Residents Question Village Officials on Topography’s Preserve Development Amid Transparency Concerns
By Susan Steele, Correspondent, Sharon Reporter
Residents of Williams Bay are increasingly expressing concerns about the transparency of village government officials regarding the Topography’s Preserve project, which seeks to develop the former Aurora/George Williams College property. The village’s approach has raised suspicions of “closed door government” practices, prompting inquiries from concerned citizens about how the proposal is being handled.
Recent communications with village representatives revealed a hesitancy to respond directly to questions, citing concerns over potential violations of the Open Meetings Act. In a letter presented and discussed during a May meeting of the Special Planning Commission, Jessica Conley, Walworth County Finance Director, emphasized the need for an open process to select citizen representatives for the Joint Review Board, advocating for a structure free from conflicts of interest.
The Preserve concept, proposed by Topography, includes a variety of facilities such as an inn, restaurants, a spa, sports courts, and a 90-acre nature preserve. However, significant zoning changes are needed to accommodate this development, as the current zoning classifications do not permit it. Village Planner Sonja Kruesel highlighted that the land must undergo a Comprehensive Plan amendment to enable this transition.
Discussions around the project have been contentious, with key meetings scheduled, including a public hearing on December 9 to address amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning map. As the planning process unfolds, residents are advocating for increased transparency to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process affecting their community.
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Photo credit wnanews.com
