Demolition site at 65 Van Zandt and 28 Rowan continued after neighbors raise long-running complaints

Hearing officer Robert Maslin continued the zoning enforcement hearing for 65 Van Zandt Street and 28 Rowan Street to April 16, 2025, after staff reported progress on cleanup but neighborhood representatives urged stronger enforcement.

The case centers on properties where demolition permits were filed and closed and where contractors left equipment, dumpsters and debris on the lots while a special-permit application for a multi‑unit residential project remains incomplete. City staff told the hearing that the demolition permit was recorded as closed (building‑department close date: July 11, 2024) and inspectors verified removal of vehicles and most machinery in mid‑March. The owner reported that the remaining dumpster was scheduled for pickup the day after the hearing and that a traffic study required to complete the special‑permit package should arrive within days.

The East Milwaukee Neighborhood Association, represented by attorney Diane Cece, told the hearing that the record stretches back to September 2023 and that prior complaints (including an illegally stored boat) took months to resolve. The neighborhood asked the hearing officer to impose the full, previously-noted fines and to require immediate compliance. City staff said the special‑permit file has been in “pre‑application” status since November and that planners require a completed traffic report, additional architectural details and a CAM review before the item can be scheduled for the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Why it matters: the parcels lie in a transit‑oriented overlay that allows higher residential density if a complete special‑permit application and required studies are accepted. Neighbors say longstanding on‑site storage created blight and safety concerns; the owner says design work is nearly finished and that permitting steps remain to be completed by planners.

Key details: city inspections on March 14, 18 and 25 confirmed removal of most machinery; the demolition permit record shows an automated close date of 07/11/2024; staff noted the earlier hearing officer placed a contingent fine pending compliance by March 19, which staff now regard as satisfied for the equipment removal. The owner told the hearing he filed a pre‑application in November and submitted full plans in January; staff said the application remained deficient until the traffic study and some architectural information are provided.

Next steps and outcome: Maslin continued the matter to April 16, 2025, and noted he would leave the fine determination to the regular hearing officer (Tony Olbers) who has more of the case history. The city directed the owner to complete the traffic report and to provide evidence of dumpster removal before the next session.

Speakers listed in this article are those who participated in the item during the hearing: Hearing Officer Robert Maslin; John Hayducki (zoning enforcement/inspections staff); Milan Prabilski (owner/developer, identified in the hearing as the applicant); Diane Cece (attorney, representing East Milwaukee Neighborhood Association); Brian Baker (principal planner, referenced by staff).