area is
swamp at the bottom, that Lake Petite is an artificial
construct held back by dikes, and subject to major area
flooding. Mr. Patzelt responded that storm water can be
stored on the golf course, and eventually released.
Commission
members called for a more creative development of the
site. For example: a hotel or hunting lodge and no golf
course and/or 300 to 350 homes -- something that would
add a new dynamic element and low density to the community.
Mr. Patzelt was unresponsive, and clearly had but one
plan to sell.
The commission
asked for an impact study on the existing village, and
a rationale as to why it's to the Village's advantage
to add 900 plus acres and several thousand homes to their
current comprehensive master plan. The Village currently
anticipates 25 to 30 new homes per year already in their
pipeline for the next 7 years and does not wish to grow
any faster.
The Commissioners
also discussed that this proposal would need a substantial
comprehensive plan amendment before any specific development
plan could be considered. A member concluded that Sho-Deen
plans are "out of whack with the stated desires of
local citizens," and that "improvements to revitalize
downtown are the greater priority."
