During the recent Plan Commission meeting in West Bend, Wisconsin, community members expressed strong concerns regarding a proposed residential development that could significantly alter the character of their neighborhood. The meeting, held on November 6, 2024, highlighted the tension between development ambitions and the preservation of rural community values.

One resident, who identified himself as a member of a family of four, articulated his worries about the density of the proposed development. He noted that the surrounding area consists of larger lots, typically ranging from 1 to 2 acres, which contribute to the rural feel that attracted many residents to the area. The proposed RS4 zoning would allow for 5.4 homes per acre, a stark contrast to the existing RS2 classification that permits only 0.67 homes per acre. This shift, he argued, would lead to a significant increase in population density that does not align with the established character of the neighborhood.

Traffic safety was another critical issue raised during the meeting. Residents pointed to the hazardous intersection at Eighteenth Avenue and NN, which has a history of accidents. The speaker recounted a personal experience witnessing a serious incident at this intersection, emphasizing that adding more homes would exacerbate traffic problems on already narrow roads.

Another resident, Carol Strzok, succinctly posed a rhetorical question to the commission: "Would you want 90 homes in your backyard?" This question encapsulated the sentiments of many attendees who fear that the proposed development would not only disrupt their way of life but also compromise their safety and the integrity of their community.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a broader debate about balancing development needs with community preservation. As West Bend continues to grow, the challenge will be to find a way to accommodate new residents while respecting the desires of current homeowners for spacious, safe, and rural living environments. The commission's next steps will be crucial in determining how these competing interests will be reconciled in future planning efforts.