Cadott Village Board - Corner lot getting built up for development
By Ginna Young
They may have sold their business to Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda, but Chilson’s Corner Motors is still in Cadott, in spirit and in body. Chilson’s continues to own the lot on the corner of Cty. Hwy. X and State Hwy. 27, but it needs work before any development can take place.
“It sits in a low spot,” said Mark Erickson, with Everyday Engineering, at a Cadott Village Board meeting March 4.
Because of the extra material that is hauled out of the in-progress Kwik Trip site, the Chilsons plan to use that to elevate their corner up-to-grade.
“We are not building structures, we’re not even putting any improvements down,” said Erickson.
The project simply includes stripping out the black dirt, filling the site, then putting restoration measures back down for a “placeholder,” in the event someone wants to construct a building there in the future. In order to ensure they had the correct dimensions in mind for the space, Everyday Engineering mimicked the old Chilson building.
“We had to start with something as a basis,” said Erickson.
Prior to seeking board approval, the Chilsons met with the Planning Commission, but the only real concern was that the power company pointed out they cannot put dirt beneath the wires, and must maintain a 16-foot clearance between the lowest line and the ground, around that pole.
Bart Chapek, board trustee, asked if the company could move the pole, but that isn’t the best option.
“They can, but it’s a lot of money,” said public works director Jeremy Kenealy.
Erickson says they are not trying to burden anyone with any expense and agreed that provisions can be built in. They’ll also put sediment catch basins in to help prevent run-off erosion.
The board approved the Chilson’s land project, contingent upon DNR permitting and a state erosion control permit.
“I think it’s a good time to do it, when you got a chance to,” said Chapek.
Members also approved an AEP amendment, as the village needs more capacity.
“How far out are we on capacity right now?” asked trustee Terry Licht. “How much have we promised to buy?”
Chapek said while the village didn’t sign up for all of the capacity, it will be at least 2025, before they run out. The village can either do nothing and buy it at auction, when needed, or go with AEP now.
“We’ll definitely get a better deal than at auction,” said Chapek.
“If we don’t use it, we can sell it,” said trustee Todd Seeley.
Trustee Eric Weiland questioned why they are approving the amendment, when he thought the village wasn’t doing that. Clerk April Bruhn said the amendment doesn’t extend or raise prices.
Bruhn also reported that the new village website is up and running, at villageofcadott.com.
“It’s still the same, it’s just all new and fresh,” she said.
