SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Minnehaha County Commission today granted an appeal from the city of Brandon for a water tower that was denied by the planning commission.
Stockwell Engineering has done an extensive water distribution and storage study for Brandon to establish where infrastructure should go.
John Brown with Stockwell says the site, just northeast of Brandon, was picked because it's in a potential growth area and it's elevation is also favorable for a water tower.
Brown says the property owner is willing to sell to Brandon. He says after looking at other properties, the city determined that the first site was still the most cost-effective.
The city brought the plan before the planning commission but was denied its request.
Opponents to the water tower were neighbors around the potential site. Benjamin Aaker says 615 residences are within a mile around the site. Aaker says a water tower would be detrimental to property values.
He says Brandon wants to build the tower without residents having a vote. He says research from the American Appraisers Association shows property values decreasing from 7% to 20% with a water tower as a neighbor.
The county commission voted unanimously to overturn the planning and zoning commission's decision.