Bridge Creek shares details on proposed move to county zoning

BRIDGE CREEK, Wis. (WEAU) - At an open house Wednesday, the town of Bridge Creek is sharing details on a proposed move to county zoning.

That’s a change that could bring new rules and regulations to a previously un-zoned town.

Town officials say they want to avoid what they call land-use conflicts, making sure that everyone has a say on what kinds of things can be built in their neighborhoods.

This comes as Wisconsin becomes a hotspot for AI Data Center construction, raising concerns about large development’s pollution and energy use.

But not all Bridge Creek residents are happy with the proposal.

“We had a meeting two weeks ago, and they took a vote on it. All the people were at the annual meeting, and it was 154 to 28 against the zoning coming in. We just don’t need the red tape,” said Gary Lone, Lifelong resident, Bridge Creek.

Many residents like Gary are concerned that more regulation will prevent them from constructing on their private land. He says it feels like the town isn’t considering their thoughts and that the board is trying to rush changes through.

The town board disagrees. They say they are taking the process slowly, making sure every resident understands the pros and cons of county zoning.

“We’re trying to make sure that we use our resources wisely moving forward to the future,” said Ricky Strauch, Town Chairman, Bridge Creek.

“And that’s a big thing, y’know, saving it for the future generations to come. Right, that’s, we have a plan moving forward. So, it isn’t just day by day we’re doing this, we got a 10-year plan laid out,” said Carol Peuse, Chairman, Exploring Zoning Committee, Bridge Creek.

No hearing for the proposal has been scheduled or planned. Another open house on the subject will be held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Bridge Creek Annex.