The Eagle River Planning Commission welcomed members of the public Jan. 8 for a hearing on whether or not the Riverside Park zoning should be changed from Parks and Recreational to Single-Two Family Residential.

The parcel in question is located on the Eagle River behind the Vilas County Fairgrounds, just north of Division Street and south of the river. It’s currently owned by the county, but since it’s located within city limits, any developments will need to follow City of Eagle River zoning and land use ordinances.

The zoning change is a step forward that would set up the county to sell the property, likely divided into 10 lots, with outlots that would remain in the possession of the county in order to retain public access to the Eagle River Chain.

While residents who spoke during the meeting and emailed comments indicated strong opposition, the commission members voted to move forward with the zoning change. Alex Forer, Brad Adamovich,  Kim Schaeffer and Adam Grassl all cast yes votes, with John Hletko as the only nay. Mary Horant was absent from the meeting. 

The decision will next move to the Eagle River City Council for approval at its Jan. 13 meeting. 

Public opposition

About 25 people attended the meeting, mostly residents in the surrounding towns of Lincoln and Washington and a few who live in the City of Eagle River, with a number expressing their opposition. One of the main arguments against the zoning change and general sale of the property is that once you sell public land for private use, you cannot get it back. Others called the decision “short-sighted,” with some asking if an environmental impact report should be done to see how the addition of more residences — and with it more boat traffic and piers on an already busy stretch of water — would affect safety, wildlife habitat, and strain on municipal services such as sewer and water.

City and county officials present at the meeting pushed back, saying that the property is vastly underutilized, and that selling it would help add much-needed revenue to the tax roll.

Bill Marshall was one of those who spoke in opposition, saying that while he didn’t refute the land owned by the county is underutilized, he also didn’t think that meant it should be sold. “Once it’s sold, there is no turning back.”

Lynn Petruzates said she “just felt offended” when she learned of the plan to rezone and sell off the park land. “I think it’s going to be a bad look for the city and county.” 

Nan Andrews sent in an email comment calling the proposal “a permanent solution to a temporary funding problem.”

Melissa Deal, a resident nearby the park, said she walks her dog down the entire stretch through Riverview and Riverside parks every day in the summer. “It’d just break my heart if you took that away … We love it. It’s important to us.”

Annette Numrich, the former chairperson for Artarama art fair that was held annually at Riverside Park, called it a “beautiful setting.” 

“I’d hate to see it used for luxury housing when we know that Eagle River needs housing that is affordable for people that work here,” she added.

Nancy Moriarty, who resides by the former Lake Forest Golf Course, shared her experience living about a block away from the development that took the place of the former golf course, saying the land has been “pretty much raped of most of its trees.”

“I find that offensive… and I just strongly urge you not to change the zoning on this, but if you do, I hope to goodness you put some restrictions into place on how the building or development of the property moves forward,” Moriarty said.

Continuing funding issues

County Board Chairman Jerry Burkett, who was in attendance Jan. 8 to answer questions and address concerns, had originally introduced the idea of selling the Riverside Park property as a way to help the county and city pay their bills. 

Speaking to the fact that levy increases are limited by the state, paired with rising costs, Burkett said this sale is one of the only ways the county can raise income.

“You cannot pay your bills if you have no money,” Burkett said. “In 2026, we have a need coming up. We cannot sustain our level of spending, and we are bare bones (referring to the county budget).”

Burkett said he’s been over to Riverside Park “probably 50 times” over an extended time period and has very rarely seen anyone utilizing the space. Members of the planning commission as well as those in the audience agreed that the space currently is vastly underutilized.

One way to increase revenue in order to pay for necessary services is to add to the tax roll, which turning unused public park land to residential housing would do. 

Commission member Kim Schaeffer said the zoning change and eventual sale of the property was the most responsible way to develop the area. It was also noted at the meeting that the minimum width lot in Eagle River is 60 feet, but the proposed plat lots are significantly wider than the minimum. “We could easily have 18 homes, but it’s down to 10 homes,” she said.

“It’s being responsible to have development in the area but not overdevelop it to provide a tax base. The county is gonna get the money from the sale of the lots, but then these lots are actually city of Eagle River land,” Schaeffer explained. “The improvements will be taxed, so that will be City of Eagle River dollars. But then a portion of the tax is what the county receives; a portion goes to Nicolet College, a portion goes to the school district. It’s not like we get the full benefit of the taxes — it’s split up among everybody.”

Debbie Brown, mayor of Eagle River, reiterated that the state’s imposed levy limits “put us in a chokehold” when it comes to city budgeting. She floated the idea of having an impact study on the property, citing storm water issues as one of her concerns.

“I just think we need a set of professional eyes on this to bring other things to light that we aren’t even thinking of,” she said.

Burkett also referenced an accusation made during the public hearing portion of the meeting and during previous talks on the possible sale that he would personally benefit from the sale due to his involvement in local real estate. 

“The parcel will be sold on an auction site, which means no commission,” Burkett stated. “It pains me, the people who think I’m doing this so I can gain commission. It’s never gonna happen.” 

Burkett commented to those concerned about losing green space within the city that they could feel free to purchase the lots and do with them as they please.

“If you want to keep the green space, grab five of your friends and buy the five lots. Maintain it. There, green space,” Burkett said. “The county is running into a fiscal crisis. And it isn’t for an abundance of spending. It’s because we cannot tax.”

The Eagle River City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, starting at 6 p.m. at city hall.