Proposal to rezone property along the Upper Iowa River near Bluffton draws controversy

The property in question is in the area of the green lines, while Bluffton is at the lower left corner (Map courtesy of Beacon Software)

Opposition has arisen to a proposal to rezone a tract of land on Chimney Rock Road near Bluffton.

Wayne Mashek is asking that the property between 3294 Chimney Rock Road and 3306 Chimney Rock Road be changed from an agricultural zoning category to R-2 residential.

County Board member Dean Thompson said it would be "a complete mistake" to approve the zoning change, since it could unravel steps that have been taken to protect the land along the Upper Iowa River.  "Once it (rezoning) begins, where does it end?" he asked fellow supervisors Monday.

Supervisor John Beard agreed with Thompson, concluding, "I don't see any reason to make an exception."

But supervisor Mark Kuhn noted that the County Planning & Zoning Commission was unanimous in its approval of the zoning change and he urged the county board to vote the same way.

Supervisors could not reach an agreement on the issue--so another public hearing will be held next Monday morning.