Oak Creek council approves rezoning for conservation-style Oakwood subdivision after heated public comment

The Oak Creek Common Council on Aug. 19 approved an ordinance rezoning 3521 East Oakwood Road from RS2 single-family residential to RS4 single-family residential to allow a conservation-style subdivision proposed by developer Viridian Homes. The council adopted ordinance 31-30 after a public hearing in which dozens of residents spoke and the developer presented a conceptual plan.

The proposal, presented by Ben Lang of Viridian Homes, would preserve roughly half of the 38-acre property as open space and locate 44 new single-family lots on the more developable northern half. Viridian’s plan uses smaller lot sizes in exchange for conserving the upland and wetland acreage to the south.

Why it matters: Council members and the developer said the rezoning enables a layout that protects wetlands while adding housing supply, but many nearby residents said the change would increase traffic, worsen flooding and alter neighborhood character. The council approved the rezoning despite multiple protest signatures, which meant a three-quarter majority was…