Township Meeting News

On Thursday night, 3 of 5 Rochester Township Board members voted for the developer’s disastrous pre-plat, after the Township’s own Planning & Zoning Commission recommended DENIAL of the pre-plat, and after 660 Rochester area residents signed a petition requesting denial. Three members of the Township Board - Jeff Orth, Matt Kitzmann, and Brian Zmolek, under the influence of the unelected Township “staff”, Roger Ihrke - continue to vote in lock step with developers and against the citizens they are supposed to represent, and against their own Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation. The developer and hired blowhards did not follow the Township’s rules and procedures, they threatened the Township with lawsuits, and they rammed through their plans.

Our fight is not over. Save The Rookery has ongoing litigation appealing the General Development Plan, and we also have the option to appeal this pre-plat decision.

Our long view: We have been so impressed by and appreciative of the overwhelming community support and attention in our efforts to save our dwindling natural resources. Young people have been energized, and give us hope for the future.

Keep in mind how much these local nonpartisan government elections matter. The Olmsted County Commissioners are all up for election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. You can check your district and polling place on the Minnesota Secretary of State website here. Township elections in Minnesota (including Rochester Township) will be held on March 14, 2023.

Local news coverage of the Township Board meeting on Thursday night:

Pavilion Estates' preliminary plat approved by Rochester Township Board, at KIMT News 3

Rochester Township Board approves development plan at heron nest site, at Rochester Post Bulletin. The board voted 3 to 2 in favor of the development despite the planning and zoning commission's recommendation against it.