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Residents press council on Triangle development; council points to existing comprehensive plan
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to engage urban planners and prioritize green space and flood risk in proposals for the Triangle property; council members and staff noted the city has a comprehensive plan and a future development strategic plan that proposals must meet.
Residents at the City of St. Francis meeting urged council members to reconsider current development approaches for the three-corner “Triangle” property and asked the city to use urban planning expertise rather than negotiating primarily with private developers.
Christine Kornack, a resident, told the council she was “vehemently opposed to the current plan” for the Triangle and asked, “why are we not working with an urban planner rather than negotiating with developers to fill their pockets.” She warned that adding impermeable surfaces “is one of the biggest factors in increasing flooding,” and urged alternatives that preserve green space and wildlife habitat.
Other residents raised public-safety and service concerns. Dennis Waitakee asked whether tall buildings would require new fire equipment or additional training; the fire chief responded that the city participates in a Milwaukee County shared-response plan and that departments in the county are equipped and trained for high-rise responses.
Council discussion emphasized that the city already uses a comprehensive plan to evaluate rezonings and has a publicly available future development strategic plan for vacant properties. Paul (identified in the meeting record) said the city’s comprehensive plan — developed with professional assistance and public input — governs rezonings, and Mark noted a strategic report is posted on the city website. Council members also said public input and the city’s charrette process informed the KK catalyst and Triangle-area planning.
Why this matters: residents said the Triangle is a valued green space and raised flood and ecological concerns about dense development. Council members emphasized the existing planning framework and public-engagement processes that developers must follow.
Ending: The discussion did not include a vote on a development proposal; speakers urged that future proposals be measured against the city’s comprehensive plan and that the council consider more planning expertise and public input as projects proceed.
