Sturgeon Bay, WI
Proposed Build-Out: Supercenter
Primary Website: http://www.doorcountycompass.org/
Door County Residents for Fair Enterprise (DCRFE) are trying to stop urban sprawl and big box development in the areas surrounding the City of Sturgeon Bay, WI.
DCRRE is working to protect the community from two reoccurring proposals for annexation—one submitted on behalf of Wal-Mart and the other for another suspected big-box development. One of the two annexation proposals is currently moving forward. After negotiating a development agreement in closed session, the City has received Plan Commission recommendation to annex 70 acres for suspected big-box development. DCRFE, with Midwestern Environemental Advocates’ help, submitted an Open Meetings Law complaint addressing the string of questionable Council and Finance Committee sessions that allowed the City Council to set up the annexation deal without the community’s knowledge. Additionally, MEA submitted a letter regarding the legal framework for annexation decisions. DCRFE and MEA are concerned that the City is attempting to annex property for big-box development in opposition to the Comprehensive Plan recommendation and without public involvement.
Recently, DCRFE’s hard work has been paying off. The Plan Commission seems to be recognizing the need to protect the community from big-box sprawl. The Commission has begun the task of amending the big-box ordinance to add impact studies and a potential size cap. MEA attended the May 17, 2006 Plan Commission meeting where fiscal impact study requirements were approved and a size cap received new-found acceptance. The Plan Commission has stated its commitment to the Comprehensive Plan, which discourages big-box development, and will continue its overhaul of the big-box ordinance to address community concerns. DCRFE hopes that that with continued community support the Plan Commission will continue its thoughtful approach and the City Council will hear the message—Plan in the public’s interest, follow the Comprehensive Plan and protect Sturgeon Bay from oversized big-box developments!
