In a recent meeting of the Oshkosh Plan Commission, city officials gathered to discuss a significant redevelopment proposal that aims to breathe new life into a vacant industrial site. The subject site, spanning approximately 5.2 acres, is located at the intersection of East Custer Avenue, Grand Street, East Nevada Avenue, and Harrison Street. Historically, the area has seen a mix of industrial and residential uses, with previous plans for a multi-family development and a daycare that ultimately did not materialize.

The current proposal, presented by Hickey Roofing, seeks to transform an existing building on the northern parcel into a space for indoor and outdoor contractor operations. This includes plans to renovate a 4,000 square foot section of the building for office and warehousing purposes, alongside the addition of a fenced storage yard. However, the proposed indoor and outdoor storage uses are not typically permitted in the Urban Mixed-Use (UMU) District, prompting the need for a zoning variance.

During the meeting, city staff expressed their support for the proposal, citing its compatibility with surrounding industrial land uses and the historical context of the property. The plan includes enhancements such as new access points for parking and storage, as well as landscaping improvements that exceed city requirements, which will help to mitigate the visual impact of the storage area.

Commission members engaged in a thorough discussion, addressing technical aspects of the proposal, including the design of the fencing and the nature of the outdoor storage. The applicant clarified that the outdoor storage would primarily consist of a dumpster and a few trailers, with most equipment kept indoors to maintain a tidy appearance.

Public comments were invited, but no community members chose to speak on the matter. Following the discussion, the commission moved to adopt the staff's recommendations, signaling a positive step forward for the redevelopment project.

As Oshkosh continues to evolve, this proposal represents a commitment to revitalizing underutilized spaces while balancing the needs of industrial operations and community aesthetics. The commission's approval marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the city's landscape and functionality.