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SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – The city of Sheboygan’s Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit for Kohler Co. to move forward with development of its new golf course along Lake Michigan.
But before the permit can take effect, all pending lawsuits affecting the construction of the course must be closed in Kohler’s favor.
Kohler already operates two courses at Whistling Straits, the Straits Course and the Irish, as well as two courses at Blackwolf Run, Meadows Valley and River, as part of the American Club Resort. Both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run have hosted elite professional events, including major championships. Each of the four is among the top 10 golf courses in Wisconsin you can play, according to Golfweek.
“The asset to the community will be tremendous, but the ball is still in Kohler’s court to take care of the lawsuits that are still pending,” said Alderperson Jim Bohren.
Nine people gave public comments at the meeting. Additional written comments were submitted beforehand by people who didn’t wish to or couldn’t attend the meeting because of the coronavirus.
Of the comments given during the meeting, six were against the permit and three were in support. Supporters include the executive director of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation, Brian Doudna, and the executive director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association, Rob Jansen.
Most of those who spoke in opposition were people who lived near the proposed course in the town of Wilson or the Black River area. Their concerns largely connected to environmental issues that could result from the course, such as pesticide or other chemical runoff into Lake Michigan.
Leslie Freehill, who appeared on behalf of the Friends of the Black River Forest, said there is no reason to rush to approve the conditional use permit now since Kohler can’t even start construction yet.
A Kohler representative said they wish to get the permit approved now so they can begin construction as soon as the lawsuits are dealt with and not delay the project more.
The Friends of the Black River Forest have been in a legal battle with Kohler and the state over the development of the course for over two-and-a-half years.
Kohler’s wetland delineation permit was revoked in 2019 and has yet to be reinstated. The Friends also have pending cases regarding a land swap agreement with the Department of Natural Resources.
The representative for Kohler called the timing for developing this course “ideal” since all eyes from the golf world will be on Sheboygan County in September for the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.
Kohler estimates the course will bring $1.3 million in tax revenue annually — $300,000 of which would go to the city of Sheboygan — and create roughly 200 jobs.
Kohler said its existing golf courses in the county are considered world-class golf destinations, and this would create another world-class course, but this time in the actual borders of the city of Sheboygan, helping to enhance its reputation.
Town of Wilson resident Erik Thelen said Kohler is using outdated maps that don’t account for the current ordinary high-water mark and might need to add revetments in the future to control water levels.
Kohler’s representative said the integrity of the course design and public access to the beach could still be maintained, even with the high water levels. The intent of the design, he said, is to utilize the natural aesthetic of the water and dunes in the area.
Since the initial planning started in 2014, there have been over 20 hearings and forums where the public made comments, said Steve Sokolowski from the city’s planning department. He said Kohler worked to address some of the concerns.
For example, the proposed course will no longer use a high-capacity well, which some worried could dry up nearby wells at residences. Instead, the course will connect to the city’s water.
Access to the course will be through the Kohler-Andrae State Park entrance on Beach Park Lane off County Highway V. Seven entrance options were reviewed, Sokolowski explained, and this one offers minimal effects on neighbors and the environment.
Kohler plans to preserve over 230 acres for protected greenspace on the property, but will need to remove over 50 percent of the woodlands.
The proposed course includes a multilevel clubhouse with a pro shop, restaurant, bar and banquet room capable of hosting indoor and outdoor events, including weddings. An observation tower overlooking the lake may be added next to the clubhouse.
Reach AnnMarie Hilton at ahilton@gannett.com or (920) 242-3032. Follow her on Twitter at @hilton_annmarie.
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