Village OKs motorcycle club permit

A motorcycle club that has been meeting in the former bank building at 775 Main St. in Belgium will continue uninterrupted after receiving a conditional use permit from the Plan Commission on Monday.

Iron Order Milwaukee Solid Kore Sinners (SKS) received unanimous support from the commission after several residents asked questions and raised concerns at a public hearing before the meeting.

Village Clerk Julie Lesar, in reviewing zoning on Main Street, found that the property is zoned B-1 for business. Operating a club is listed as a conditional use. The club had been meeting at the building for four years before Lesar caught the technicality.

Club leader Terry Horn, who owns the building, said the group rides motorcycles and raises money for charities. The building holds monthly meetings of a handful of motorcyclists and larger events twice per year.

This Saturday, the club will hold its Halloween party.

“We all stand around and talk to each other about motorcycles,” Horn said.

Lesar said she has never received a complaint or concern about the club.

Resident Diane Ryan asked about the noise from the motorcycles and how many would be there. Horn said since events are held in November and January, not many ride their bikes.

Resident Nancy Niebauer reminded the commission that the club meets in a business district and the village wants to attract more businesses.

“I think this might have a negative connotation to it. You aren’t going to get businesses who want to come in here with a motorcycle club right there,” she said.

The panel voted, 6-0, to grant the permit.