WALBRIDGE – A request to rezone the former elementary school in the village has been rejected by the
planning commission and is headed to council for review.
At Wednesday’s meeting, planning commission chairwoman Breanna Hernandez said the request to rezone from
residential R1-4 to commercial-3, for the proposed use of an event hall, was vetoed by members on June
26.
Anything could go in that building, including a grocery store, if it was zoned C-3, Hernandez said after
the council meeting.
"There’s other levels of the commercial district and he chose the highest one," she said of the
owner.
Mayor Ed Kolanko said several residents attended the June 26 hearing and spoke against the proposed
zoning change.
"There were a few concerned residents regarding traffic, regarding noise, regarding potential
trash," he said.
A specific plan for the building would help with requesting a zoning change, the mayor said.
"We definitely want to see business blossom in the town," he said. "Without having any
specific plans, it’s hard to make a change."
James and Christian Kolasinski purchased Walbridge Elementary from the Lake Board of Education in
November 2012 for $31,900.
Another request for rezoning, by Walbridge businessman and former councilman Cecil Adkins, was approved
at the June 26 planning commission meeting.
The property at Drouillard and Ayers roads will be changed from R1-4 residential to M-2 general
industrial.
After the meeting, Kolanko said Adkins wants the zoning change to make the property more attractive to
buyers and possibly attract business.
Council will hold a public hearing on both requests on Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. Council can follow the planning
commission’s recommendations, or change them.
In other business, council hired Katherine Stibaner as a general office clerk. She is replacing Dolores
Bleau, who is retiring. Stibaner is currently head lifeguard at Aqua Terrace pool.