MOSINEE, Wis. (WSAU) — The Planning Commission for the Town of Mosinee has to decide what to allow on a piece of property owned by a mining company, but surrounded by quiet, nature loving residents.
The 160 acres of land is off of Highway KK, and is owned by Eau Claire River LLC. They would like to mine it first and then develop single-family housing after sand and gravel operation is complete. Area residents don’t like that idea at all, and packed the Town Hall to let elected officials know Monday night.
There was over two hours of occasionally-heated testimony, with a couple of residents implying the town officials are pushing to let the mining begin. Chairman Tom Meier told the crowd they do not have their minds made up.Supporters say the development would add value and bring in tax revenue from both the mining and the new housing. Opponents say it would be noisy and disruptive to the people that are already there.
Chairman Meier said, “The decision will be made and should be made by board members and a Planning Commission that looks at all aspects one way or the other, and puts things together that are for the best for the town.”
The Commission is recommending reclassifying the land in a way that would not allow mining. A final decision on the reclassification or any future development will come at a future Town Board meeting. So far, Eau Claire River LLC has not filed any plans to begin the development.