In a recent government meeting, officials addressed the Baldwin airport matter before shifting focus to a significant zoning issue concerning an after-the-fact variance request for an accessory structure in the town of Troy. The board of adjustment had previously closed the public hearing on this matter but decided to reopen it following a letter from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that needed to be included in the record.

The variance request pertains to Ellen Anderson and Robert Lapnow, who seek to retain a garage located within the 200-foot setback from the ordinary high water mark, a requirement outlined in the St. Croix County zoning ordinance. The board had initially conducted a public hearing on July 25, where staff presented a comprehensive report, including site photographs. However, additional follow-up was requested to explore alternative compliant locations for the structure.

The DNR's letter, received on August 19, will be read into the record during the reopened public hearing scheduled for August 22, 2024. This development highlights the ongoing dialogue between local governance and environmental regulations, as officials aim to balance community needs with compliance to zoning laws. The meeting underscored the importance of public input in the decision-making process, as the board encouraged anyone present to voice their opinions during the reopened hearing.