[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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",[32,75,86],{"_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",6209937,"mediaKeyId","3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489","parentId",3728783,"title","Waunakee residents urge broader outreach and workforce housing options during comp plan conversation","audioSeconds",364,"startMs",1182000,"endMs",1546000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489&start=1182&end=1546","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489/thumbnail_1182000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209937/Waunakee/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Waunakee-residents-urge-broader-outreach-and-workforce-housing-options-during-comp-plan-conversation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209937-3af078393d1e4323546bad35e079e18c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610294&Signature=hm6xgXLXjsoSrXwiMHq7Xm9ATVAJUWZGTsino4zCmsyiI19kViNAi4eaazzVhS-OESvrKA95CvOodRL-PANyyCYu1m-r-igzm0X5ffMSR9dexlt13ueUEOLXTtAapwZyWOtJWhl7rUp93euMNga1MSL7iF68Up0Ox9fzkbWsaj4wQe~8zUlaMmuiBoJi0gDhKO2jFFj9j1awWpg23ksuOZ7XRuKbCuHR5HIu0jJZZYv1lKFFhjmzI7pBRFghfQin1GhDVULvrNElxQhwCejCR6F4A0FXmkKIhu90wr625EbXchzgBA3XYbf75Fp1pBH822zUtlx9r5FmW7tvcUz2nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Waunakee, WI","date","2025-06-09T22:12:06Z","article","Two residents used the Plan Commission public comment period to press for broader engagement and more workforce housing options in Waunakee's comprehensive plan process.

Nyla Fry, identified herself as a \"almost 48 year resident of Waunakee,\" and said the village should plan for a mix of housing types so working families can afford to live in the community. \"Workforce housing is needed to keep building our business community,\" Fry said, and urged commissioners to \"think outside the box with all developments, including workforce housing with owner occupied fourplexes or 3 flats incorporated in projects.\" Fry also recommended the planning survey reach every household and warned against shaming seniors who wish to age in place.

Mary Heinbecker of 306 West Third Street told the commission she was concerned about the community losing a \"small town feel\" and criticized past remarks at a plan commission meeting she said suggested keeping low-income people out of Waunakee. \"It was truly upsetting to hear you discuss about keeping poor people out of Waunakee,\" Heinbecker said. She said outreach for the comprehensive plan should include every household, for example via utility bills, so more residents can participate.

Why it matters: both speakers tied housing availability to workforce stability and urged the commission to include the housing task force findings in the comprehensive plan work and to make the community survey broadly accessible. Commissioners acknowledged the public comments; the comments will be part of the record as the planning process continues.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Plan Commission Meeting - June 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two residents urged the Plan Commission to include housing task force findings in the comprehensive plan, expand survey distribution (including via utility bills), and consider nontraditional owner-occupied multiunit options to improve workforce housing affordability.","taxTitle","Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin","taxId",69795,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209941,"Plan commission approves freezer site plan with added trim and landscaping at Buena Bowl property",0,3203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489&start=3203&end=3203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489/thumbnail_3203000.jpg","/articles/6209941/Waunakee/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Plan-commission-approves-freezer-site-plan-with-added-trim-and-landscaping-at-Buena-Bowl-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209941-0912f187398c8a6e81431378fe587195/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610294&Signature=ZMg2~uJaUtY1qrg5KjQYEKAnmZzWdiNjsPtvxZUpYewatw2Ft8Q9KODlLzazoU~zJa9nwiFmff42JusfJRHza6MnV2oKx~GdCReoGH0FU4Pie6cEOkz4xqPOyiVbJ14UizhRXczFE2h233UIwXKfaCfN7SMR4Oq1cGC1aTj40j-~RqExAa5avlyu48UIBqCsWhpJM6SjzuT1NXLjHx1AespUOb2Lj7Da8B-Zp2ZXs-wwXqdM-j-uYHnMLuRXxN526Ess2PbpXgQfzbTRP9wt05dbs~ZU3LSzyZrvyZdiAsutB9lDNGouy5mx2ijosVRquqrVe0U3alqULG77LwS-gQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Waunakee Plan Commission approved a revised site plan for a freezer addition adjacent to the Buena Bowl building after the applicant added red trim and a small landscaping plan, and staff recommended approval.

Planning staff presented the amended application and described the changes: \"there's some red trim added along the top of the freezer to match the red trim that's along the top of the Buena Bowl Building,\" and a landscaped median area containing juniper shrubs, a flowering tree, and a deciduous tree. Staff said it had reviewed the materials and \"we don't have any issues with it.\" The applicant identified himself as Marty Prem with Prem Meets.

Commission discussion was brief and supportive. Joe Zitzelsberg said the revisions were what the commission wanted to see and Brian Wallace and Kristen Runge both voiced approval. Kristen Runge moved to approve the site plan; commissioners called the question and voted aye. Staff stated the recommendation to approve the site plan as presented.

Clarifying details: the approved landscape package for the small median outside the freezer includes juniper plantings, a flowering tree, a deciduous tree and additional shrubs; the freezer now has red trim to match the adjacent Buena Bowl building. The approval leaves construction and permit compliance to follow standard building and zoning procedures.

The commission recorded the motion and voted to approve; staff will proceed with the standard next steps for permit issuance.","The Plan Commission approved a revised site plan for a freezer addition adjacent to the Buena Bowl building, including red trim and a landscaping plan; the motion to approve passed unanimously.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209946,"Waunakee planning commission pauses decision on allowing fences in public utility easements",1708,1662000,3370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489&start=1662&end=3370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3728783-44a641c9d9a765bb5f881649eb6fc489/thumbnail_1662000.jpg","/articles/6209946/Waunakee/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Waunakee-planning-commission-pauses-decision-on-allowing-fences-in-public-utility-easements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209946-dca2515d9827f520b4116e6dc10a2da2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610294&Signature=UyBXj405k-TKB4AZMALtG9D7HdCtcfVdxDVmtH1h5xJBA-Bnb~Wc3ufTA21wtAlYje38arlYEhlPjM7GPRHSKjDM15f7qpjKSoJqAYMoi6Ge-NQ0Kg0iloiABfnAW4GYOXowr9SZ8MF9k5oHSbFcyzZaD188yBFIG5Y~~9iDc1PoIpeNHzz1s6lEGje6J5K2go-Jntyn4o68iNu-YkBbXkpc~rVEAnXO~boFOexOfuScFoslO~tOjWIArk84IF9cwJP3Fay4uNo4GTkYosAdXq3zo63BIn8XAUi942rfPTJHU-jNrMwTnyv1CT0NzMLhBPknvyfzbzVWpEkw4G8dQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Waunakee Plan Commission discussed an ordinance amendment to section 129-159 of the Village code that would allow fences in public utility easements only after affected utilities grant permission, but commissioners deferred any decision and asked staff to seek more information from utilities and the village planning consultant.

The proposal would change current practice by creating a limited exception for fences in public utility easements subject to three conditions and to the utilities' prior approval. Staff explained the draft is intended as a compromise between the existing code, which prohibits any structures in easements, and repeated requests from property owners and developers for flexibility. \"We have language in our code right now ... you really shouldn't put anything over or on, public utility easements,\" a staff member said. The staff member added, \"If you do that and you damage any of the utility facilities, you are going to be responsible to pay that utility for any damage that you caused.\"

Why it matters: public utility easements are used by multiple service providers — Waunakee Utilities, TDS, AT&T, and MG&E were cited in the discussion — and easements are intended both to house facilities and to guarantee access for repairs. Commissioners raised concerns that allowing permanent features in easements could impede repairs and shift costs to homeowners. Brian Wallace, a Plan Commission member, described the issue this way: \"When you start taking away, you know, 3 feet, 6 feet around the entire perimeter of the lot ... that's ridiculous.\" Kristen Runge asked whether the draft would exceed state statutory requirements and whether property owners would remain responsible for repair costs; staff responded that the amendment would not change the legal relationship between utilities and property owners and that property owners would remain responsible for damage or removal costs.

Commissioners and staff noted enforcement and equity issues. Several commissioners said many subdivisions already have fences and other structures in easements despite the existing prohibition; staff said pending fence permit applications that would place fences in easements are on hold until the commission reaches a conclusion. Commissioner Todd (staff) told the commission that a shift in utility practice has prompted confusion: \"There is reference to the utilities recent objection to permits for fences. I want to clarify that that is a change ... and that's creating concern and confusion for the developers and rightly so.\"

Action and next steps: the commission took no formal vote to amend the code and instead agreed to pause consideration. Commissioners asked staff to convene a future discussion that includes representatives from the utilities and the planning consultant, Tim Semmon, to present approaches from other communities and possible technical solutions such as removable panels or gates. A staff member said the item will return to the commission after that outreach and additional research.

The commission's decision to defer leaves the current code in effect: structures placed in public utility easements remain noncompliant and subject to removal at the property owner's expense until or unless the village adopts an amendment.","The Waunakee Plan Commission debated a proposed amendment to section 129-159 of the Village code that would allow fences in public utility easements if utilities grant permission; commissioners and staff agreed to defer action and invite utilities and consultants for more study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Waunakee residents urge broader outreach and workforce housing options during comp plan conversation

Plan commission approves freezer site plan with added trim and landscaping at Buena Bowl property

Waunakee planning commission pauses decision on allowing fences in public utility easements