An expansion bid by a local freight business hit a roadblock Monday night when Winona leaders nixed the business’ request to use part of a city park to accommodate the proposed expansion.
Modern Transport owner Steve Kohner asked to use part of a parking lot in Lions Park, near Front and High Forest streets, to build a truck entrance as part of a $3.5 million expansion of his commodity-shipping business. The Winona City Council unanimously rejected the request, citing neighbors’ fierce opposition and Modern Transport’s refusal to allow public access across part of its own property.
Cherie Kanz stands in her yard along Front Street on Monday next to signs stating her opinion on a proposed new truck route and entrance to Modern Transport in Winona. Kanz and other residents are concerned with safety, noise and air pollution that could arise from a route that would double the truck traffic in Kanz’s neighborhood as well as requiring a city easement to use part of Lions Park to create a new truck entrance at Front and High Forest streets. (Photo by Melissa Carlo/Winona Daily News)
Neighbors petitioned the city last month in opposition to the Modern Transport expansion. Cherie Kanz, who lives on Front Street near Modern Transport, said the expansion would increase truck traffic and air and noise pollution, and could harm children who play in Lions Park.
Council members asked Kohner last month to address neighbors’ concerns; Kohner responded by offering to fence off part of Lions Park and resurface Front Street from Mankato Avenue to High Forest. But councilman George Borzyskowski said Monday that those concessions aren’t enough.“I have nothing in front of me that guarantees protection for the residents,” Borzyskowski said.
City leaders also had suggested Modern Transport grant permission for the city to build a trail across the Modern Transport property, atop the Mississippi River levee. Kohner declined, citing liability concerns.Kohner later said he’ll explore other options to expand his business but isn’t certain how or if the project will move ahead.
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