The Appleton City Plan Commission on Oct. 8 approved the Comet Ridge preliminary plat, a phased residential subdivision of about 93 acres that proposes 269 residential lots, two separate lots for stormwater detention and an outlot to be dedicated to the city for an extension of the Apple Creek Trail.

Don (staff member) told commissioners, "The boundary of the preliminary plat consists of approximately 93 acres and includes 269 residential lots. There are 2 proposed lots for stormwater detention, and there's 1 other outlot, dedicated that would be dedicated to the city, as an outlot for the extension of Apple Creek Trail. The annexation of this property occurred back in April 2025. We're just going through the preliminary plat process prior to final plat." Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff memo.

Commission discussion focused on trail connectivity and street design. One commissioner asked how the outlot would connect to the regional trail network and whether the development would provide a continuous pedestrian route to the west. Director Homan (department director) said roadway design and cross-sections are under the municipal services committee, and noted the city’s complete streets policy will guide trail construction within the right of way. Deputy Director Newberg explained specifics of the pedestrian connections: "the connectivity is provided from, a Lot 3 to Hay Meadow Avenue with a proposed 10 foot side path, from Outlot 3 running north to Apple Creek Road. And then a 10 foot side path is, proposed on the length of Apple Creek Road from Hay Meadow Avenue to the West Platte limits." Newberg said the street design parameters had been reviewed at municipal services committee earlier in the week.

After discussion the commission moved and seconded approval; the presiding officer recorded the vote as unanimous and the motion carried. The approval is for the preliminary plat only and is conditioned on the items listed in the staff memo; final plat review will follow prior to recording.

Next steps: the applicant will proceed to final plat-stage review and must meet the conditions in the staff memo; roadway details will be reviewed by the municipal services committee under the city’s complete streets guidance.