TOWN OF LAWRENCE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Some people in Lawrence are not happy about proposed Georgia-Pacific warehouse planned for the area.
Residents have started a petition to the zoning board to deny the company’s application.
Neighbors are concerned about an increase in noisy and dangerous semi-truck traffic going past their homes, and an elementary school, on its way to the proposed warehouse. Georgia-Pacific is considering building the facility in the area between Mid Valley and Williams Grant drive.
“You’re looking at a truck every nine minutes and 24 seconds, I think is the way the math works,” John Tribble said. “Eventually the odds are that there’s gonna be an accident.”
Judy Hooyman moved to Lawrence 15 years ago, because of it’s quiet, rural character. Now, she’s behind a petition with more than 500 signatures, in opposition of the warehouse.
“We have a son who drives semi and he has taught me to respect semi trucks, and I do. But they’re big… and there’s wildlife, there’s bicyclists, there’s young and old drivers on this road,” Hooyman said. “I have a concern for the safety.”
Georgia-Pacific officials say the warehouse will generate over $600,000 in tax revenue and bring jobs to the town.
Georgia-Pacific’s public affairs manager says the company has received petitions of support, particularly for the new jobs a facility would bring.
“We’ve heard from both sides of the issue, so there are concerns and there’s also support,” Mike Kawleski said.
The company needs a new place to store paper products from its Green Bay mill. Georgia-Pacific currently leases five other buildings, but one lease is ending soon.
“We anticipate that we’ll be looking at the plan, and there will be some tweaks, no doubt about it,” Kawleski finished.
The Town of Lawrence’s Planning and Zoning Board will meet on Monday night; but, no formal action on rezoning is expected until a meeting on September 9th.
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