Planning commission recommends annexation and rezoning for SSM property; staff notes access and roadway conditions

The Verona Planning Commission on April 7 recommended that the Common Council approve annexation, a zoning-map amendment and a certified survey map tied to the SSM property east of 7278 Valley Road.

The commission voted to recommend annexation of the subject property from the Town of Verona to the City of Verona (motion by Alder Posey; seconded by Commissioner Shushe) and separately recommended approval of a zoning map amendment to rezone 20.6 acres to suburban commercial (motion by Commissioner Powers; seconded by Commissioner Harrison) and approval of a certified survey map to create three lots and one outlot (motion by Commissioner Wood; seconded by Commissioner Hankard). All three motions were approved by voice vote.

Staff presentation noted the application covers SSM-owned land plus adjoining right-of-way, and that the proposed CSM would divide the property into three lots and one outlot. Staff described the yellow lot as a future dedication to the city for a water tower, the red area as the parcel proposed for rezoning to suburban commercial, a green lot not planned for development, and a blue outlot intended for private stormwater. Staff also said that upon annexation the property would initially be zoned rural agricultural and that Lot 1 and Outlot 1 were proposed to be rezoned to suburban commercial; staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed on page 11 of the staff report.

Commissioners and staff discussed access at Valley Road and how the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) controls the access point from State Highway 69 to Valley Road. Staff said the project's Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) indicates that, at a future development threshold, WisDOT is likely to require the Valley Road access be moved further south to meet spacing requirements near ramps for US Highway 18/151. Staff and the city engineer said improvements are planned: the north side of Valley Road (the SSM side) would be converted to an urban roadway section with a travel lane, bike lane and a graded terrace for a future sidewalk; the south side would be improved to a minimum rural standard with ditches rather than curb and gutter. The city engineer said some sidewalk work may be deferred because the intersection will likely move in several years and the city is trying to avoid constructing improvements that would need relocation.

A factual discrepancy surfaced during the meeting: in the staff overview the applicant was described as requesting annexation of “approximately a 40 acres” as part of the CSM presentation, while Alder Posey’s motion described the annexation as “approximately 140 acres.” The commission approved the annexation motion as moved; the staff report and conditions referenced during the discussion remain the authoritative staff record and are available in the project file.

Commissioners also noted that the proposed rezoning to suburban commercial is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, and emphasized the possibility of adding a future connection to the Military Ridge Trail near Valley View as a long-term objective (raised by Alder Posey). Staff committed to follow up with the public commenter who spoke during public comment about nearby property impacts.

Votes and procedural notes: the public hearing on the 20.6-acre rezoning opened and closed at 6:36 p.m.; staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report; the three separate motions (annexation, rezoning of 20.6 acres to suburban commercial with conditions, and approval of the CSM creating three lots and one outlot with conditions) were each moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The items will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action with the conditions referenced in the staff report.