The application for the Iola Car Show sand mine was denied on Wednesday, May 10, by the Town of Scandinavia Board and is now headed to Waupaca County Planning and Zoning for a final decision.
Greg Ambrosius, a landowner near the proposed sand mine, addressed the town board.
“First of all, I’d like to thank Gary Marx and the members of the Town of Scandinavia Planning Commission for doing a very thorough evaluation of the three questions on the Recommendation Form. I think you went above and beyond in your research and preparation to reach your final conclusion and we respect and honor your decision to deny the permit application to Faulks Bros. and the Iola Car Show.
“Nothing else needs to be said from our side as I think you presented a very legal explanation of why each question should be answered NO. You made a very convincing decision based on the law and the facts are that the proximity of the proposed sand mine is too close to area homes, it’s in PVRF zoned land, it’s not in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and it’s not in compliance with the Scandinavia Goals and Objectives in the Comprehensive Plan. Nothing changed in the last week and nothing will change in the next two months.
“We ask the Town Board to see the facts presented by the Planning Commission and also reject this permit application. It still is not in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and should be rejected.
“Your decision is so legally sound that it will hold up at the local level, at the county level and even at the state level. If we have to argue our position in front of the Waupaca County Zoning Commission, we will do so using all of your arguments for rejecting the permit. The law is the law and there is “substantial evidence” as referenced in Act 67 that this permit is in no way compliant with the law and especially not in compliance with the Town of Scandinavia Comprehensive Plan.
“Honestly, after tonight’s decision, I hope both parties realize that the time for healing is RIGHT NOW. It’s time to mend the divide in our community, prepare for the 51st anniversary of the Iola Car Show this July and stop this fight over this permit. I’ve asked the Iola Car Show Board to consider that. Nothing will be gained over the next two months hoping for a better resolution. It’s time to heal as a community. I’ll even buy the beers after this meeting if you would consider that and we can work together to mend the fences and work together this July to put on the biggest and best Iola Car Show ever. Continuing this fight makes no sense at all. Thank you.”
For the full story of the meeting, read the FOX 11 News story here.