The River Falls Planning Commission voted to forward a resolution recommending approval of the Wildflower Meadows general development plan (GDP) and preliminary plat — a proposed 93‑lot single‑ and two‑family subdivision on a roughly 24.5‑acre site north of Powell Avenue between East and West Woodridge Drives — to the City Council.

Harley Melhorn, senior planner, summarized the proposal and said the subdivision would contain 93 lots: 61 single‑family lots and 32 twin‑home lots, with sidewalks on both sides of neighborhood streets and two vehicular access points off Powell. The applicant requested three flexibilities: a minimum lot size reduction from 7,500 square feet to 6,250 square feet, a minimum lot width reduction from 75 feet to as small as 50 feet, and certain setback adjustments (measuring to foundation rather than overhang and a five‑foot corner side yard on twin home corners). Melhorn said staff reviewed the requests against the comprehensive plan guidance and recommended the commission forward the GDP and preliminary plat to City Council with a favorable recommendation.

Residents attending the public hearing urged the commission to deny or delay the request. Speakers objected to the proposed 50‑foot lot widths as out of character with surrounding one‑acre and larger lots, questioned whether two‑car garages could physically fit on some proposed lots, and asked how emergency and fire access would be ensured. One resident noted the range of proposed house sizes “from 1,300 to 3,000 square feet” and asked whether basements were counted in advertised square footage; staff replied that specific floor plans would come later with the SIP.

“Why on earth are we trying to jam in 50‑foot lots? It’s totally out of character,” said a West Woodridge resident who said the neighborhood was selected for larger lots. Another resident asked how the city would maintain continuity with the surrounding development if smaller lots were allowed.

Paul Tabone of JPB Land, representing the applicant JP Brooks Builders, addressed questions about stormwater and site design. He said the park in the subdivision is roughly a half acre and the northwest trail corridor just under a half acre, and that the ponding area for stormwater is about 2 acres — higher than a typical 6–8 percent rule‑of‑thumb for storm ponds on similar sites. Tabone also said the applicant plans to contribute about $250,000 toward Powell Avenue improvements and crosswalks.

Commission discussion reflected competing priorities. Several commissioners said they were sympathetic to neighborhood concerns about lot width and setbacks and expressed reluctance to approve variances while the city’s zoning code and parking standards are still under revision. Others referenced the 2023 comprehensive plan and the city’s housing study, noting that medium‑density designations and efficient use of infrastructure were part of the adopted guidance.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and a second was made for the resolution regarding the PUD/GDP and preliminary plat. The commission voted in favor by voice and the item will go to City Council on Oct. 28 for consideration.

Why it matters: The Wildflower Meadows request highlights a recurring planning tension in River Falls — accommodating housing supply and a variety of housing types while maintaining neighborhood character and existing code standards. The City Council will review the GDP and preliminary plat next; if the GDP advances, the SIP will return to the planning commission and council for final approval.