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Lake Geneva says no to Mirbeau-Hummel

LAKE GENEVA — It was no shock that voters overwhelming defeated an advisory referendum to approve the rezone request and general development plan for the proposed Mirbeau-Hummel project.

“We are disappointed but not surprised,” said project executive John Terrell.

Those who’ve been opposed to the development since the start were pleased with the outcome.

“They obviously felt strongly about what they’ve learned and what they know about the project,” said Sarah Schuster, co-founder of the Friends of Geneva Lake group.

“It proves that the citizens care and that they’re focus is on open space and taking care of the environment and making sure we don’t rush into things,” she said.

Now the ball is in the city council’s court.

“They want the government to listen,” Schuster said of residents. “They won’t be bullied around.”

Terrell said Mirbeau-Hummel representatives will move forward with the zoning process and “protect our property rights as part of that effort.”

He said he is “confident” the city council will weigh all the factors in determining what’s best for the city and vote in favor of the proposed development.

Terrell said the Mirbeau-Hummel plan “meets and exceeds” the requirements of the city’s master plan, which has him confident the city council will approve the rezone request and general development plan.

Schuster said the issue isn’t going away.

“We’re still on bated breath,” she said. “It’s not over. There’s a whole lot more work to do. We have to make sure people don’t just let this go.”