Chimney Rocks Campground withdraws its request to rezone property to

Chimney Rocks Campground (Courtesy of Chimney Rocks Campground)

Following a lengthy public hearing on Monday morning, Chimney Rocks Campground owner Deb Keefe has withdraw a request to rezone the campground from A-1 Agriculutral to C-1 Commercial.

Keefe had wanted the rezoning so she could build three 16 foot by 16 foot cabins, add five RV pedestals, erect a quonset hut and expand the campground's convenience store.  "Cabins seem to be the perfect fit," Keefe told supervisors, saying she was looking for ways to improve her business.

But a number of neighbors appeared before Monday's public hearing held by the county board to oppose the request.  Dave Reis said the zoning change would create problems with traffic, dust, law enforcement and sewage disposal.  John Hall said the zoning change "would change the character of the area," adding, "This is a pristine area...let's preserve this gem."  Kirsten Heine noted the area already has had trouble with alcohol consumption: "Drunkenness is a huge probelm (on the river," she stated.

Supervisor Mark Kuhn said the rezoning application from Keefe was "too vague" about intended usage and supervisor Dean Thompson said he could not vote against the County Planning & Zoning Commission, which unanimously recommended turning down the application.

Keefe decided to withdraw her application so that she could meet with county zoning officials to retool her proposal.  Any new application would go before the Planning & Zoning Commission for a public hearing and board recommendation.