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Planning commission holds public hearing on Hawthorne Hill Farm rezoning; no action taken
Summary
The Planning Commission heard public testimony June 2 on a proposal to amend the comprehensive plan and rezone Hawthorne Hill Farm for an event‑venue use at 16370–16380 West Small Road; staff said no action would be taken that night.
The New Berlin Planning Commission on June 2 held a public hearing on applications from Hawthorne Hill Farm LLC to amend the city comprehensive‑plan future land use map and to rezone two properties on West Small Road to permit a barn/event venue and related uses.
Planning staff described the request as an amendment to change future land use from Residential Estate to Suburban Commercial and to rezone parcels at 16370 and 16380 West Small Road from B‑2 and R‑3 to B‑2 PUD. Staff said the existing barn and house would remain largely in place, that a portion of the single‑family home would be demolished and an outdoor pavilion added, and that the applicant proposes on‑site formalized parking and tree preservation.
Residents asked about parking, noise and traffic. Joe West, who said he has lived nearby for years, asked whether parking would rely on overflow along Small Road and whether outdoor music would be used. Planning staff replied that “Parking will be contained on‑site with this formalized parking plan,” and said the applicant plans to keep music indoors and that any outdoor noise must adhere to the city code (staff cited a 70 dBA limit).
On the question of whether a traffic impact analysis (TIA) was required, staff said a TIA was not required because the venue’s trips would be during off‑peak hours. Staff said the venue would operate seven days a week but would avoid peak AM and PM commuter periods.
Several residents, including Joel Russ, spoke in opposition, citing concerns about traffic at nearby intersections and the loss of the barn’s character. The record shows the commission did not take formal action on the comprehensive‑plan amendment or rezoning that night; staff indicated future review steps (land division and a separate use approval) would follow if the applications proceed.
The notice posted for this hearing included citations to state planning and zoning procedures: state statute 66.10014 (comprehensive planning) and state statute 62.23 (rezoning and notice requirements) and associated chapter references listed on the notice.
