Waunakee residents urge broader outreach and workforce housing options during comp plan conversation

Two residents used the Plan Commission public comment period to press for broader engagement and more workforce housing options in Waunakee's comprehensive plan process.

Nyla Fry, identified herself as a "almost 48 year resident of Waunakee," and said the village should plan for a mix of housing types so working families can afford to live in the community. "Workforce housing is needed to keep building our business community," Fry said, and urged commissioners to "think outside the box with all developments, including workforce housing with owner occupied fourplexes or 3 flats incorporated in projects." Fry also recommended the planning survey reach every household and warned against shaming seniors who wish to age in place.

Mary Heinbecker of 306 West Third Street told the commission she was concerned about the community losing a "small town feel" and criticized past remarks at a plan commission meeting she said suggested keeping low-income people out of Waunakee. "It was truly upsetting to hear you discuss about keeping poor people out of Waunakee," Heinbecker said. She said outreach for the comprehensive plan should include every household, for example via utility bills, so more residents can participate.

Why it matters: both speakers tied housing availability to workforce stability and urged the commission to include the housing task force findings in the comprehensive plan work and to make the community survey broadly accessible. Commissioners acknowledged the public comments; the comments will be part of the record as the planning process continues.