Council Tables Rahr Malting Project

The Shakopee City Council has put off a request by Rahr Malting Company that has some neighbors up in arms.

Earlier this month, Rahr asked the city to reclassify an area in downtown as "heavy industrial." The site consists of six lots scattered over three blocks between Scott and Pierce Streets. It is bisected into two halves—north and south—by a road, 1st Avenue West. Right now, all the lots are zoned for highway business. 

The business intends to build a bagging and warehouse location on the northern half of the site. Rahr did not say exactly what it intended to do with the south side, which is contiguous with its existing facility, and no one from the company was present at the meeting to take questions.

The proposed warehouse to the north would be "ideally suited" to the company's needs, according to Rahr's written request to the city. Residents living nearby beg to differ, however. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Krohn have lived at the end of the block, on North Pierce, for 59 years. The two spoke up against the request at the council's last meeting on Tuesday.

"We're 12 feet from the road and I'm afraid that the heavy traffic will go right out there. I don't like it right in front of my nose," Mrs. Krohn said.

For the time being, at least, much of the council seemed inclined to agree.

"I think this would be a bad land use, that close to the river, and that close to some of those houses," said Council Member Jay Whiting. "I can't envision that as industrial."

Council Member Matt Lehman was also uncomfortable with the idea.

"I agree with how the south side is being used, but I do have a bit of a concern on the north side," Lehman said. "Once you zone it heavy industrial you're pretty much committed to allow it. I'd be leery to do that."

The council decided to table the request until May 7, in the hopes that Rahr representatives would be available to better explain their intentions.