Plan Commission approves preliminary plat to create 18 single‑family lots at former Washington Elementary

The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission approved a preliminary plat to create an 18‑lot single‑family subdivision on the former Washington Elementary School site at 929 Winnebago Avenue.

Staff said the city purchased the 2.831‑acre parcel from the Oshkosh Area School District in September 2024 and intends to redevelop it to address the city's identified need for more single‑family workforce housing. The city will demolish the school building during winter 2025 and prepare the site for development. Lot sizes will range from about 5,500 to 9,800 square feet, with typical lot widths of 55 feet on Winnebago Avenue and 52 feet on School Avenue; density will be about 6.4 units per acre, which meets SR9 requirements.

The city explained it has an agreement with Habitat for Humanity: "We have an agreement with Habitat for Humanity. They're gonna construct on the 9 lots. The city is gonna construct on the other 9 lots," said a city planning representative (Jeffrey). The commission heard that the city will use its architectural design book to ensure housing designs match neighborhood character; staff said the design book includes roughly 20 exterior variations for a basic floor plan so homes will not appear identical. Fees in lieu of land dedication will total $7,200 ($400 per proposed lot) rather than setting aside parkland; parks staff and the consultant concluded nearby Stevens Park and Menominee Park meet neighborhood recreational needs.

Members of the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association requested ongoing involvement; Ron Hanche, project coordinator, asked to be invited to future meetings so the association can review design details. Nearby residents also asked about utilities and whether the subdivision work would affect the city's lead service replacement program. Justin, a city utilities staff member, said the project itself is separate from the lead service replacement program and new water and sanitary service will be installed for the new parcels this spring. He added there is no plan to replace public lead mains as part of this project unless a homeowner requests coordination; homeowner-side replacements may still be eligible for the city's lead‑service funding programs.

After discussion, the Plan Commission moved to adopt staff findings and recommendations; the roll call recorded Council Member Nichols (aye), Mr. Balfeldt (aye), Ms. Deedy (aye), Mr. Lowenstein (aye), Vice Chair Keefer (aye), Chairman Perry (present). Motion carried 5 yes, 0 no, 1 present. Staff expects final plat review to follow and utility construction to begin in spring 2025.