Planning commission actions: approvals for 1421 Racine and Jaime’s Cafe sign; denial of Wright Street CSM

At its March meeting the Delavan Planning Commission recorded three formal recommendations or approvals: it recommended approval of a conditional use amendment for 1421 Racine Street to allow an indoor sales/service retail use, it recommended denial of a proposed two‑lot certified survey map (CSM) for property at 205–433 South Wright Street, and it approved an exterior sign application for Jaime’s Cafe in the downtown historic overlay district.

1421 Racine Street (conditional use amendment) The commission considered a petition by applicant Christine (recorded as Christie/Christy in materials) to amend an existing group development at 1421 Racine Street to allow a proposed indoor sales and service land use (retail resale of furniture). The applicant described the proposed business as a resale shop focused on furniture to provide affordable options. No public opposition was recorded. A motion to recommend approval carried by voice vote; the transcript does not show a roll‑call tally. The commission’s action will be forwarded to the Common Council as the next step.

205–433 South Wright Street (two‑lot CSM) The commission voted to recommend Town Council denial of the proposed two‑lot CSM prepared by Christopher A. Hodge (document last revised Feb. 10, 2025). The motion to deny cited unresolved easement terminations and missing recorded documentation: commissioners said the required easement termination and corresponding recorded instrument had not been provided and that they were not comfortable approving a subdivision that relied on assurances rather than a recorded termination. The motion to recommend denial carried by voice vote; the mover was recorded as “I’ve moved to recommend town council denial” in the transcript and a second was given by “Ginger.”

Downtown sign: Jaime’s Cafe (exterior sign approval) The commission approved a sign permit for Jaime’s Cafe for a 52‑inch by 20‑inch sign across the front of the building in the downtown historic overlay. Staff noted the building historically has had little signage and that the proposed sign would visually reveal and emphasize brickwork consistent with historic downtown character. The motion to approve the application as presented carried by voice vote.

Other business The building/zoning inspector reported that the new multi‑unit apartment building on Phoenix Street may reach occupancy at the end of the month if inspections remain on schedule. Commissioners also discussed enforcement and jurisdictional questions about gaming machines that pay out; staff noted state statute language and local ordinance but said enforcement is typically handled by the Department of Revenue or local law enforcement and that the city’s planning commission is not the enforcement body.

Provenance: Each vote and action is recorded in the meeting transcript at the respective agenda item numbering (items 5.2, 6.1, and 6.2).