Mount Pleasant board approves rezoning for 618‑unit Brown Road development over residents' objections

The Village of Mount Pleasant Village Board on July 14 approved Ordinance 6‑20‑25, a zoning map amendment for 7003 and 7222 Brown Road, changing the property to an RH (high‑density residential) district to allow a developer’s concept for approximately 618 market‑rate residential units. The vote was 6–1.

The rezoning was the subject of a lengthy public hearing that drew more than a dozen residents from the adjacent Regent subdivision and nearby streets. Residents raised repeated concerns about traffic volumes on Biscayne Avenue and Braun Road, the effect on local schools and emergency services, potential impacts to the Pike River environmental corridor, and impacts to an active livestock farm directly across Braun Road.

Sam Schultz, the village’s development director, summarized the applicant’s request and the review process and told the board the application aligns with the multi‑jurisdictional Racine County 2035 land‑use guidance calling for residential and multifamily use at the site. He said the application is an early step in the entitlement process and that if the rezoning is approved the applicant must still submit a preliminary plat, traffic impact analysis, civil/stormwater plans, and a final plat for the board’s further review. "This development would not connect Biscayne all the way through at this time," Schultz said, adding the comprehensive plan shows an east–west connection if and when the intervening parcel develops.

Developer representatives described the concept as a mix of duplex lots, two‑story apartment buildings with individual unit entries and three‑story buildings with tuck‑under parking. Ryan McCray, with Cardinal Capital Management, said Cardinal has more than 25 years in multifamily development. Architect Shelly of Continuum Architects described site layout intentions to create “softer” transitions, internal entries for units and central shared amenities including a clubhouse, pool and stormwater pond. Lee Jaramillo, a partner on the project and a resident of Caledonia, told the board the developer wants to "bring quality housing to the area."

Speakers opposing the rezoning included homeowners and residents who said the proposed density — more than double several nearby projects — would generate thousands of vehicle trips, strain roads built for lower traffic volumes, degrade neighborhood character and threaten the viability of nearby livestock operations. Jody Hoffman Ruffalo, who said she operates the only active livestock farm left on Braun Road, said increased night traffic and nearby driveway entrances would stress animals and damage farm operations. Multiple speakers asked whether the village provided incentives or loans to the developer; several public commenters said the village advanced $4,000,000 to assist Cardinal’s land purchase. Resident Matt Kramer said he opposed preferential public financing and warned incentives could shift costs to neighboring property owners.

Board members said they heard residents’ concerns and noted additional approvals and studies are required later in the review process. Schultz confirmed traffic impact analyses and fiscal impact analyses are required with the preliminary plat and site plan submissions. Trustee comments reflected differing views on growth: some trustees emphasized the village’s longer‑term planning and need for housing supply, while others urged more study or lower density. After about 45 minutes of board discussion and deliberation, the board moved to a roll call vote and approved the rezoning 6–1.

The rezoning approval permits the developer to continue entitlement steps but does not approve final subdivision plats, site plans, public improvements or building permits. Those items must return to the Plan Commission and Village Board for subsequent review, which may incorporate traffic mitigation, revised densities, design changes, public‑works conditions and development agreements.