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Business seeks extra parking; village approves project but flags wetland and drainage issues
Summary
Owners of Emergency Lighting and Electronics received conditional approval to formalize 16 parking spaces on Rockwood Way, but engineers and petitioners flagged protected wetlands, drainage obstructions on neighboring property, and a possibly needed culvert replacement.
The Plan Commission and Village Board on June 12 recommended and approved a site plan amendment for property at S40 W24210 Rockwood Way to formalize and extend asphalt parking on the east side of the lot, creating up to 16 parking spaces, subject to staff recommendations and village engineer review.
Sean (staff member) said the parcel has operated with multiple businesses for years and that the proposal would formalize asphalt already placed informally along the east edge of the property. He described the project as improving an existing condition and noted the village’s standard setbacks and easement constraints. Village engineer Greg said grades at the site are extremely flat and the plan raises the parking grade to create a drainage high point; runoff generally flows east or west toward a nearby wetland complex that is protected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Greg warned that a note on the plan erroneously asking the village to reditch a neighboring channel was inappropriate because the village lacks jurisdiction and the ditch and riparian area are part of a DNR-protected wetland. He also flagged a 15-foot City of Waukesha utility easement near the proposed pavement and recommended petitioners check with the city regarding pavement within that easement.
Petitioners Rob and Nicole Strader, who identified themselves as the property operators at S40 W24210 Rockwood Way, described chronic water accumulation behind the building and said partial paving to address the problem is costly. "We do have a small lake when it rains there," Nicole said, adding that a partial resurfacing quote that included drainage work was about $90,000, compared with lower quotes that did not address drainage. The petitioners said obstructions, dumped material and changed grades on adjacent properties have worsened flooding and erosion issues.
Greg recommended erosion-control measures during construction, perimeter sediment controls, and suggested inspectors evaluate the driveway culvert at the entrance; he said village public works could inspect and, if necessary, replace the culvert in coordination with the petitioners. Sean and the petitioners agreed to coordinate with the City of Waukesha regarding the utility easement and to pursue neighbor collaboration for wetland or channel maintenance if appropriate.
The Plan Commission approved the parking amendment subject to staff recommendations and village engineer review; the Village Board accepted the recommendation. Village staff said they would follow up on culvert condition with public works and that petitioners should continue to work with nearby property owners and the city about the wetland/channel concerns.
