City Council approves rezoning for Dash Park expansion at Third Avenue South

The Common Council of Onalaska convened on June 10, 2025, to address several agenda items, including routine approvals and a significant rezoning application aimed at expanding Dash Park.

The meeting began with the approval of the consent agenda, which included routine items that were enacted with a single motion. Alder Wolf requested the removal of item S from the consent agenda for further discussion. Following this, the council approved the remaining items without opposition.

The focus then shifted to the non-consent agenda, where the council reviewed the pulled item S, which pertained to a rezoning application for two parcels of land located at 114 and 120 Third Avenue South. The proposal sought to rezone the properties from a mixed-use neighborhood district to a park and open space district to facilitate the expansion of Dash Park. The applicant for this rezoning was Scoggenheim LLC, and the Plan Commission had recommended approval.

A motion to approve the rezoning was made by Steven Knott and seconded by Diane Wolfe. During the discussion, Wolfe raised questions regarding the future steps following the rezoning approval, particularly concerning the potential for the project to return to the council for further review. Planning Manager Katie Aspenson clarified that while the site plan review would primarily be handled by city staff, any significant changes or requests for modifications would necessitate returning to the council. She noted that the city is considering a contribution of approximately $300,000 towards the project, which would also require council approval.

Aspenson emphasized that the project, valued at over $2.5 million, would likely return to the council for further discussion, especially regarding the funding aspects. The council is expected to evaluate the best approach for the city's financial contribution, potentially as early as the next month.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to expanding community resources through the development of Dash Park while ensuring that necessary oversight and approvals are maintained throughout the process. The next steps will involve further discussions on funding and project details as they progress.