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Plan Commission lays over proposed land‑use change for 1705 Oshkosh Avenue after neighbor concerns
Summary
A proposal to change the comprehensive land‑use map from light density residential to neighborhood commercial at 1705 Oshkosh Avenue was laid over to the Jan. 21 meeting after neighbors raised concerns about traffic, light pollution, property values and the owner's absence.
The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission voted unanimously to lay over consideration of a proposed comprehensive land‑use map amendment for 1705 Oshkosh Avenue until the January 21 Plan Commission meeting after multiple neighbors raised concerns and the applicant was not present.
The applicant, Roloc LLC, requested a designation change from light density residential to neighborhood commercial to allow conversion of the existing Victorian house (about 4,000 square feet) into indoor commercial uses such as offices or individual office suites. Staff noted the site is zoned SR5, which does not permit the proposed indoor commercial uses without a land‑use map amendment and rezoning; staff said neighborhood commercial uses are located at corner properties in other parts of the city and that similar commercial designations exist nearby.
Several nearby residents spoke in opposition. Ty Smooty (1270 Locust Street) asked about potential tax impacts and requested a privacy fence if the property becomes commercial; Robert Fox (1235 Northwestfield Street) said he had been told in prior planning discussions the south side of Oshkosh Avenue would remain residential and asked whether the applicant owns additional parcels that might later be rezoned; Catherine Jackson (1255 Northwestfield Street), whose property shares a line with the subject lot, said she was concerned about light pollution and a parking lot six feet from her bedroom window.
Commissioner Kiefer and others noted the area had been intentionally kept residential in the recent comprehensive plan update and questioned whether rezoning this parcel would run counter to those earlier decisions. Staff explained that if rezoned, redevelopment would likely proceed through a planned development (PD) overlay that could require buffer yards, additional screening, and other protections; staff said rezoning would be followed by rezoning and PD review that would return to the commission and council for further review.
Because the applicant was not present to address neighbor questions, commissioners moved to withdraw immediate action and lay the item over to the Jan. 21 meeting to allow the applicant to appear and provide additional information. The roll call recorded Council Member Nichols (aye); Mister Galba (aye); Miss Davey (aye); Mister Lowenstein (aye); Vice Chair Keefer (aye); Chairman Perry (aye). Motion to lay over carried 6-0.
