Posted by River1924 on March 12, 2006, at 2:51:42
Hi, this is my first post in the politics section of this site. I hope this post is appropriate.
A developer, David Patzelt/ShodeenDevelopment Corp. has bought a great deal of farm land between my city of Elkhorn Wisconsin and the city of Delavan. The area is an unincorporated town which is also called Delavan. IF the township does not approve the development plan, the developer will approach my city of Elkhorn or the city of Delavan. To be honest, I don't really understand the process.
A local paper says "With... 6000 dwelling units... could increase the population of the Town of Delavan [Wisconsin] to near 20,000 [from the current 4600.] The plan includes... retail stores, restaurants... a hotel, golf course, marina, fire station, school... over a period of thirty years."
I find this creepy. Like a Disney-brand city. Is that just reactionary? The developer says "growth is inevitable... Do we let it run over us or do we control it and work with it... to create a wonderful place to live." I think all this development will change or destroy the rural quality that is left. I just imagine traffic and crime and everything becoming more expensive.
Right now, I live in Elkhorn Wisconsin, a small city of 7300. Recent growth in Elkhorn (and the nearby city of Delavan) has made both downtowns irrelevant. After much of the recent growth in Elkhorn, it was discovered corruption existed between a construction company and the mayor. Both Elkhorn and Delavan require a car to shop or buy groceries. Big box stores are taking over on the edge of the city of Delavan. Still, overall, I live in in a quiet and rural area. I’d like it to remain that way. Is that impossible? I’m sure the nature of the area will change. I am not sure if that is good.
The developer has done this before in a place called Mill Run in Illinois and near the city of Elgin in Illinois. Perhaps, the developer is correct.
Regardless, I'd like to slow this process down until I can comprehend it. Who do I complain to before this plan is accepted by the neighboring town or one of the cities? Is there anything I can do? How should I understand the new development?
Is it good or bad? Thanks, River.
poster:River1924
thread:619211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060304/msgs/619211.html