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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes__________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 1 January 7, 2025 PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES January 7, 2025 PRESENT: Council Member Nichols, Joshua Belville, Margy Davey, Karl Loewenstein, John Kiefer, Thomas Perry EXCUSED: Kathleen Propp, Ed Bowen, Meredith Scheuermann STAFF: Kelly Nieforth, Community Development Director; Justin Gierach, Engineering Division Manager; Brian Slusarek, Principal Planner; Jeff Nau, Planner; Brandon Nielsen, Associate Planner; Jeffrey Witte, Principal Planner; Emma Dziengeleski, Assistant Planner; Katrina Malson, Office Assistant; Oshkosh Media Chairperson Perry called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of December 3, 2024 were approved as presented. (Davey/Nichols) I. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR AN ADDITION ON THE FRONT FAÇADE AT 27 JOHNSON AVENUE Site Inspections Report: No one 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 for a garage addition on the front façade at 27 Johnson Avenue. Mr. Nielsen presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. Staff recommends approval of a variance from the City’s Residential Design Standards to allow for an addition on the front façade at 27 Johnson Avenue with the conditions and finding listed in the staff report. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Perry had questions regarding the front setbacks. Mr. Nielsen stated that with the garage addition the subject property would have the same front setback as the neighboring properties. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 2 January 7, 2025 Steve Ratajczak, owner/applicant, of 27 Johnson Street in Oshkosh was available for questions. He stated the garage addition would bring out the aesthetics and curb appeal of his property. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. There were none. 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 Kiefer. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. There was none. Motion carried 6-0. II. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW METAL SIDING AND INCREASED FRONT YARD SETBACK ON A NEW HOME TO BE BUILT AT PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE 1100 BLOCK OF HAWK STREET (PARCEL 1602230100) Site Inspections Report: No one 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 metal siding and an increased front yard setback on a new home to be built at 0 Hawk Street (Parcel 1602230100). Mr. Witte presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. Staff recommends approval of a variance from the City’s Residential Design Standards to allow metal siding and an increased front yard setback on a new home as proposed with the finding listed in the staff report. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. There were none. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. The owner/applicant was in the audience but did not have any statements. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Glenn Houge, of 1116 Hawk Street in Oshkosh, had concerns about water runoff and drainage. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 3 January 7, 2025 Mr. Slusarek stated the city’s housing code addresses drainage and ensures there is proper grading for the new home. 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 Loewenstein. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Nichols and Ms. Davey spoke in support of the project. Motion carried 6-0. III. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR DOOR AREA REDUCTION/CLOSURE ON THE FRONT FAÇADE AT 1922 MITCHELL STREET Site Inspections Report: No one 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 for door area reduction/closure on the front façade at 1922 Mitchell Street. Ms. Dziengeleski presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. Staff recommends approval of a variance from the City’s Residential Design Standards to allow door reduction/closure on the front façade with the conditions and finding listed in the staff report. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. There were none. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. The owner/applicant were not in attendance. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. There were none. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 4 January 7, 2025 Motion by Davey to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Loewenstein. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. There was none. Motion carried 6-0. IV. PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR THE CREATION OF AN 18-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION AT THE FORMER WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROPERTY, 929 WINNEBAGO AVENUE (WASHINGTON SCHOOL PRELIMINARY PLAT) Site Inspections Report: Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belville, Ms. Davey, and Mr. Perry reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The City is requesting the approval of a development plan for an 18-lot single-family residential land division/preliminary plat. Mr. Nau presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. Staff recommends approval of the 18-lot Washington School Preliminary Plat as proposed Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Nichols had questions regarding the City’s architectural design book and the plat process. Ms. Nieforth spoke about the design book and the proposed development. She also talked in detail about the plats, neighborhood feedback, and sharing information. Ms. Davey wanted more clarification on the decision to not reserve park space. Ms. Nieforth discussed the recently updated Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), and how this area has parks, Stevens and Menominee, nearby. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. City staff did not have any more comments. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 5 January 7, 2025 Ron Hansche, of 52 Eveline Street in Oshkosh, project coordinator for the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association. He wants the design of the new homes to fit the neighborhood, more information shared with the neighborhood, and the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association Steering Committee invited to attend meetings regarding this site/project. Juan Garcia Oyervides, of 1115 Winnebago Avenue in Oshkosh, had questions regarding the project, specifically lead pipe replacements. Mr. Perry closed public comment. Mr. Perry reopened technical questions to staff Ms. Davey wanted Department of Public Works (DPW) staff to speak regarding public comment. Mr. Kiefer, Mr. Nichols, and Ms. Nieforth had questions for DPW staff regarding utilities and utility work in the area. Mr. Gierach discussed the new utilities to be installed on any newly created parcels on the subject site, the lead service replacement program for existing properties, and potential funding available for lead service replacement. Mr. Nichols wanted more discussion regarding the housing options in the design book. Ms. Nieforth discussed the home designs and the future new homes. Mr. Witte stated there are approximately one-hundred and twenty (120) home option variations in the design book. Motion by Kiefer to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Belville. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Nichols and Mr. Belville spoke in support of this project. Motion carried 5-0; Perry voted Present. V. COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN MAP AMENDMENT FROM LIGHT DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1705 OSHKOSH AVENUE Site Inspections Report: Ms. Davey reported visiting the site. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 6 January 7, 2025 Staff report accepted as part of the record. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the Recommended Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan. The subject area is designated for Light Density Residential land use; the applicant is requesting a change to a Neighborhood Commercial land use designation. Mr. Slusarek presented the items and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. Staff recommends approval of the requested land use map amendment from Light Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial for property located at 1705 Oshkosh Avenue with findings that the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and is consistent with the surrounding area. Mr. Perry opened up technical questions to staff. Mr. Kiefer wondered, if approved, what would potential future uses be for this property if torn down. Mr. Slusarek stated, once zoning is in place, it could be redeveloped for commercial purposes that fit the zoning district. It would likely have a Planned Development (PD) overlay, since there are surrounding residences. Mr. Perry opened public comment and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. The owner/applicant was not in attendance. Mr. Perry asked if any members of the public wished to speak. Ty Smoody, of 1270 Locust Street in Oshkosh, has concerns with impact on taxes, future resale value of their home, future plans for the other homes on the south side of Oshkosh Avenue, and the poor condition of the garage/carriage house on the subject site. He requested a privacy fence be installed around the subject site. Robert Fox, of 1235 North Westfield Street in Oshkosh, has concerns with commercial properties going onto the south side of Oshkosh Avenue now and in the future. He thought the City wanted to keep it as residential, as a buffer. Katherine Jackson, of 1255 North Westfield Street in Oshkosh, lives next door and does not support this. She has concerns with light pollution, traffic, resale value of her home, and having a parking lot close to her bedroom. She believes the owner of the subject property also owns at least one, maybe two, other properties on the street. She has concerns that he will try to turn them all into commercial properties. Mr. Perry closed public comment. There was no closing statement from the applicant. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 7 January 7, 2025 Motion by Davey to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Loewenstein. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Kiefer was not in support because when the Comprehensive Plan was last reviewed, he remembers designating this area as staying residential and does not see a good reason to change it. He also discussed the Oshkosh Avenue TIF District and he thought residential owners may have options to use funds for façade improvements. Mr. Nichols wondered about next steps if this was to be approved. Mr. Slusarek stated a zone change to Neighborhood Mixed Use District with a Planned Development Overlay (NMU-PD) would be the next step in the process. There would be buffer yard, traffic, and lighting requirements. The owner would have to come back to Plan Commission and Council for the zone change and planned development processes. Mr. Loewenstein was not sure he was in support of this because the owner/applicant was not in attendance to answer questions and concerns. Mr. Perry wondered if Single Family Residential-5 (SR-5) includes group living or single room occupancy uses. Mr. Slusarek stated up to eight (8) residents are permitted for group residents. Single room occupancy depends on the number of units. Mr. Nichols wondered about next steps if this was to be denied. Mr. Slusarek stated it would go on to Council, unless the owner/applicant withdrew it prior. Davey withdrew her motion and Loewenstein withdrew his second, due to the owner/applicant not being present to address questions and concerns. Motion by Nichols to layover the agenda item to the next Plan Commission meeting when the applicant can be present. Seconded by Kiefer. Mr. Perry asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Nichols clarified his motion. Asking to put this on the 1/21/25 Plan Commission agenda, so the soonest it could go to Council would be on 1/28/25. Motion carried 6-0, to layover. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 8 January 7, 2025 PLANNING MANAGERS REPORT Ms. Nieforth stated the city is still working on filling the Planning Manager position. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:03 pm. (Kiefer/Davey) Two workshops followed the meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Kelly Nieforth Community Development Director KN/km