Josephson's Rezoning Approved - P.C. to "Hold Off" on Other Decisions

At tonight's regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting, the Commission:

(1) Heard comment relative to the rezoning of 627 Pabst Street, 119 Hibbert Street, 123 Hibbert Street, and 127 Hibbert Street from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential). The rezoning is necessary to pave the way for Josephson's Nursing Home to expand their facility. This expansion will create nearly 40 new jobs in the Ironwood area.

There was only one comment made to City Manager, Scott Erickson, he said, and "It was positive!" It was from a neighbor of the facility and they were all for the project.

At tonight's public hearing, Mayor Bruce Noren and Ayer Street resident Robert Rhyner both made positive comments regarding the expansion.

There were NO comments against the project from anyone in attendance. The Commission unanimously agreed to rezone the property.

(2) Postponed action on Case No. 07-16-Marvin E. Marks, 501 Wilson Street, Property Code 2752-14-454-070, rezoning of the property from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to C-3 Commercial. The issue was tabled at the last meeting.

After discussing the issue, the Commission decided to postpone any action on rezoning the property until they address the rezoning of the entire area. The Commission's long-term plans include rezoning of the entire block. By postponing any action, the City now has the opportunity and the time to contact other property owners to propose rezoning of all of the property on the block.

(3) Reconsider use of City-owned Ayer Street Property (master plan and zoning of the property).

Before the Commission discussed the issue, Mayor Noren suggested to the Commission that no action on the property AT THIS TIME might be the best plan of attack. He went on to say that it would be in the City's best interest to wait and see what kind of traffic pattern develops along Ayer Street once Wal-Mart opens.

Jerry Pisani, who wants to purchase a portion of the open land to build a storage facility, asked what kind of time frame the Commission was looking at to make their decision.

Commissioner Mark Fitting stated that two out-of-town developers were interested in the property and that their proposed projects would create several jobs.

City Commissioner, Bob Burchell asked Mr. Pisani if the City had other properties that could be considered for his project. He said no. He went on to say that Pat Merrill suggested several parcels, but nothing was suitable for his needs.

The Commission voted to postpone any action on the property until after Wal-Mart opens, and once traffic flow studies were fully conducted.

Mr. Pisani was told that it would be a minimum of six months before the City could consider dividing and selling the property.

(4) Passed over two agenda items due to the fact that Mr. Pat Merrill was gone and no replacement has been made for his position. The items were: (a) Project updates, and (b) discussion of the Comprehensive Plan - December - Local Units.

(5) Finally, the Commission discussed the possibility of rescheduling their January meeting. The meeting is scheduled for January 2, 2008, the day after New Year's Day.

It was decided that it would be best to have the meeting as scheduled.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Robert Rhyner complimented the Commission on doing a good job in regards to the Ayer Street Property. He stated that waiting to see the impact Wal-Mart has on Ayer Street traffic was a wise move.

Commission Chairperson, John Wyssling discussed developments in the downtown. He told the Commission about two new small businesses that would be locating (or relocating) there, and he also mentioned the re-0pening of Constantini's furniture in April. Before ending the meeting, Mr. Wyssling went on to compliment Dan's Antiques for the fine job he is doing with his Aurora Street business.

Mayor Bruce Noren complimented the DIDA (Downtown Ironwood Development Authority) for their actions, and he also complimented City Manager, Scott Erickson for the "Priority" Workshop he held with the Authority at their last meeting.

To hear the entire Ironwood City Planning Commission meeting [CLICK HERE].