RASD Zoning Changes Approved

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The Ripon Common Council this week approved a zoning change from residential to institutional for 9 parcels owned by the Ripon Area School District.

The land is in the Middle and High School campus area. The approval followed a lengthy discussion and two separate votes. Parcels 2 through 9 were approved first, but there were some alderpersons that felt parcel 1 at zero Tiger Drive was more appropriate for residential. The change for that parcel was approved by a 5 to 3 vote of the council.

Mayor Ted Grant reminded the council that the school district had used parcel 1 for athletic purposes for years. The school district is considering building a greenhouse and animal shelter on that parcel for their Agriculture/Science program.

Alderman John Splitt who sits on the City’s Plan Commission said five people spoke during the commission’s meeting expressing concerns about noise, smells and the type of animals that would be kept in the shelter.

School District Superintendent Ron Rivard told the council there are no plans to turn the property into a barnyard. The proposed purpose is educational and the district intends to be a good neighbor. He says animals kept in the shelter would be there no more than 10 days.