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Controversy Ends As OC Adopts Comprehensive Plan

wisconline.com

After more than three years of sometimes heated debate, the Oneida county board has adopted a comprehensive land use plan. The vote was 20-1.

The plan is mandated by the state. The county adopted a plan having the 20 town plans and the city of Rhinelander compose the core, known as a "bottom up" approach. The plan gives local officials a blueprint to determine future land use.

Bill Liebert from Rhinelander and Newbold said planning could drive up local land prices beyond the ability to pay. He says Madison is an example...

"...and what it's done is driven up the cost of land so high that an individual cannot afford to buy land unless it's part of a subdivision that's pre-planned..."

Several speakers spoke against a map detailing potential endangered species. While the map is for reference only, the map was deleted from the overall plan to avoid possible future problems.

Town of Schoepke chair Dick Dvorak said overall, the plan was fair to the towns...

"....you also made statements in the plan that developed the concept that the towns local land use plans are primary..."

Committee chair Gary Baier said the long process enabled a better document, giving each entity a chance to participate...

"....a little bit more time(to examine the issues)...allowing the towns to come and express their views and what's going on in their towns and I think we're ready to bring this forward...."

Oneida was one of the last counties in the state to complete the plan.

Supervisor Jerry Shidell was the lone no  vote, saying he opposes any state-mandated process on the local citizens.

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