Joe DrennanStaff Writer
The Crystal Pierz Marine group came to the Columbus Township Town Board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12 seeking approval for a conditional use permit to build a marine dealership with outside display just south of the Coates Trailer project on West Freewat Drive.
Crystal Pierz Marine was asking for approval because they intend to purchase the land.
They do not plan to build right away because they want to wait for sewer and water services to be available for hookup.
A fire protection system is planned for the site and that is why they want to wait for the water, business officials said. The site would feature an indoor showroom and service area, and an outdoor display and rigging area for new boats.
Town Attorney Bill Griffith cautioned the board not to approve the application because there was not enough information on the submitted site plan.
Griffith said another issue that needed to be determined was charges for connection to the sewer and water once it is installed.
ìThere are issues over materials, landscaping, no control over boats displayed,î Griffith said. ìIssues come up and I want the board to be comfortable with the conditions before they approve them.î
Board Supervisor Renae Fry was also hesitant to make a motion to approve the CUP because of the outdoor storage.
She explained that she doesnít want it to look like some marine retailers who have boats stacked in rows. She said that the submitted plan did not give enough information as to how the boats would be stored, or how many of them would be on the site.
Board Supervisor Pat Preiner brought up the issue of screening and landscaping. The plan does not have any indication of either.
Preiner also questioned whether the town should require screening along the freeway since the reason people have businesses along a freeway is so drivers can see their product when they drive by.
The town board did not approve the CUP at the meeting, but they will review the application at the next meeting.
The board asked Crystal Pierz Marine to come back with a more extensive site plan that would give officials a better idea of exactly how the land would be used.
ìItís not that we want to say no,î Town Board Chairman Mel Mettler said, ìItís that we want to know more before saying yes.î
The board also asked Crystal Pierz Marine to try and come up with a more detailed site plan that deals with the issues discussed at the meeting.
At the next town board meeting the new plan will be reviewed if completed.
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