[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6084465,"mediaKeyId","2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675","parentId",2915382,"title","Commission debates ground-floor use, live-work units and ATM drive-through for proposed mixed-use building at 511 West Fern Avenue","audioSeconds",1671,"startMs",1645000,"endMs",3316000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675&start=1645&end=3316","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675/thumbnail_1645000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084465/Verona/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Commission-debates-ground-floor-use-live-work-units-and-ATM-drive-through-for-proposed-mixed-use-building-at-511-West-Fern-Avenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084465-0da6803fa619a994cb8de4711a842396/orig.mp4?Expires=1774926426&Signature=ofci-Qq87BJxwraOuYa9kSfOtZyuL77G-exLdybrpw6kwQ0PUkfJdooBEorO~4sHRktnXM8vRZklSAei5nx23N93j314PfG3b~DDQ3PDFvEd7VU1emCq5~dxZlwV28IrzebQeInyiBEG6Q7V1M9q2nwgreLffJqlg1Rhc1hTCNsS1vLoboBf87BzZRiowvY6q0XeG8-DrvCI3PtvU~tmjjOQD-ZOMv5-5EQ3MXckHmT5sF9ZRHS~HB85OhppTIyvBqlHRZu5b7gGuLB58c3OIhSYMoxW-Rx6ahfcCYdXtyz-mNwxmGFL7kN4VhVnHbDIzFJlEIR0bCqqORNMLgJS0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Verona, WI","date","2025-04-08T16:30:36Z","article","The Planning Commission held an initial review of a revised application for a proposed mixed-use building at 511 West Fern Avenue during its April 7 meeting. The applicant seeks a planned-development exemption to allow ground-floor residential in a suburban commercial district, a height exemption and lighting exemptions; the concept includes 16 residential units (predominantly studios and one-bedrooms), two live-work units, 4,200 square feet of commercial space fronting West Verona Avenue, and an ATM drive-through.

Staff (Mister Severson) said the suburban commercial zoning aims to preserve visible road corridors for commercial retail and service uses and expressed concerns that the proposed ground-floor residential and limited commercial floor area (4,200 sq ft on a lot roughly 90,000 sq ft) conflict with the comprehensive plan and zoning purpose. Staff also noted parking and circulation were not yet resolved and that the proposed live-work spaces have not historically proved adaptable in Verona, citing past live-work units that were converted to residential after failing to lease as commercial space.

Commissioners offered a range of views but many raised the same themes: several commissioners said they would prefer more traditional retail along West Verona Avenue and were skeptical that small live-work units or the proposed amount of commercial space would produce viable retail. Commissioner Wood said the proposed live-work unit sizes (600–650 sq ft) felt better suited to artist or small-studio use than active retail. Commissioner Powers and Commissioner Harrison said they would not support live-work units on the West Verona frontage but might accept residential units further back in the building; both expressed that a larger continuous storefront along the frontage would be preferable.

Multiple commissioners and Alder Posey criticized the ATM drive-through layout. Staff had earlier noted stacking met minimum thresholds but raised concerns about vehicle–pedestrian conflicts and circulation in practice; commissioners described the drive-through as incompatible with a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use frontage and voiced safety and operational objections.

Alder Posey and other commissioners said they would not support lighting exemptions that would increase light pollution. Several commissioners asked the applicant to provide more complete materials, including a final plan, parking calculations and the status of a previously discussed maintenance facility that is not shown on the current concept. The applicant (Connor Net) responded that the maintenance facility was moved underground in the current concept and that design details may evolve.

Commissioners also noted the project’s relationship to a TIF agreement mentioned in prior submittals and observed that council-level financial commitments remain unresolved and could affect any approval.

As this was an initial review, no formal vote on the merits was taken; staff asked three guiding questions for the commission: (1) whether a land-use exemption to allow ground-floor residential would be supported, (2) whether the proposed ground-floor commercial floor area is sufficient, and (3) whether live-work units would be supported in place of permitted commercial units. Commissioners generally signaled that ground-floor commercial along West Verona Avenue should be prioritized, that the proposed commercial area was likely insufficient, that live-work units on the frontage were not supported, and that the ATM drive-through was problematic. Staff will expect a fuller submittal addressing parking, circulation, lighting and final program if the applicant returns for formal review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Plan Commission, 04-07-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission reviewed a revised proposal for a four-story mixed-use building at 511 West Fern Avenue that would include 16 residential units, two live-work units, 4,200 square feet of commercial space and an ATM drive-through; commissioners voiced concerns about the amount and location of commercial space, the viability of live-work units and the ATM layout.","taxTitle","Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin","taxId",69832,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084470,"Commission recommends CSM modifying two lots at Liberty (Verona Technology Park) to accommodate drainage and building placement",207,1420000,1627000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675&start=1420&end=1627","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675/thumbnail_1420000.jpg","/articles/6084470/Verona/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Commission-recommends-CSM-modifying-two-lots-at-Liberty-Verona-Technology-Park-to-accommodate-drainage-and-building-placement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084470-02009315b39847f0d26cb2291d15aae4/orig.mp4?Expires=1774926426&Signature=hhaAUckXIj7eRylaH4Y7~7byoXvROSIb8p0gksTL7c2aKmnUV6K6xATLmGhTm87LwnG-CZlq0vVphwROxihKna8oXSIV~mwVrSLQOT~oO~U2sdVwWEFEX4RmHB~rtgGswIemXAiJZZ7yCH9GBaJbMj1WTKvTunIFORTKCyRORKf1v9wv3EsUJYMFuxTZzFTfvcnu3EWJGgeZg074AVjAvq5IYGat9y30YTVX6xcM-qdgv2OtQ3u1XdubCIKSOE5HQVakNOmregG3WSzi2dJbJmQlhtQp2KvlNEOY4eU4NOZ1Zqy6zF-wPGpDuf4eW56lBRZEUL7V8dTD7RhSDKfMdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Verona Planning Commission on April 7 recommended that the Common Council approve a certified survey map to modify two existing lots at and east of 1079 American Way in Liberty Business Park.

Planning staff explained the change: a previously approved CSM required a lot-line adjustment to accommodate final building placement and stormwater management. The proposed revision shifts the lot line north to create more separation between the building and the revised lot line so a drainage swale can be located there. Staff said future phases could include an expansion by Wisconsin Brewery into Lot 2 but that is a future possibility; staff noted Lot 2 is not currently owned by the brewery and is owned by an entity referenced as Levacy in the transcript.

Commissioner Tijer asked why two lots are being retained instead of merging into a single lot; staff replied the lots are being retained because future expansion is not guaranteed and ownership differs. Commissioner Powers moved to recommend council approval of the CSM (motion cited Lot 1 as 3.4 acres and Lot 2 as 1.7 acres); the motion was seconded by Commissioner Hankard and approved by voice vote.

Staff recommended approval as documented in the case report.","The Planning Commission recommended that the Common Council approve a certified survey map to shift a lot line in Liberty Business Park, moving the line north to provide space for a drainage swale and future building expansion; staff said Lot 1 is 3.4 acres and Lot 2 is 1.7 acres.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084474,"Planning commission backs Arden Glen first addition final plat creating 54 home lots and six outlots",323,1079000,1402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675&start=1079&end=1402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675/thumbnail_1079000.jpg","/articles/6084474/Verona/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Planning-commission-backs-Arden-Glen-first-addition-final-plat-creating-54-home-lots-and-six-outlots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084474-97ff63449cb15ab7df7d958240d9789e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774926426&Signature=KLPXT4mtVl1ACCWD97NgN9Yote1Nzsi3ZWblM7nzkhG2blnVeXlETa2zQG8ZTiUlN2HfPvV74kvn2vejME1msL8Y7dvBOPjAJ8HIMOYptwhBF28wzeq2TgRsZZynQvo~XaZygpLHbnio0X6yBtKKMbVi8uAOu6lhLb9RNFKEYjSomeICZus7peGePHIerdU4BwgHsZ3krwqLR96x7wdgTXQYzQvFa7ZMPZQam8eo3LvBLaPH4iyzMWns3i-FaVH~WhYsiaZg8u24r3rajOi8~1p1n~wnm9gIT745qMrOuNY3TPgum7R6zS-x~GCI7qUlMWdyMW2ZmQHU86QYjE4KbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Verona Planning Commission on April 7 recommended that the Common Council confirm a planning-staff administrative approval for a minor amendment to the Arden Glen subdivision final plat and approve the final plat for the first addition to Arden Glen, which would create 54 single-family and twin-home parcels and six outlots.

Staff said the Arden Glen preliminary plat had been approved in December 2022 and the development is being built in phases. The current final plat request, titled “First Addition to Arden Glen,” covers lots and outlots shown in the packet and was reviewed by staff and AECOM; staff reported that applicant comments had been addressed and staff recommended approval. Staff explained that two additional outlots were administratively approved between the council’s prior approval and the final plat recording; the two new outlots were intended for fencing and signage and were separated so homeowners association ownership and maintenance—not the city—would be required. Staff said stormwater functions remain accommodated on the outlots.

Commissioner Harrison moved to recommend the council confirm the planning staff’s administrative approval for the minor adjustment; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Harrison then moved that the commission recommend council approve the final plat for the First Addition to Arden Glen to create 54 single-family and twin-home parcels and six outlots; Commissioner Powers seconded the motion and the commission approved it by voice vote.

Alder Posey commented that the addition brings new residents and connections to the community. No remonstrations or substantive objections to the plat were recorded in the transcript.

The items will be forwarded to the Common Council with staff recommendations.","The commission recommended that the Common Council confirm a staff administrative minor amendment and approve the final plat for Arden Glen First Addition, which creates 54 single-family and twin-home parcels and six outlots; staff said stormwater remains accommodated and the two new outlots will be owned by the homeowners association.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084479,"Planning commission recommends annexation and rezoning for SSM property; staff notes access and roadway conditions",618,286000,904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675&start=286&end=904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675/thumbnail_286000.jpg","/articles/6084479/Verona/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Planning-commission-recommends-annexation-and-rezoning-for-SSM-property-staff-notes-access-and-roadway-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084479-928e0ec71d7d07169edb5c26c795e365/orig.mp4?Expires=1774926426&Signature=O3j-9IWS5d-9NXzLdWXFGbePfH4hUinzS2Fy4vYboY6v966wkuoLVxQ5~hbZbYigU6IRpmmIUf~pytFlB6RmV9y31xeG4pwVlVYiEf1XUoFUsp~M9ioW-w4q1DGK0Nsb9O5zvvvZipHE3hhNzDMKeAoQONjNxoZPCuEhvji5ZYqxtCW-aist00Z1TOdZIkLiWTVWmtwf7M3sY-t6hVBNqDZuyr7OWwiWy8EbB5mGymNfO-KC20VADLecK4jF6kWLGSAgFtDa91IPjAZopqJLQ2NeL-HAliR8sPVMMbZsrBy-DqEvGjxdiwFHrENBUIDmgT1XbZO~MUbc7~A6fhJXIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Verona Planning Commission on April 7 recommended that the Common Council approve annexation, a zoning-map amendment and a certified survey map tied to the SSM property east of 7278 Valley Road.

The commission voted to recommend annexation of the subject property from the Town of Verona to the City of Verona (motion by Alder Posey; seconded by Commissioner Shushe) and separately recommended approval of a zoning map amendment to rezone 20.6 acres to suburban commercial (motion by Commissioner Powers; seconded by Commissioner Harrison) and approval of a certified survey map to create three lots and one outlot (motion by Commissioner Wood; seconded by Commissioner Hankard). All three motions were approved by voice vote.

Staff presentation noted the application covers SSM-owned land plus adjoining right-of-way, and that the proposed CSM would divide the property into three lots and one outlot. Staff described the yellow lot as a future dedication to the city for a water tower, the red area as the parcel proposed for rezoning to suburban commercial, a green lot not planned for development, and a blue outlot intended for private stormwater. Staff also said that upon annexation the property would initially be zoned rural agricultural and that Lot 1 and Outlot 1 were proposed to be rezoned to suburban commercial; staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed on page 11 of the staff report.

Commissioners and staff discussed access at Valley Road and how the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) controls the access point from State Highway 69 to Valley Road. Staff said the project's Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) indicates that, at a future development threshold, WisDOT is likely to require the Valley Road access be moved further south to meet spacing requirements near ramps for US Highway 18/151. Staff and the city engineer said improvements are planned: the north side of Valley Road (the SSM side) would be converted to an urban roadway section with a travel lane, bike lane and a graded terrace for a future sidewalk; the south side would be improved to a minimum rural standard with ditches rather than curb and gutter. The city engineer said some sidewalk work may be deferred because the intersection will likely move in several years and the city is trying to avoid constructing improvements that would need relocation.

A factual discrepancy surfaced during the meeting: in the staff overview the applicant was described as requesting annexation of “approximately a 40 acres” as part of the CSM presentation, while Alder Posey’s motion described the annexation as “approximately 140 acres.” The commission approved the annexation motion as moved; the staff report and conditions referenced during the discussion remain the authoritative staff record and are available in the project file.

Commissioners also noted that the proposed rezoning to suburban commercial is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, and emphasized the possibility of adding a future connection to the Military Ridge Trail near Valley View as a long-term objective (raised by Alder Posey). Staff committed to follow up with the public commenter who spoke during public comment about nearby property impacts.

Votes and procedural notes: the public hearing on the 20.6-acre rezoning opened and closed at 6:36 p.m.; staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report; the three separate motions (annexation, rezoning of 20.6 acres to suburban commercial with conditions, and approval of the CSM creating three lots and one outlot with conditions) were each moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The items will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action with the conditions referenced in the staff report.","The Verona Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Common Council approve annexation, a zoning-map amendment and a certified survey map (CSM) related to the SSM property east of 7278 Valley Road, while staff and commissioners discussed WisDOT access, roadway upgrades and a discrepancy in reported acreage.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084460,"City announces two April open houses for comprehensive plan; commission gives outreach feedback",523,3371000,3894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675&start=3371&end=3894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2915382-ccdeca20f17ec449744c2fb50f962675/thumbnail_3371000.jpg","/articles/6084460/Verona/Dane-County/Wisconsin/City-announces-two-April-open-houses-for-comprehensive-plan-commission-gives-outreach-feedback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084460-d5f7019f4ac616e472d910e14ed198cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1774926426&Signature=I2mVtn4B5fHaUb66FjHpyuGjaifBC3Wy2iZ-B8lFZuhRIe-vNWJKwOvvYIs5P~VKrSFO1W9qkGrOFp7vxd2GhE7DNpuylak8oVNDo3YBKCb5wrEkt5L4eX-uQiaw16Wq9O3n4gEXumWPYd7QtHwd0JiObVCcTUX0aaff0u96ffgnRQXkbOZa-lC0Ekh1-BhslifbI50IS2FHNcDe7QrcUBOBjgyFqipNlTf~pVChx6TNsAiw7FYCEiUiluYLvHyAp86RXtuRjHNR5soQw53RhQKDWYQYRW6ZVs6rMCqW8hnUYm9l97~RtPAaLzsAGtCqqg7crxlyQIFTZ1FaMSnkyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning Department staff told the commission that the first public open houses for Verona’s comprehensive plan update will be held April 22 with two sessions to reach different populations: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Verona Senior Center and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Verona Public Library. Staff said the events will display findings to date (data analysis, survey results and past plans), include activity stations, and offer kid-friendly activities to encourage family attendance.

Commissioners provided feedback focused on outreach and messaging. Alder Posey asked how the events are being promoted; staff said outreach is via social media, the city newsletter, the city website and coverage in the Verona Press. Commissioners suggested additional outreach tactics: targeted outreach to apartment management and homeowners associations, use of partner social-media pages (police, library, others) and clearer call-to-action language in printed materials so recipients know why they should attend. Commissioner Powers pointed out that two URLs in the printed material redirected to the same place and asked staff to ensure links point to the intended pages (website versus survey). Several commissioners suggested a more specific “why attend” message and targeting communications by neighborhood or affected area to draw people who are most likely to be impacted.

Staff said they will consider a mailer and will follow up on distribution lists, and commissioners offered to share targeted leads after the meeting. No decisions were required; the update was informational.","Planning staff announced two public open houses for the comprehensive-plan process on April 22 (11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Senior Center and 6–8 p.m. at the Public Library). Commissioners offered feedback on outreach wording, distribution channels and tactics to boost attendance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission debates ground-floor use, live-work units and ATM drive-through for proposed mixed-use building at 511 West Fern Avenue

Commission recommends CSM modifying two lots at Liberty (Verona Technology Park) to accommodate drainage and building placement

Planning commission backs Arden Glen first addition final plat creating 54 home lots and six outlots

Planning commission recommends annexation and rezoning for SSM property; staff notes access and roadway conditions

City announces two April open houses for comprehensive plan; commission gives outreach feedback