SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Despite over three hours of testimony and debate, the Field of Dreams North saga will continue on for several more weeks. The issue of rezoning portions of the green space on Sheboygan's north side was tabled by the Common Council until May 4.
Alderman Darryl Carlson made the motion after it appeared that there would not be at least 12 alderpersons needed to approve the zoning change. Carlson said during the meeting that he wants the council to have all 16 members present, which will happen after those newly elected this week are seated later this month. After the meeting, Carlson told WHBL News that there are some members on the council that he says were influenced by passion instead of the facts when making their decision.
At issue is a change in zoning so that Aurora can build a new outpatient surgery and medical office buildings on the Field of Dreams North plot west of Taylor Drive.
Both sides made their case during the public hearing for the zoning request.
-Supporters say they want to see Aurora expand their medical services, and placing their new buildings on Field of Dreams is the best location. Also, they support Aurora assisting the Sheboygan Area School District and the City of Sheboygan in replacing the sports fields it's taking with new facilities elsewhere in the city.
-Opponents say they are not against Aurora's desire to expand, but Field of Dreams is not the best place to do so. Also, they question how Aurora, the city, and the school district have handled the matter, such as how the deal was kept in private for months and only became public right before decisions to sell the land were to be made.
Those opposed also appear ready to take their challenges to the court system. Renee Rusch of the group Save the Field of Dreams provided this comment to WHBL News after the meeting:
"We have an attorney hired, Todd Bassler, and we have filed with the DA, Joe DeCecco, a letter asking him to look into the 30 closed sessions the school board held relating to this sale. We are also looking into other legal areas where we believe our liberties have been violated."