Genoa motel project foes get chance to provide evidence

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2000 | 9:15 a.m.

Representatives for Support Historic Genoa Inc. contend the Douglas County Commission improperly overruled the Genoa Historic District Commission, which earlier rejected the proposal.

Douglas District Court Judge David Gamble upheld a petition by the historic group, ordering county commissioners to set aside their decision or to show cause why this shouldnt be done. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21.

"This provides a chance for the issues to be heard. The key questions are whether Genoa is in an historically protected district, and whether decisions such as this one should be made at the local level," Support Historic Genoa chairman John Henningsen said Monday.

The group of residents and business owners, concerned about the impact of the proposed 12,280-square-foot complex on the community, contends the Genoa historic panel has guidelines that cover the size of a proposed project as well as its exterior appearance.

The historic commission rejected plans by Bettie Kanelos because of the project's size and the absence of detailed plans.

Kanelos says she has met all legal requirements for the 10-unit, seven-shop project. She has also made some concessions and said her desire is to bring a first-class business to the town.

But opponents have said the size of the project overwhelms the rest of the small community and doesnt fit in with the surroundings.

Henningsen said the proposed project is 1.5 times the size of the adjacent firehouse, nearly 2.5 times larger than the Genoa Court House Museum, and 15 times larger than the nearby Genoa Community Church.