For many of us living in neighborhoods zoned R2 residential in Somerset, WI, the Village of Somerset is currently  considering  Conditional Use Permit of Self-storage units within residential areas in rural areas designated as the Town of Somerset. A public meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall of Somerset - Fire Department regarding a Land Division Conditional Use Permit as submitted by William Tennis of Minnesota. The Village of Somerset does not primarily care about the land use and zoning for the rural areas Township of Somerset who pay a majority of the County taxes.

PLEASE SHOW UP TO DEMAND THIS NOT BE PERMITTED ! Please do not send a donation, we only need signatures please

Tennis, who owns City Road lots 2213, 2215, 2217, 2219, 2221, 2198, and 2194—over 25 acres of farmland proposed to be converted into storage units and RV storage parking. This property directly abuts established homes collectively valued at over $3 million, whose owners pay substantial property taxes and have a strong vested interest in preserving the residential integrity of this area.

Much like the 20-acre waste disposal recycling site near Not Justa Bar & Café’ site a few years back we cannot allow this to happen or all farmland in your backyard can become commercial in nature.

Our purpose is clear: to firmly oppose the introduction of commercial storage operations into R2 residential zones and to protect the safety, value, and character of our neighborhoods. This is not a minor zoning adjustment—it represents a fundamental shift in land use that would permanently alter the environment where families live, children grow up, and communities are built.

The proposed development would introduce 24/7 commercial activity into a residential setting, bringing increased traffic from large moving trucks, continuous noise, intrusive security lighting, alarms, safety hazards with traffic in areas with no sidewalks and a steady flow of non-resident visitors day and night. These impacts directly threaten our quality of life, from disrupted sleep and safety concerns to long-term property and home devaluation in perpetuity and increased infrastructure strain. Our roads were not designed for this level of use, and the financial burden of accelerated wear will ultimately fall on local taxpayers in the county.

Beyond these immediate concerns, the development risks long-term consequences: altered drainage patterns, potential flooding issues, light pollution, noise pollution, neighborhood safety, potential increase of home break ins, theft of goods and the irreversible loss of neighborhood character. Residential zoning exists to protect homeowners and ensure that communities remain safe, stable, and family-oriented environments—not to accommodate commercial operations incompatible with those goals. There are hundreds of acres in the county deemed R2 use for residential, never commercial. Why have a commercial storage unit in the middle of hundreds of residential acres?

We are calling on and demanding local officials, planners, and decision-makers to uphold the intent of R2 zoning and prioritize the well-being of residents over incompatible development. Our goal is to preserve the integrity, safety, and value of our neighborhoods and properties—now and for future generations. We urge all residents to stand together, make their voices heard, and oppose this proposal.