Repair shop at reservoir approved by planning commission
Business may provide rental of water craft
Staff reporter
A car and boat repair shop business was approved Thursday by Marion County Planning Commission.
Michael Wheeler and Charla Wheeler had applied for a permit to be able to service and repair electronic and mechanical motorized vehicles, and storage and rental of recreational vehicles near the west entrance of Marion Reservoir.
The location would be on a home site on Nighthawk Road just north of U.S.-56. A road to the east of that area is the entrance to Hillsboro Cove at the reservoir.
Charla Wheeler said her son Michael would like to return to Marion County. Plans are to purchase and make improvements to the house and buildings.
Wheeler said Michael would like to provide repair services to reservoir visitors that will enhance the use of the reservoir.
Michael Wheeler said the house needed a lot of work so it would be a year or more before he would start a business. Prior to purchasing the property, the Wheelers wanted to obtain the permit that would allow the operation of the business.
A 40'x80' metal Quonset building would be used for repairs and storage of recreational equipment.
A local contractor had inspected the house and determined the structure was sound and worthy of improvements.
Michael Wheeler will be able to complete most of the work himself.
The Wheelers were led to believe the property was zoned commercial but then discovered it was not.
All equipment and vehicles would be stored inside buildings.
Michael Wheeler said he also planned to have vending machines to sell beverages and snacks.
Three residents from that area were present at the meeting. Commission chairman Eileen Sieger also read a petition from five homeowners in the area who were against the business because it would ruin their scenic view, be hard on the county road, and be a safety hazard for children riding bikes on the county road.
Paula Emerson, who lives north of the proposed business, said she and others have been concerned about children's safety on Nighthawk Road near the curve due to visibility. She stated drivers have to slow down to avoid hitting pedestrians in that area.
She said campers already were using the road and it was deteriorating. She had requested signs from the county to reduce the speed limit or warning of children at play but was told it could not be enforced so signs were not erected.
Harry Friesen said he was concerned about the commercial business being located across the road from him.
"Canada already has parking spaces for recreational vehicles," Friesen said. "Our area is residential."
He said he didn't understand the need for campers and the area to be commercialized.
Millie Friesen asked if the business could be located at Marion's Industrial Park to serve both lakes.
Michael Wheeler said he was planning to improve their area by making renovations to the property.
He said he also has had contact with Warren Kreutziger who provides recreational storage in Canada. Kreutziger is in support of additional storage space for water craft and campers.
Wheeler said he also plans to remove junk truck parts and beds. He added his business would be only for those needing repairs and did not plan to have constant traffic.
It was clarified to the residents that Wheeler would not have any parts, vehicles, or storage outside of the buildings.
Commissioner Bob Maxwell asked if the driveway to the house and business could be moved south of the current entrance. In doing so, traffic would enter the property before the curve, reducing concerns of pedestrians on the curve.
Michael Wheeler said he would be willing to pay for the construction of a new driveway with a culvert.
Emerson said the driveway would be on the state's right- of-way if it was located in that area.
David Brazil, county zoning administrator, said it would be possible for a private driveway to be constructed off the county or state right-of-way.
Millie Friesen asked if the driveway could be from U.S.-56. She was informed the state requires minimum footage between exits and this exit would be too close to Nighthawk Road.
Commissioner Mary Avery suggested the county road department be contacted regarding a new driveway and right-of-way issues.
Maxwell said he would like to have a business in that area without compromising the lifestyle of the residents.
Brazil reminded the commission a conditional use permit had been issued several years prior for a commercial business just east of the proposed site.
"There's traffic already there," said commissioner David Mueller. He agreed a new driveway may alleviate traffic concerns.
The application was approved and will be recommended for approval by Marion County Commission in a few weeks. The conditions of the permit are no outside storage except vending machines and recreational vehicles that are for sale, work with county road department for a different driveway access, and extended the permit time for development of the business from six months to 18.
