HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES
January 7,2020
PRESENT: Lynnsey Erickson, Thomas Fojtik, Michael Ford,John Hinz,John Kiefer,Justin
Mitchell,Lori Palmeri, Thomas Perry, Kathleen Propp
EXCUSED: Mamadou Coulibaly, Derek Groth
STAFF: Mark Lyons,Planning Services Manager; Kelly Nieforth, Economic Development
Services Manager;Justin Gierach, Engineering Division Manager/City Engineer;
Brian Slusarek, Planner;Jeff Nau, Associate Planner; Steven Wiley,Assistant
Planner;Mina Kuss, Recording Secretary
Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum
declared present.
The minutes of December 17,2019 were approved as presented. (Hinz/Kiefer)
I. EXTRATERRITORIAL THREE-LOT LAND DIVISION/CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP AT
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF COUNTY HIGHWAY GG AND GIBS ROAD IN THE
TOWN OF VINLAND
Site Inspections: Report: No commissioners reported visiting the site.
Staff report accepted as part of the record.
The petitioner is seeking approval of a three-lot land division/Certified Survey Map (CSM) from
two existing lots located at the southeast corner of County Highway GG and Gibs Road,
approximately 1.25 miles north of the Oshkosh city limits. The CSM will also dedicate right-of-
way along County Highway GG and Gibs Road. Sizes of the proposed lots and right-of-way
dedication are as follows:
Lot 1 =42,808 sq. ft. (0.983 acres)
Lot 2= 1,171,626 sq. ft. (26.897 acres)
Lot 3=436,555 sq. ft. (10.022 acres)
Right-of-Way Dedication=85,817 sq. ft. (1.970 acres)
Mr. Nau presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use
and zoning classifications in this area. Proposed Lot 1 containing the single family dwelling
increases the size of the current parcel to match the historic occupation lines. Proposed Lot 2 will
continue to have access to County Highway GG and Gibs Road. Lot 3 will have access only to
Gibs Road. The application does not state a proposed use for the new 10-acre lot. It is presumed
the majority of the lots will continue to be used agriculturally. The CSM also officially dedicates
Plan Commission Minutes 1 January 7,2020
right-of-way along County Highway GG and Gibs Road. The dedication consists of a 33-foot wide
strip along the south side of County Highway GG and the east side of Gibs Road. The Department
of Public Works has reviewed the proposed three-lot CSM and did not have any concerns with the
land division. He said staff recommends approval of the three-lot land division/Certified Survey
Map at the southeast corner of County Highway GG & Gibs Road as proposed.
Mr. Fojtik opened technical questions to staff.
Ms. Palmeri inquired about the shape of the smaller parcel. She questioned if the carve out was
based on the use lines.
Mr. Nau replied typically they like the lots more square. He said in this case the lines may be
following a drainage swale as well as the historic use lines.
Mr. Mitchell said that there have been similar requests in the past that also state that the future
intended land use is unknown. He asked if there was a way to amend the form to delineate that
question. He questioned if the final land use would need approval from Plan Commission.
Mr. Lyons replied staff can definitely ask for that answer but said they do not control land use in
those areas. He explained if the applicant request a land use change it would go to the County, it
would not necessarily come before Plan Commission.
Mr. Mitchell asked what the purpose of the form was since it does not state the intended land use
or goal of the land division.
Mr. Nau replied the form has items that staff needs such as the owner's information, the surveyor's
information and the location.
Mr. Lyons reiterated it is information staff can asked for but said he is not information that is
necessarily to determine whether or not it meets the subdivision standards.
Mr. Nau said Lot 3 is currently zoned A-2 and is permitted to the uses allowed in the A-2 zoning
district by right and the city does not authority over that. He explained if the applicant wishes to
do a zone change to a more intensive use, the zone change would have to be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Lyons added it would have to be approved by Winnebago County.
Ms. Palmeri asked if there was an assumption of other plans or sales due to the owner being
represented by Martenson &Eisele.
Mr. Lyons replied it is fair to assume that the current owner has plans for the property otherwise
they would not be going through a lot split.
Plan Commission Minutes 2 January 7,2020
Ms. Palmeri asked if applicants are usually represented though a planning firm like Martenson&
Eisele.
Mr. Lyons replied most of these are filed by a surveyor, planning firm or a company that has a
surveying entity involved with it.
Mr. Nau commented more recently these types of requests/surveys are coming in to settle estates.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there were any public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any
statements.
There were no statements from the applicant.
There were no public comments on this item.
Mr. Fojtik closed public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing
statements.
There were no closing statements from the applicant.
Motion by Ford to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report.
Seconded by Hinz.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion.
There was no discussion on the motion.
Motion carried 8-0-1 (Present:Mitchell).
II. STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF
MERRITT AVENUE AND BOYD STREET
Site Inspections: Report: Ms. Palmeri reported visiting the site.
Staff report accepted as part of the record.
The applicant requests the acceptance of street right-of-way at the southwest corner of Merritt
Avenue and Boyd Street.
Mr. Nau presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. The City of Oshkosh is
requesting a right-of-way dedication to expand the right-of-way to include a section of existing
public sidewalk at the southwest corner of Merritt Avenue and Boyd. The dedication is included
on a draft Certified Survey Map (CSM) currently under review by city staff. The CSM was
Plan Commission Minutes 3 January 7,2020
conceptually approved by Plan Commission during review of the Conditional Use Permit request
for the adaptive reuse of the former Cabrini School to senior housing apartments. The proposed
triangular dedication lies 10.5 feet along both Merritt Avenue and Boyd Street and is
approximately 55 square feet in area. Once city staff approves the CSM it will be recorded at the
Winnebago County Register of Deeds. The dedication will become official upon approval by the
Common Council. He said staff recommends acceptance of the right-of-way dedication at the
southwest corner of Merritt Avenue and Boyd Street as proposed.
Mr. Fojtik opened technical questions to staff.
Mr. Mitchell clarified that it is the northeast corner and not the southwest corner.
Mr. Lyons said it is the northeast corner of the property but also the southwest corner of the
intersection.
Ms. Palmeri inquired about the origin of the triangular-shaped sidewalk.
Mr. Lyons replied these are found throughout the city where sidewalks cut the corner and went
onto private property. He said this is a clean-up of the area and it is relatively common when it
comes to redevelopment plans.
Mr. Gierach concurred. He explained in many cases this happens at the intersections for the ADA
compliant sidewalk ramps to make them slope appropriate. He said in this particular case he does
not know the reason but believes it would have been to make it ADA compliant.
Mr. Lyons commented it is a best practice to clean it up and ensure the entire sidewalk resides
within the public right-of-way instead of partly on private property.
Mr. Mitchell inquired about the project at the site and asked if there have been meetings with the
Neighborhood Associations.
Mr. Lyons said he was not sure but knows the developers are waiting to see the results of their
Historic Tax Credit application, which is the driving force behind the project. He said until the
developers know the results, they won't know if the project will be able to move forward.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there were any public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any
statements.
There were no statements from the applicant.
There were no public comments on this item.
Mr. Fojtik closed public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing
statements.
Plan Commission Minutes 4 January 7,2020
There were no closing statements from the applicant.
Motion by Hinz to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report.
Seconded by Mitchell.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion.
There was no discussion on the motion.
Motion carried 9-0.
III. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW AN ADDITION
THAT INCREASES THE BUILDING'S HEIGHT HIGHER THAN THE HIGHEST
ROOF RIDGELINE AT 51 W. WAUKAU AVENUE
Site Inspections: Report: Mr. Hinz reported visiting the site.
Staff report accepted as part of the record.
The applicant is requesting approval of a variance from the City's Residential Design Standards to
allow an addition that increases the building's height higher than the highest roof ridgeline at 51
W. Waukau Avenue.
Mr. Wiley presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use
and zoning classifications in this area. The applicant is requesting a design standards variance
request to construct an addition that would create a second floor on the current one-story home.
This addition would afford the owner more space if constructed. It would include a second story
with a master suite, full bathroom and two bedrooms. The addition as proposed by the applicant
is architecturally compatible with the existing home. The applicant would re-side the entire house
and if the materials used for siding and window trim are consistent in appearance between the
addition and existing structure, the addition will not be discernable from the original structure.
The addition as proposed will not encroach into the street setback. He said staff recommends
approval of a variance from the City's Residential Design Standards to allow for an addition that
raises the building's height beyond the highest roof ridgeline at 51 W.Waukau Avenue with the
condition and finding listed in the staff report.
Mr. Fojtik opened technical questions to staff.
Ms. Palmeri requested to see the street view of other homes in the area and asked if there were
calculations for the windows on the addition above the garage. She stated the current renderings
are showing more windows on the back than the front.
Plan Commission Minutes 5 January 7,2020
Mr. Lyons stated there is a 25%requirement for windows on the front facade. He said without
running the numbers, he would estimate a window percentage at 25%-30% on the front facade. He
said staff can have the applicant run the numbers to make sure they meet base code.
Ms. Palmeri asked if the door areas are part of the calculations.
Mr. Lyons responded they are not and said only the window planes are calculated.
Mr.Wiley pointed out two-story homes on Google street view.
Mr. Lyons pointed out various homes on EagleView and said there is a mix of homes in the area.
He commented there is no predominate housing style and the addition would be consistent with
the area.
Mr. Ford stated there are two letters of support from neighbors in the staff report and asked if
other neighbors were notified of the variance request.
Mr.Wiley confirmed they were.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there were any public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any
statements.
Andy Carter (applicant), 166 Villa Drive in Neenah, said he is available to answer any questions.
He said the front window sizes have not been finalized due to interior layout changes. He
mentioned the front windows may be larger.
There were no other public comments on this item.
Mr. Fojtik closed public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing
statements.
There were no closing statements from the applicant.
Motion by Kiefer to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report.
Condition:
1. Siding and window trim used for the new addition shall match the appearance of the siding
and window trim on the existing structure.
Finding:
1. The variance will not be contrary to the public interest.
Seconded by Palmeri.
Plan Commission Minutes 6 January 7,2020
Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion.
Mr. Fojtik applauded the applicant for willing to improve their home instead of buying a new one.
Motion carried 9-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE CHANGE FROM SINGLE-FAMILY 2 (SR-2) DISTRICT TO
CORPORATE BUSINESS PARK—PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (CBP-PD) DISTRICT
FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1650-1660 OSHKOSH AVENUE
Site Inspections: Report: Mr. Ford, Mr. Hinz,Ms. Palmeri and Ms. Propp reported visiting the site.
Staff report accepted as part of the record.
The applicant requests a zone change from the existing Single Family Residential 2 (SR-2) District
to Corporate Business Park-Planned Development(CBP-PD) District for the property located at
1650-1660 Oshkosh Avenue.
Mr. Slusarek presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land
use and zoning classifications in this area. The subject site is an L-shaped lot with frontage on
Oshkosh Avenue and N.Westfield Street. The western portion of the site is currently zoned CBP-
PD while the eastern portion of the site is zoned SR-2. The applicant is requesting this zone change
to provide uniform zoning for the entire parcel (CBP-PD) and to have the property zoned
appropriately for future redevelopment of the site. No changes to the site are being proposed at
this time. The proposed zoning designation will be consistent with surrounding zoning to the
west and north. He said staff recommends approval of the zone change from Single Family
Residential 2 (SR-2) District to Corporate Business Park -Planned Development (CBP-PD) District
for the property located at 1650-1660 Oshkosh Avenue.
Mr. Fojtik opened up technical questions to staff.
Mr. Ford asked if the parcel would be subject to the higher building standards with the zone
change.
Mr. Lyons replied affirmatively. He explained the area was always intended to be part of the
Corporate Business Park but the property was not secured yet during the initial zone change
request for the area. He said staff has been working with the applicant on filing a GDP/SIP for the
next meeting and the zone change is the first step to get the project to move forward.
Ms. Palmeri asked if the zone change to CBP-PD would prevent the area from becoming mixed
use.
Mr. Lyons replied it does not prevent it. He explained the Corporate Business Park through the
Planned Development would allow for mixed use type developments.
Plan Commission Minutes 7 January 7,2020
Mr. Mitchell asked if there were any requirements that would be imposed for properties such as
this when they transition and abut other properties.
Mr. Lyons replied those are handled through the Planned Development process and not during
the zone change requests. He explained there are bufferyard requirements which vary depending
on the type of zoning districts.
Mr. Fojtik opened up the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements.
There were no statements from the applicant.
There were no public comments on this item.
Mr. Fojtik closed the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing
statements.
There were no closing statements from the applicant.
Motion by Hinz to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report.
Seconded by Mitchell.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion.
Mr. Ford thanked Mr. Lyons for helping him see the big picture of the area.
Mr. Fojtik agreed with Mr. Ford.
Motion carried 9-0.
V. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REOUEST TO ESTABLISH AN
INDOOR SALES USE AT 2837 BOWEN STREET
Site Inspections: Report: Ms. Palmeri reported visiting the site.
Staff report accepted as part of the record.
The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to establish an indoor sales use on a
previously developed lot.
Mr. Slusarek presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land
use and zoning classifications in this area. The applicant plans to use the existing building for
storage of items acquired by their business, "Clear the Clutter". They are also proposing to use the
Plan Commission Minutes 8 January 7,2020
eastern portion of the building for resale of various items of value. A Conditional Use Permit is
required for the indoor sales component of the proposed use of the building. The existing site has
a shared parking lot with the neighboring commercial property to the west, providing sufficient
parking for customers and employees. The building had previously been used for retail purposes.
No exterior changes are being proposed for the site except for a face replacement on the existing
pylon sign cabinet to the north of the building. No outdoor storage/display has been proposed.
The proposed indoor sales use as the use should not be detrimental to the surrounding area,
provided all sales and storage items are enclosed within the building. The Department of Public
Works reviewed the proposal and did not note any concerns. He said staff recommends approval
of the proposed Conditional Use Permit for an indoor sales use at 2837 Bowen Street as proposed
with the findings listed in the staff report.
Mr. Fojtik opened up technical questions to staff.
Mr. Mitchell asked if there were any requirements for lighting since there will be sales activities
going on.
Mr. Lyons replied since they are not making any exterior improvements, they would not be
required to make any changes.
Mr. Mitchell inquired about the timeframe for landscaping for the previously approved
Conditional Use Permit at 2825 Bowen Street.
Mr. Lyons replied it depends on the project and if the outdoor storage is implemented. He
explained various scenarios and timeframes.
Mr. Fojtik opened up the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements.
There were no statements from the applicant.
There were no public comments on this item.
Mr. Fojtik closed the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing
statements.
There were no closing statements from the applicant.
Motion by Kiefer to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report.
Seconded by Hinz.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion.
Ms. Palmeri commented that she hoped that there would not be an accumulation of items if there
would be an exterior storage.
Plan Commission Minutes 9 January 7,2020
Mr. Lyons said the applicant is not currently proposing any outdoor storage. He explained there
are code requirements in place if the applicant chooses to implement outdoor storage. He said by
right, industrial properties are allowed up to 500 square feet of outdoor storage when meeting the
screening requirements. He said anything over 500 square feet would require the proper approval
process, including approval from Plan Commission.
Motion carried 9-0.
VI A. SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR A COMMERCIAL HOTEL
DEVELOPMENT AT 1365 N.WESTFIELD STREET
VI B. ACCESS CONTROL VARIANCES FOR COMMERCIAL HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT
1365 N.WESTFIELD STREET
Site Inspections: Report: Mr. Fojtik, Mr. Ford, Mr. Hinz, Ms. Palmeri and Ms. Propp reported
visiting the site.
Staff report accepted as part of the record.
Two actions are requested as part of this request:
A. The petitioner requests approval of a Specific Implementation Plan(SIP) for a hotel
development at 1365 N. Westfield Street.
B. The petitioner is requesting access control variances to permit the following:
1. Reduced lateral clearance from N. Westfield Street to 54' where code requires a
minimum of 75 feet.
2. Reduced lateral clearance from N. Koeller Street to 54' where code requires a minimum
of 75 feet.
Mr. Wiley presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use
and zoning classifications in this area. He reviewed the 2018 GDP and GDP amendment approvals
for the site. The submitted plans propose a 4-story, 60,483 sq. ft., 103-room extended stay hotel.
The applicant has submitted a photometric plan but is deficient in various areas. A revised plan
will need to be submitted. The signage proposed for this development consists solely of on-
building wall signage. The applicants will need to submit an updated landscaping
plan/landscaping information as part of the Site Plan Review process. Storm water requirements
will be addressed during the Site Plan Review process. The applicants have submitted building
plans and elevations.
Ms. Palmeri asked staff to enlarge the elevation plans. She asked if it was a mirror image on the
back fagade as the front facade.
Plan Commission Minutes 10 January 7,2020
Mr. Lyons pointed out what facades faced each direction. He said they are largely a mirror of one
another being similar in massing and using similar building materials but the materials are being
used in a slightly different fashion. He stated all facades exceed the 75%Class I materials
requirement.
Mr.Wiley continued presenting and said the elevations submitted by the applicants propose a
combination of EFIS,fiber cement panels, stone,brick, glass and aluminum. He reiterated that the
elevations all exceed the 75%minimum fagade area required for Class I materials.
Ms. Palmeri said she and Mr. Lyons discussed earlier in the day about a different property in a
different part of the city and how the different materials were less than pleasing. She said she is
having a hard time differentiating between the gray area and the stone area. She asked if it was
three different surfaces.
Mr. Lyons said it is hard to see from the rendering because there is quite a bit of depth change in
the building. He reviewed the items on the Materials Legend and showed close-ups of each
elevation. He said staff is impressed with this building because it probably has the most depth and
relief change of any buildings they've seen which gives the building more of an architectural feel.
Ms. Palmeri inquired about the location of the mechanicals and how they would be screened.
Mr. Lyons replied they would likely be behind the false facades/parapet walls. He said they do
require all roof mounted buildings units to be fully screened. He reiterated that the rendering
makes it difficult to see the relief and depth of the facades.
Mr.Wiley continued presenting and pointed out the section that would be protruding into the
front yard setback. He said staff recommends approval of the Specific Implementation Plan as
proposed with the findings and conditions listed in the staff report. He presented the access
control variance item. The proposed development will have one access driveway along N.
Westfield Street and one driveway along N. Koeller Street with both providing two-way access.
The requested lateral clearance reductions as the proposed 54' lateral clearance provides for
stacking of three vehicles in each driveway and the two access drives are located on opposite ends
of the subject parcel. Each of the two access drives serves a portion of the proposed parking. Both
proposed driveway entrances for this property are located well over the 175 feet from intersections
to comply with the required corner clearance.
Ms. Palmeri asked if there was any scenario in which there would be a connection or access to Rath
Lane.
Mr. Lyons replied Rath Lane will eventually be going away but the two developers have been
working together to find if there is an appropriate location from some shared access between the
two developments. He said there is still some unknown to how the rest of the buildings are going
to take shape but staff encourages both developers to stay in contact with each other to look for a
common access point. He noted on the access control variances that the applicant couldn't get to
the 75' code requirement but the 54' provided is more than most areas of the city.
Plan Commission Minutes 11 January 7,2020
Mr.Wiley finished presenting and said staff recommends approval of access control variances as
requested.
Mr. Fojtik opened technical questions to staff.
Mr. Hinz expressed his concerns regarding signage and asked if the applicant would have to get
approval from Plan Commission for directional signage located by the access points. He said
usually the applicant provides renderings for directional signage but he did not see any.
Mr. Lyons explained that the incidental/directional signage is permitted. He clarified that no
freestanding signage was only for monument or pylon signs. He said the applicant does not have
the renderings yet for the incidental signs and would not have to come to Plan Commission for
approval unless they propose something that is out of character with the current code
requirements.
Mr. Mitchell explained when the Sustainably Advisory Board was created, part of the underlining
interest was that there would be some sort of review for a project's sustainability features. He
asked if there was ever any information provided related to energy use, on-site water control for
storm water or anything related to the overall sustainability of a particular development.
Mr. Lyons replied for the storm water, they have to do a storm water management plan that is
approved by the Department of Public Works. He said he is not familiar with anything that was
formally passed for the Sustainability Advisory Board making it a requirement to get a full
sustainability plan but it is something they could look into.
Mr. Mitchell noted it is not something to slow this project down because things are looking great.
He said there is a lot of time spent on visual aesthetic and not enough on things that really matter
such as conservation of energy, reuse of materials, things that make a project environmentally
friendly and things that make a project sustainable long term.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there were any public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any
statements.
Steve Hoopman (applicant) 5105 I Ah May Tah Road, stated that the cross access and cross parking
agreement already exists and have been recorded. He said it was a part of the survey plan when it
was put together. He pointed out there are two architects from American Companies present as
well to answer any questions. He said they may be able to address the sustainability portion and
said they do not plan on applying for any specials grants for it as far as the design process.
Ms. Palmeri mentioned they had an inquiry about another project downtown that related to
whether or not a developer was looking at Energy Star certification,water conservations, etc.
Scott Kintopf,3350 S. River Road in West Bend, said he is with American Companies. He said they
send their buildings through Focus on Energy and receive recommendations on the heating
Plan Commission Minutes 12 January 7,2020
system,water, plumbing and so on. He said they also use LED lighting and do what they can to
make the buildings efficient. He said they do receive some incentives on most of their hotels.
Ms. Palmeri asked inquired about passive solar in the design itself in terms of the southern
elevation,
Mr. Kintopf replied there is no solar aspect to it.
Ms. Palmeri clarified not necessarily solar panels but passive solar in terms of the southern
exposure.
Mr. Kintopf explained it would not make a difference if the hotel was facing a different direction
because the hotel has windows on every side. He said the mechanicals would be on the roof
behind the parapets and would be hidden.
There were no other public comments on this item.
Mr. Fojtik closed public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing
statements.
There were no closing statements from the applicant.
Motion by Hinz to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report for the Specific
Implementation Plan request.
Conditions:
1. Base Standard Modification to allow 14 of the required 103 parking spaces to be located on
Lot 2 (adjacent parcel)
2. Applicants shall obtain cross access agreements to allow shared parking/access between this
property and the neighboring parcel.
3. Base Standard Modification to allow an increase in impervious surface ratio for this parcel
from code maximum of 70% to 70.1%for the site.
4. Base Standard Modification to allow light trespass at the north property line to exceed the
code maximum allowance of 0.5 footcandles.
5. Applicants shall submit a revised photometric plan for Department of Community
Development review.
6. Base Standard Modification to allow signage far this property to be located with shared
signage at the corner of Oshkosh Avenue and N. Westfield Street.
7. No freestanding signage shall be located at 1365 N. Westfield Street.
8. Final landscaping plan and information to be reviewed and approved by the Department of
Community Development.
9. Base Standard Modification to allow a reduction in front yard (N. Koeller Street)setback
from 30' to 18'.
Plan Commission Minutes 13 January 7,2020
Seconded by Palmeri.
Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion.
Ms. Propp thanked the developer for his patients with the Plan Commission and staff over
multiple workshops. She said this is a good outcome. She asked when the project would begin
and when it would be completed.
Mr. Lyons said in the project narrative it states intentions of breaking ground in spring with a fall
2020 opening.
Mr. Mitchell read the verbiage from the narrative. He thanked Mr. Hoopman and everyone for all
their time they have invested into this projects. He said with a project like this it is hard to gauge
how it will really look like without seeing the landscape plan in place. He said from the aerial, it
looks as there is a ton of concrete/asphalt. He asked how the 70%number came about for
impervious surface.
Mr. Lyons explained it is a commonly used number for commercial districts in order to
accommodate sufficient parking and try to balance some areas for landscaping. He said for
industrial districts and urban districts, there is even a higher impervious percent. He agreed that is
was hard to gauge because the drawings are black and white and it makes it hard to visualize the
canopy of the trees as they grow out. He explained the history of the Corporate Business Park and
why the decision was made to push the landscaping to the edges
Mr. Mitchell commented he appreciates the parking but hopes it has an attractive and professional
look. He stated he has confidence in Mr. Hoopman.
Mr. Lyons said that it is hard to picture because the landscaping is only shown on the hotel area.
He said as they get to the other areas, they will make sure there is the same consistency. He
explained the history of Plan Commission and Common Council's vision when they wrote the
standards and staff will make sure the vision comes through.
Mr. Ford agreed with Mr. Lyons and said he appreciates all the work that was done to get to this
point. He said this is a good example of how they stayed within their land use body and
maximized the impact with the help of city staff.
Mr. Hinz talked about the beginning of the process and how Mr. Hoopman was not sure the
project was going to be viable because the standards were being raised in this area. He said the
hotel is very articulated and is like nothing else as far as a hotel in Oshkosh including the
landscaping. He said he hopes this project will set the standard for future projects.
Motion carried 9-0.
Motion by Perry to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report for the access
control variance request.
Plan Commission Minutes 14 January 7,2020
Seconded by Erickson.
Mr. Fojtik agreed with everyone and said the Corporate Business Park was a good idea. He said
he realizes it was a little cumbersome to get to this but everyone has been patient and it paid off.
Motion carried 9-0.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Lyons updated the Commission on the tablets. He said IT ordered the iPads but he does not
know when they will arrive or be distributed.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:09 pm. (Hinz/Kiefer)
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Lyons
Planning Services Manager
Plan Commission Minutes 15 January 7,2020