New Berlin CDA recommends approval of two-lot certified survey map for Drexel Building Supply

The City of New Berlin Community Development Authority on April 10, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend that the common council approve a two-lot certified survey map (LD2500304) for Drexel Building Supply at 3370 South Calhoun Road.

The recommendation, made at the CDA’s 8:01 a.m. meeting, would split the property into two lots, establish a 40-foot access easement across Lot 1 to serve Lot 2, and is subject to the application plans on file and seven conditions recommended by staff.

Nikki, a City staff member, told the authority the application includes a wetland delineation and a detailed tree survey and that the city will register identified wetlands on its zoning map. “We have a recommendation to the common council for approval of a 2 lot certified survey map for the property located at 3370 South Calhoun Road subject to the application plans on file and the 7 conditions,” Nikki said.

Josh Podelco of Trio Engineering, the applicant’s engineer, described the wetland findings and access arrangements. “As far as wetlands go, we had Heartland Ecological delineate really kind of the entirety of the undeveloped area,” Podelco said. He said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has no jurisdiction for the site and the project team is working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to have several isolated, interior wetland pockets excluded from jurisdiction. Podelco added that the primary perimeter wetlands are being retained and that the vegetation was considered an amenity to the site.

The certified survey map would give Lot 2 frontage on Coffee Road to meet the city’s frontage requirement, with vehicular access provided by a 40-foot easement across Lot 1 that ties into the existing Drexel driveway and 160 Sixth Street. Podelco said the easement will be recorded as a declaration sharing use and maintenance at a 50/50 ratio. The applicant also provided a tree inventory; staff said the inventory will inform required tree replacement under the city code.

During discussion, Alderman Hopkins and other members asked for clarification on setbacks and access. Staff confirmed the closest existing shed is about 193 feet from the angled lot line and that current measurements meet the city code for the zoning district. Commissioners asked about potential impacts to neighboring properties to the southeast; staff and the applicant said the perimeter wetland and tree areas would be retained and that the map creates flexibility for future users of Lot 2.

The motion to approve the map was made by Commissioner Shopias and seconded by Commissioner Valcliff. Roll call votes recorded Aye from Alderman Hopkins, Commissioner Shopias, Commissioner Felda, Commissioner Patterson, Commissioner Valcliff, Alderman Horbinski and Mayor Ayment; the motion passed unanimously.

The CDA’s action is a recommendation: the certified survey map and the seven conditions will next go to the common council for final action. The record notes the DNR’s jurisdictional determination is still pending for isolated wetland pockets; any changes resulting from that review would be addressed in subsequent approvals.

Votes at a glance: LD2500304 — Motion to recommend approval of a two-lot certified survey map for 3370 South Calhoun Road, subject to plans on file and seven conditions; mover Commissioner Shopias; second Commissioner Valcliff; tally Aye 7, No 0, Abstain 0; outcome approved (recommendation to common council).