06/22/2021
When considering zoning changes along Highway 67 in the Village of Summit, the following points are critical to examine:
Community Worth Protecting
As of today, there are no commercial businesses south of the City of Oconomowoc line on Highway 67. Allowing businesses to change zoning within the Village of Summit would open the floodgates of commercial business development along Highway 67. Long-term citizens and new citizens move to the Village of Summit for the Lake Country lifestyle. Any commercial zoning would contradict what makes the Village of Summit the special place it is. Current Village of Summit financial reporting does not indicate desperate conditions or dire straits that would cause the need for commercial business tax revenue. The Village of Summit is a unique community that should be protected.
Traffic Issues
Highway 67 already holds a heavy traffic burden, especially given the distribution centers located just north of the Village of Summit in Oconomowoc. These trucks use Highway 67 day and night. New commercial businesses would only increase that traffic burden, particularly those with parking lots having 100+ spaces. In addition to high traffic volume, most of the new businesses would not have controlled intersections, which could cause potential hazards and life safety concerns for the Village of Summit residents.
Financial Strain on Local Economies
Some of the potential commercial businesses will offer duplicate services already available within 1-2 miles of Highway 67. There are local, homegrown businesses that will be negatively impacted by zoning changes. Let’s look out for our current neighbors and support local businesses by saying NO to commercial zoning changes within the Village of Summit.
Hazardous Material Storage
Some potential commercial developments along Highway 67 will increase the amount of salt, chemicals, fertilizer, fuels, oils and other hazardous substances in our general vicinity. When stored properly, most safety issues associated with these materials are prevented. However, many companies start with the best intentions to store these bulk materials properly, but as time goes on, some business will turn to storing these materials improperly. They will simply store them wherever they can and this does not always include the safest conditions. Let’s protect our local environment, rivers, lakes and waterways by saying NO to Commercial Zoning Changes along Highway 67 in the Village of Summit.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please tell your neighbors, family and friends. Please look for additional information and important meeting dates posted on the Facebook.
