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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes__________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 1 December 3, 2024 PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES December 3, 2024 PRESENT: Kathleen Propp, Council Member Nichols, Joshua Belville, Margy Davey, Karl Loewenstein, Meredith Scheuermann, Thomas Perry EXCUSED: Ed Bowen, John Kiefer STAFF: Sara Rutkowski, Assistant Community Development Director; Justin Gierach, Engineering Division Manager; Brian Slusarek, Principal Planner; Jeff Nau, Planner; Katrina Malson, Office Assistant Chairperson Perry called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of November 19, 2024 were approved as presented. (Davey/Scheuermann) I. CONSENT AGENDA: A. ACCEPT SIDEWALK EASEMENT AT THE NORTHEASTERLY CORNER OF SOUTH MAIN STREET AND EAST 7TH AVENUE (600 SOUTH MAIN STREET)) B. ACCEPT ACCESS EASEMENT AT 420 DIVISION STREET ADJACENT TO THE 400 BLOCK WEST PARKING LOT LOCATED OVER PART OF THE SOUTHERLY PORTION OF VACATED IVY PLACE WEST OF DIVISION STREET FROM STAPEL PROPERTIES LLC C. GRANT ACCESS EASEMENT AT 17 CHURCH AVENUE (400 BLOCK WEST PARKING LOT) LOCATED OVER PART OF THE NORTHERLY PORTION OF VACATED IVY PLACE WEST OF DIVISION STREET TO 420 DIVISION STREET (STAPEL PROPERTIES LLC) D. ACCEPT WATER MAIN EASEMENT AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF WEST SNELL ROAD AND JACKSON STREET (PARCEL 1260010000) FROM SNELL HOLDINGS LLC Motion by Propp to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff reports. Seconded by Davey. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Motion carried 7-0. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 2 December 3, 2024 II. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE CHANGE FROM INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT (I) TO URBAN MIXED USE (UMU) FOR PART OF 240 ALGOMA BOULEVARD Site Inspections Report: Ms. Propp, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belville, Ms. Davey, Ms. Scheuermann, and Mr. Perry reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The applicant requests a zone change from the existing Institutional District (I) to Urban Mixed Use (UMU) for a portion of a property located at 240 Algoma Boulevard. Mr. Nau presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The subject property, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Shelter, recently relocated to 240 Algoma Boulevard from its previous location at 206 Algoma Boulevard. Nick Jenson, owner of 141 Church Avenue (Edward Jones Investments), approached Christine Ann about purchasing a small portion of 240 Algoma Boulevard. This is area to be combined with his property at 141 Church Avenue via Certified Survey Map (CSM). The Zoning Ordinance prohibits split-zoned parcels so the area being combined with 141 Church Avenue needs to be rezoned to UMU District, matching the rest of the property. The proposed zone change from I District to UMU District will be 2,029 square feet in area, approximately 98 feet long 20 feet wide. This will enable 141 Church Avenue to attach this area with the rest of the property. The proposed zone change is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan recommendation of Center City for the subject site. A CSM has been submitted to the City for review. The lots show the configuration of 141 Church Avenue and 240 Algoma Boulevard after the zone change and land transfer is completed. Staff recommends approval of the proposed zone change with the findings listed in the staff report. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Perry opened the public hearing and asked if the owner and/or applicant wanted to make any statements. Alicia Wegner; 240 Algoma Avenue, Executive Director at Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services. She stated that the sale of a small portion of 240 Algoma Avenue to Nick Jensen will enable clientele to access 141 Church Avenue. Nick Jensen; 141 Church Avenue, stated that he is in support of this project and that Christine Ann is a great neighbor. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 3 December 3, 2024 Mr. Perry closed the public hearing. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Davey to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Scheuermann. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Perry stated that this is a wonderful example of two property owners getting together and working out a solution. Motion carried 7-0. III. SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AMENDMENT FOR PYLON SIGN AT 1290 SOUTH KOELLER STREET Site Inspections Report: Ms. Propp, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belville, and Ms. Davey reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The petitioner requests approval of a Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) Amendment for a pylon sign. Mr. Slusarek presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The subject site is a 2.16-acre lot with frontage along South Koeller Street, which includes a recently built Chili’s Grill and Bar. The property is zoned SMU-PD. On February 22, 2022, Common Council approved a General Development Plan (GDP) and SIP for a restaurant (Chili’s) at the subject site. The approved GDP/SIP for the site included a 10’ tall, 99 sq. ft. monument sign along South Koeller Street. A Base Standard Modification (BSM) was approved at that time to allow a 7.6’ front yard setback, where code requires a 25’ front yard setback. Staff recommended approval of the reduced front yard setback due to the monuments sign’s substantial height reduction to 10’, where code allows a maximum sign height of 35’. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing monument sign for placement of a 35’ tall pylon sign, which would utilize the existing 99 sq. ft. sign cabinet. The applicant is requesting a new BSM to allow the proposed pylon sign to be placed with a 15.25’ front yard setback, where code requires a 25’ setback. According to the applicant, meeting the 25’ front setback would result in the pylon sign being on the same vision plane as neighboring pylon signage, which would result in the Chili’s sign being blocked from visibility and also blocking neighboring signs from visibility. The __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 4 December 3, 2024 applicant also stated that the proposed pylon sign cannot be constructed at the 25’ setback due to the existing site layout which does not have a viable location for sign placement at 25’. The pylon sign would have to be placed 35’-40’ from the setback in order to meet code. Staff analyzed existing pylon signage on other parcels along North Koeller Street and noted that there are several neighboring legal nonconforming pylon signs within the 25’ front yard setback. However, all pylon signs that have been installed since the adoption of the current zoning ordinance in 2017 have been held to the 25’ setback requirement (Chipotle/Old National Bank, Panda Express, UHAUL). Staff is of the opinion that all new pylon signage should meet current setback requirements when sufficient space exists to meet the requirements. Staff is not aware of any hardships unique to the site that necessitate reduced front yard setbacks for a pylon sign, and therefore is recommending denial of the proposed setback reduction for a 35’ tall pylon sign. Staff recommends denial of the SIP Amendment as proposed with the findings listed above. If Plan Commission would like to recommend approval of the SIP Amendment, staff recommends the conditions in the staff report be included in the motion to approve. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Nichols inquired whether, when the original site plan was proposed, they intended to include a 25-foot setback, and if the sign currently being proposed would have required designation as a sign at that time. Mr. Slusarek stated that no, it would have met the code if they had complied with a 25-foot setback. Mr. Nichols asked if the applicant had planned this from the beginning, they probably could have made it happen. Mr. Slusarek stated that is correct. Ms. Propp asked where the sign would be placed if the Plan Commission were to approve it. Mr. Slusarek stated that the sign would be located at the end of a parking row. The current sign has about a 7.5-foot setback, and it would be moved back to approximately a 15.25-foot setback. Ms. Propp asked where the sign would be positioned if they were to have a 35-foot or 25-foot setback. Mr. Slusarek stated it would likely need to go within one of these islands. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements David Michael; 6001 Nimtz Parkway, South Bend, Indiana, Site Enhancement Services, offered to answer questions about their client's variance request. He explained that the site has a lot of __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 5 December 3, 2024 freestanding pylon signs, making the Chili's sign less noticeable at ground level. They plan to reuse the existing cabinet and foundation, raising the sign higher without adding square footage. There's no space within the 25-foot setback, so positioning further back would obscure the sign. The goal is to blend better with the community and improve visibility by elevating the sign 30 to 40 feet, facilitating safer navigation for motorists. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Nichols to deny based on the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Davey. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Loewenstein inquired whether the image on the presentation screen depicted an island and, if it did, how far it was from the street. Mr. Slusarek confirmed that it is indeed an island and noted that it is approximately over 40 feet from the street. Mr. Loewenstein said that it appears there could be other solutions to this that would still meet code. Ms. Propp stated that she is in support of staff’s recommendation of denial. Mr. Perry stated his support for the sign, just not the location. Ms. Davey stated her support for the denial. Motion to deny was carried 5-2 (Scheuermann & Perry). IV. SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AMENDMENT FOR DRIVE-THROUGH SIGN AT 525 SOUTH WASHBURN STREET Site Inspections Report: Mr. Nichols and Ms. Scheuermann reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 6 December 3, 2024 The petitioner requests Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) Amendment for a drive-through sign. Mr. Slusarek presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The subject site is a 0.99-acre commercial property located on the west side of South Washburn Street, north of West 9th Avenue. On June 11, 2024, Common Council approved a General Development Plan and SIP for a drive- through restaurant (Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers). The applicant has submitted a sign plan for a menu board. It does not meet code for allowable sign area for a menu board. The drive-through sign is being proposed on the rear (west) side of the building. For drive-through signage, code allows one primary board and one pre-sell board. They're requesting a Base Standard Modification (BSM) to allow the drive-through sign to be 33 sq. ft in area where code allows the primary drive-through sign to be a maximum of 24 sq. ft. in area. According to the applicant, the increased sign area is needed as it is the standard drive-through sign size for Freddy’s restaurants and the smallest sign offered by their provider (Samsung). Staff is supportive of the BSM request as they only have one primary drive-through sign rather than having a pre-sell board and a primary board which would allow for up to 36 sq. ft. with a 24 sq. ft. primary and a 12 sq. ft. pre-sell board. One 33 sq. ft. primary board is a 3 sq. ft. reduction from what the overall maximum menu board area would be. There is a significant rear yard setback. It's about 90’ where code requires a 25’ rear yard setback. It is not very visible from the public right-of-way. The applicant stated that they will provide three additional shrubs to offset the BSM requests and staff is comfortable that the additional landscaping serves to offset this BSM Staff recommends approval of the proposed SIP Amendment with the findings and conditions listed in the staff report. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Propp to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Davey. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Ms. Davey stated her support for the item. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 7 December 3, 2024 Motion carried 7-0. V. APPROVE LAND DISPOSITION OF PART OF 17 CHURCH AVENUE (400 BLOCK WEST PARKING LOT) TO 110 ALGOMA BOULEVARD Site Inspections Report: Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belville, Ms. Davey, Mr. Loewenstein, Ms. Scheuermann, and Mr. Perry reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The City of Oshkosh is requesting approval of land disposition of part of 17 Church Avenue (400 Block West Parking Lot) to 110 Algoma Boulevard. Mr. Nau presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. City staff is trying to clean up the land records for the area. This began earlier this year with the vacation of Ivy Place in an unused alley located along the backs of the 400 block of North Main Street. The 400 Block West Parking Lot was constructed to its current configuration in 1996 and resurfaced late last year. The parking lot provides public parking for businesses and visitors to the downtown. The surrounding area is part of Oshkosh’s Central City containing numerous service, retail, food, institutional and residential establishments. In 1865, Cotrill’s Subdivision of Lot 1, Block 44 was recorded which created the original lot for what would be 110 Algoma Boulevard (Lot 9). The northeasterly line coming off Algoma Boulevard was not perpendicular, but angled approximately 78° from Algoma Boulevard. The Algoma Building, constructed in 1889, was built with its northwesterly wall perpendicular to Algoma Boulevard and crossed over the original lot line. In 1894, Leach’s Atlas of Oshkosh was recorded and corrected Cotrill’s original lot line by matching the Algoma Building’s wall. However, real estate deeds were not corrected to reference Leach’s Map. This affects Lot 9 (Algoma Building) and Lot 10 (400 Block West Parking Lot) as the lots, as recorded, use Cotrill’s map. A portion of the Algoma Building is located on City property while a portion of City sidewalk is located on the Algoma Building’s property. To rectify this, the City is proposing a land swap between 110 Algoma Boulevard and the City parking lot property. The swap includes City acquisition of a 120 square foot triangular piece of 110 Algoma Boulevard and disposition of an 85 square foot triangular piece of the City-owned parking lot property to 110 Algoma Boulevard (Item VII). This will “straighten” the common lot line as depicted on Leach’s Map. Staff recommends approval of the land disposition as proposed. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 8 December 3, 2024 Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Davey to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Scheuermann. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Motion carried 7-0. VI. APPROVE LAND ACQUISITIONS FROM PART OF 110 ALGOMA BOULEVARD AND 138 ALGOMA BOULEVARD Site Inspections Report: Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belville, Ms. Davey, Mr. Loewenstein, Ms. Scheuermann, and Mr. Perry reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The City of Oshkosh is requesting approval of two land acquisitions from parts of 110 Algoma Boulevard and 138 Algoma Boulevard. Mr. Nau presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. This request involves part of two properties: Acquisition of a triangular piece of property at the northwest corner of 110 Algoma Boulevard and acquisition of a strip of land along the easterly portion of 138 Algoma Boulevard. Back when the parking lot was constructed to its current configuration in 1996, the City got into a lease agreement with the owner of 138 Algoma Boulevard to partially pave over and provide parking stalls on 138 Algoma's property. With the reconstruction last year, the City thought this was a good opportunity to clean up the land records, so we approached the property owner, Jim Staple of Staple Properties LLC. He was in agreement and is willing to dispose of this strip of land to the city. I failed to mention in the last staff report, we've been in contact with the owner of 110 Algoma, which is Hoopman & Co. Downtown LLC, and they're in agreement to clean up the existing lot line inconsistency. Staff recommends approval of the two land acquisitions as proposed. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 9 December 3, 2024 Mr. Loewenstein asked about how the strip was divided in its current manner. Mr. Nau explained that this wasn't a discrepancy. To optimize parking lot design, a 24-foot drive aisle and 18-foot stall depth is required. The City approached Mr. Staple, the owner at the time, and he agreed to allow paving over part of his property to create additional stalls. Without this arrangement, the extra stalls wouldn't exist. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Davey to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Scheuermann. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Motion carried 7-0. VII. APPROVE LAND ACQUISITION OF 1226 OSHKOSH AVENUE, 1236 OSHKOSH AVENUE, VACANT LOTS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS 1232 OSHKOSH AVENUE (PARCEL 1600370000) AND 1240 OSHKOSH AVENUE (PARCEL 1600390000) Site Inspections Report: Ms. Propp, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belville, Ms. Davey, and Ms. Scheuermann reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The City of Oshkosh is requesting approval to acquire four properties located at 1226 Oshkosh Avenue, 1236 Oshkosh Avenue, and vacant lots previously known as 1232 Oshkosh Avenue (parcel 1600370000) and 1240 Oshkosh Avenue (parcel 1600390000) for future right-of-way improvements. Mr. Nau presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The subject area consists of four lots that equate to a combined acreage of 0.56 acres and are located on Oshkosh Avenue, just northwest of North Sawyer Street and east of Fox Street. Currently two lots are vacant and used for parking. The other two lots contain structures. The surrounding area consists primarily of residential uses to the north and south, along with commercial uses to the west. Properties directly to the east are currently vacant and owned by the City of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 10 December 3, 2024 Starting in 2014, the City of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority has purchased properties to the east of the subject site as they became available in preparation for an eventual reconstruction of the North Sawyer Street and Oshkosh Avenue intersection; which is now in the design phase. The acquisition of these four properties came to be possible after the current owner contacted the City of Oshkosh asking if they were interested in purchasing them. Staff recommends approval of the proposed four property acquisitions as requested. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Propp to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Davey. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Nichols mentioned he is eager to see the two unattractive buildings removed and views this as progress for the city. Mr. Perry recalled the initial proposal for the intersection and surrounding area, expressed contentment about nearing that envisioned outcome. Motion carried 7-0. VIII. APPROVE LAND ACQUISITION FOR A 5.5-ACRE PORTION OF 3483 JACKSON STREET (PARCEL 1250160000) Site Inspections Report: Ms. Propp, Mr. Nichols, Ms. Scheuermann, and Mr. Perry reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 11 December 3, 2024 The City of Oshkosh is requesting approval to acquire a portion of a property located at 3483 Jackson Street (Parcel 1250160000) to create residential lots for workforce housing. Mr. Nau presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The subject site is currently 9.48 acres in size, is located on the west side of Jackson Street and the east end of Christian Drive, and contains two commercial buildings. This request is to acquire approximately 5.5-acres of the backside of this property for eventual platting into a single-family subdivision. It is currently zoned Suburban Mixed Use (SMU). On June 25th, 2024 the Common Council unanimously approved, through Resolution 24-371, the land acquisition of the vacant property to the north of the subject site (parcel 120100000). That acquisition combined with this request will result in a total of 10.55 acres of land to create a subdivision for workforce housing. If this request for acquisition is approved, the new parcel will need to be rezoned to Single Family Residential–9 (SR-9) and the Comprehensive Land Use Map will need to be amended from General Commercial to Light Density Residential which is consistent with adjacent uses. The conceptual plan is in a draft stage for the proposed subdivision. It will be zoned Single-Family Residential 9 (SR-9), allowing single-family homes. The lots are approximately 55 feet wide on average, slightly smaller but consistent with the adjacent subdivision to the west, where lots are about 60 to 62 feet wide. The board will review the preliminary plat first, followed by the final plat. The City aims to address a workforce housing shortage by acquiring the property, which will accommodate about 21 single-family homes, with an additional 16 homes on the northern piece. Staff recommends approval of the proposed land acquisition as requested. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Ms. Propp questioned why the City is purchasing this property, as well as who will be developing it and how the development will proceed. Ms. Rutkowski stated the Council has a preliminary idea, with details still pending. A 2022 housing study showed Oshkosh's need for more affordable workforce housing. The city plans to emulate successful strategies from other municipalities to introduce new properties, but the exact level of city involvement is still being decided. This initiative is seen as a promising start. Mr. Nichols inquired about the frequency with which this project would be reviewed by the Plan Commission. Ms. Rutkowski stated that the project would come back for at least the pre-plat and final plat stages, during which they will detail all utilities, connections, road work, and other aspects. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 12 December 3, 2024 Mr. Nau stated there will also zone change and a comprehensive plan land use map amendment. Ms. Rutkowski mentioned that there are multiple steps in the process that are still being finalized. Mr. Nichols inquired if pursuing a proactive development approach would include discussions on utility placement, related contracting, and aspects like asphalt and paving. Ms. Rutkowski confirmed that these aspects are included in what they're planning and discussing with the Council, focusing on the city's level of involvement, the builders' contributions, and how much community members will participate in completing the project. Mr. Perry asked for confirmation that this serves as a recommendation to the Council. Mr. Slusarek said that is correct. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. John Ziemer, of 1170 Christian Drive, expressed opposition to the project, stating concerns over smaller lot sizes and reduction in property values. Christophe Pietruczak, of 3490 Eichstadt Road, expressed his opposition, emphasizing that the neighborhood's concerns should be addressed. Larry Hammerseng, of 1180 Christian Drive, questioned whether workforce housing is synonymous with low-income housing, noting that the term seems vague online with various interpretations. Mr. Nau stated the homes will be priced around $250,000-$300,000 and will not be classified as low-income housing. Mr. Hammerseng noted the absence of developers currently involved and asked if those housing prices could be guaranteed. Mr. Nau stated there are no developers at this time because the process is still in its early stages. Ms. Rutkowski stated that due to market uncertainties, they cannot guarantee the housing prices. Mr. Hammerseng, concerned about increased traffic on the west end, suggested adding a speed hump to slow vehicles. Mr. Nau mentioned that the development will include a public park, addressing the area's current lack of public park space. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 13 December 3, 2024 Mr. Hammerseng expressed that the primary concerns are maintaining neighborhood safety and ensuring property values do not decrease. Sharon Wagner, 339 Eichstadt Road, raised concerns about the neighborhood's lot sizes, suggesting 60-foot widths to match existing properties. Having lived there for 20 years, she supports affordable housing but is worried about crowding and traffic from the 36 planned houses, noting potential impacts on property values and the area's busy traffic, especially near the school on Vinland Road. Joan Groll, 760 Christian Drive, expressed concerns about the small lot sizes, suggesting larger ones to preserve property values and increase the tax base. She also raised issues about increased traffic affecting children's safety and questioned the compatibility of smaller lots with the existing neighborhood, asking about plans to mitigate potential negative impacts. Kurt Neitzel, 730 Christian Drive, opposed workforce housing, citing the existing subdivision and insisting that new homes match the current house sizes to preserve property values. Living on the corner next to the development, he questioned if new homes could be rented out. Mr. Perry clarified that property owners are allowed to rent their homes. Cindy Dobish, 1185 Christian Drive, emphasized her attachment to the unique, community- focused neighborhood. She expressed concerns that increased traffic and smaller lots could disrupt the area's family-friendly and cohesive atmosphere. She worried these changes could lead to safety issues and drive long-time residents away. Heather Pinnow, 3483 Jackson Street, mentioned that previous attempts to buy their property for apartment complexes were rejected by neighbors. However, she supports the current proposal, seeing it as essential for housing needs and a great opportunity for Oshkosh's north side. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. Motion by Propp to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Scheuermann. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Ms. Propp inquired about the differences in the lot sizes. Mr. Nau stated that most lots on Christian Drive are about 60 feet wide, with Farmington around 57 feet. Cul-de-sac lots are typically larger, but none of these dimensions are finalized. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 14 December 3, 2024 Ms. Davey inquired about a larger parcel to the north of the subject property. Mr. Nau stated it is a single-family lot. Mr. Nichols clarified that this involves only land acquisition, not determining lot sizes or the number of houses. Mr. Nichols stated that, once a draft plat is prepared, a neighborhood meeting will be held to discuss it. Concerns about lot sizes or traffic can be addressed directly with the City at that time. Ms. Rutkowski confirmed that a neighborhood meeting will take place, emphasizing the goal of ensuring anything introduced is accepted by the neighborhood. Mr. Nichols explained that the Council directed City staff to find locations for workforce housing, which differs from affordable housing. The City aims to collaborate with a developer to build housing following a design guide the City is creating. Ms. Rutkowski said staff is working with an architect on developing a housing design book. This guide aims to support infill housing by helping developers design homes that blend well within existing neighborhood aesthetics. Mr. Nichols expressed enthusiasm for the City's efforts to identify large parcels for neighborhood expansion. He emphasized the Council's desire for substantial neighbor input to ensure neighborhood cohesion without diminishing property values or altering local character. Mr. Nichols acknowledged the importance of addressing real concerns through improved, proactive City communication about plans and intentions to alleviate worries. Mr. Perry shared his experience, worried about pricing others out of neighborhoods. Terms like "workforce" and "migrant" now have negative perceptions, affecting community inclusivity. He supports the project, urging the use of positive language to attract good residents, referencing success on Jackson Street. Motion carried 7-0. Mr. Perry noted that a letter from Kevin and Kristin Wopat of 790 Christian Drive was added to the record. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:12 pm. (Davey/Propp) One workshop followed the meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Kelly Nieforth Community Development Director