Concerns over Eau Claire century code update arise
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – A community group is having issue with Eau Claire’s Century Code Update, claiming there is not enough being considered when it comes to the city’s biodiversity.
“Eau Claire values nature very much. People are here for that very reason, and we want to make sure that we preserve that value for the next century to come,” said Jane Mohler, the co-founder for Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership.
Eau Claire is in the midst of the project that brings change to zoning codes and ordinances.
“Any stake holder has a right, in terms of what they see, how the community should improve. Whether it’s the built environment or natural resources,” said Ned Noel, the city’s planning manager.
“We were invited to submit best practices and put them forward, and we did. We spent hundreds of hours putting these together,” said Mohler.
She said the group’s suggestions to help Eau Claire’s future be bird-friendly and to preserve trees and plants is not reflected in the city’s plans so far.
“We’re trying to improve on the different development codes. So, we’re introducing something new for tree preservation ordinance. Better improvements to landscaping. Better improvements to storm water quality,” said Noel. “I think the biodiversity group would be pleased with those types of new codes we don’t have on the books now.”
Noel said urban development comes with its complications.
“The more that you add on to these requirements, that may actually add cost to low-income housing projects as well,” said Noel.
“We’re not against growth in any way shape or form. We are just for smart growth. And there are ways to do this, and it really doesn’t cost more,” said Mohler.
The biodiversity advocacy group will hold what it calls a biodiversity celebration outside the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library on Monday.
That is also where the Zoning Policy Advisory Committee will hold its meeting to discuss these proposals.
It is tasked to direct policy to guide the century code update process.
The biodiversity group’s gathering will be at 3 p.m. and will go on until 3:45 p.m. with the ZPAC meeting starting at 4 p.m.
A public forum will start after the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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