Cornell City Council; Twin homes rapidly gaining popularity

Cornell City Council president Steve Turany (left) and council member Terry Smith pore over what is on-hand June 1, in regard to twin homes. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

There are single family homes and there are duplexes, but what about twin homes? That’s a question that the Cornell City Council couldn’t answer at their regular meeting June 1.

Twin homes are of a duplex in origin, but each unit is separately owned, instead of renting. Since there is no setback of the dividing wall between the dwelling, some kind of ordinance is needed, clarifying the matter.

A potential developer is interested in the twin home concept at the available Brunet Estates.

“There’re a lot of people building twin homes now,” said council member Terry Smith.

The city’s attorney has drafted an ordinance, which will be looked over by the Planning Commission.

“It’s a thing that’s getting very popular,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh. “It could be a nice starter home for somebody or it could be somebody that has more property than they want to take care of…downsizing and so forth.”

Members did approve a certified survey map, provided by Ayres, for the paper products company, on property currently owned by Mulehide Mfg. The company is transitioning to new ownership and wants to subdivide the parcel in question, into three sections.

“It will give them the ability to do whatever with those, without being part of the main plant,” said DeJongh.

Also approved, was a certified survey map for Walter and Tammy Black, at the airport, with a 15-foot easement to provide access to the public city right-of-way “They’re looking at dividing the parcel off,” said De-Jongh.

They also approved a proposal from Monarch Paving Company, for $33,294, for street overlays in areas that need it, but are not on the schedule for repaving in the near future.

“They’re looking all over town,” said DeJongh. With the annual renewal of liquor licenses for establishments that sell alcohol, DeJongh brought up a request from the Wisconsin Veteran Farm Winery, that the council remove the restriction of only selling beer in the winery’s area allowing it to be served on the entire five acres.

“I talked with Glenn (Rehberg, police chief) and he thinks it could be an enforcement issue,” said DeJongh.

It was pointed out by several council members, that the state originally did not recommend that and that other tavern owners have to have an enclosed outdoor area to serve alcohol.

“Keep it confined,” said council member Floyd Hickethier.