Watertown Annexes and Zones 27-Acre Property for Highway Commercial Use
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council approved the annexation and zoning designation for the Boerger Third Addition on Monday night, officially incorporating a 26.8-acre tract south of Highway 212 and west of 41st Street Southeast into the city limits.
The Council passed two separate motions: one to approve the annexation and a second to establish the zoning designation as C3 Highway Commercial District.
Community Development Manager Hanten presented the item, noting that the property will be entirely zoned C3, which is typical for its location near major corridors. Hanton confirmed that an existing residence on the property will be removed before the city issues any additional building permits.
Hanten addressed the necessary transitions for city services:
· Water Territory: The applicant and owner are aware of the outstanding fee collection required as the property moves from the Sioux Rural Water territory. Watertown Municipal Utilities (WMU) will work with the owners to handle that payment.
· Electric Territory: WMU will also coordinate with the owners regarding the transfer process, as the property falls within both the Codington Clark Electric and Northwestern Energy territories.
The Council confirmed that the annexation boundary will extend to the typical centerline of the 41st Street right-of-way.
During the public hearing, area resident Don Pulfrey expressed concern over potential light and noise pollution from future commercial development on the site.
Pulfrey, who owns two adjacent properties, stressed that he was not opposed to the annexation or development but requested that consideration be given to mitigating the impact on his residences. He specifically suggested planting a living block or shelter belt to suppress noise and lights, similar to issues he experienced when the nearby Titan facility was built.
Hanten responded to the concern by assuring the Council and Mr. Pulfrey that the city has standards in place to handle such issues.
"As far as all of those concerns that you had brought up, we do have standards in ordinance, and those items would be reviewed at the time of building permit issuance," Hanten stated.
Hanten clarified that if the eventual business requires a conditional use permit in the C3 district, the matter would come before the Board of Adjustment, triggering another public hearing where neighboring property owners would be notified. For permitted uses, ordinances covering issues like "shoebox lighting" are already in place, and noise issues would be handled on a complaint basis.
Following the discussion, both the motion to annex the land and the motion to establish the C3 zoning designation were passed by the Council.
