Gassman Land Rezoned

GASSMAN, HEADINGTON, LAMBORN, PECKOSH, MILLER, DROESSLER, BLOSSFELD, YADDOF, MANNING

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 3/4/2009 at 22:24:24

Maquoketa Community Press
October 18, 1979

Gassman Land Rezoned, Objectors Threaten Suit

Land owned by Ruth and Charles Gassman north of Bellevue was formerly rezoned Thursday by the Jackson County Board of Supervisors.

The board gave the second and final reading to the ordinance that amends the county zoning map for the change in classification from R-1 Residential to C-1 Highway Commercial.

Several opponents attended the meeting and voiced their objections.

The Gassmans, who operate a tavern and eating establishment in Droessler’s subdivision north of Bellevue, have waited long to have their land rezoned.

On July 12, 1978, the Jackson County Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the request and recommended that the supervisors rezone the land.

The Gassmans need the land rezoned so they can get a permit to add on to their present building, located on the Mississippi River.

Some of the residents of the subdivision were objecting to the rezoning proposal, noting that if the Gassmans' building was expanded, traffic into the area would increase.

Carl Miller, a Maquoketa attorney representing a group of opponents to the rezoning, said his clients had “valid concerns” and that the supervisors should consider these before acting.

He said the change would increase noise in the area and increase traffic on the roads, which he related are maintained by the residents of the subdivision.

He also noted that the Gassmans’ establishment does not have access to a highway, which he said is required for being classified as a C-1 business.

Lynn Headington, a resident of the subdivision and opponent to the rezoning, said the increased traffic would cause more wear and tear on the road.

He asked why the residents of the subdivision should accept “the burden of subsidizing a business” by keeping the roads drivable.

“Why should we have the burden of increased road maintenance placed on us?” he asked.

(The Gassmans have noted that they, too, contribute to the upkeep of the roads in the subdivision.)

Noting that he was speaking for several residents, Headington also claimed the rezoning change would lower the value of properties in the subdivision.

Al Beck, another resident and opponent, said the subdivision isn’t as quiet now as when he moved there in 1964.

“It’s just not quite the nice, quiet place it used to be,” he said.

Supervisor Marshalline Lamborn said few neighborhoods are like they used to be.

She indicated that those going to the Gassmans could use the conservation commission’s road to Spruce Creek.

“I can’t believe people will drive through that (residential) area to get to Gassmans.” She said.

Seeman Blossfeld, a resident and supporter of the Gassmans, said everything was okay in the subdivision until this year.

“I think something else is going on,” he said, “I think someone is against the Gassmans” and is using the argument of increase traffic to “cover it up.”

Supervisor Everett Yaddof said that only objection he was hearing was that the change would result in increased traffic in the area.

“That’s pure speculation,” he said. “I think this (commercial establishment) goes with the (recreational) area.

“We’re not rushing into this. We’ve spent 18 or 24 months on it,” he said.

At an earlier meeting, the Gassmans said that if there would be any increased traffic to their place if would come off of the river.

Mr. Gassman thanked those who were in support of the rezoning change and he told the others that “we won’t let you down.”

Before the Gassmans get the building permit their sewer system will have to be approved. A change in their contract with the former owners, Jerry and Cleo Manning, will have to be changed to permit the Gassmans to move a trailer, according to Tom Peckosh, an attorney for the Mannings.

Miller, the attorney for the opponents of the change, said he would discuss with the group what action to take.