Plan commission backs rezoning for Howell Avenue site to allow drive-through

The Oak Creek Plan Commission on May 13 recommended the Common Council approve rezoning 8355 South Howell Avenue from B-2 Community Business District to B-4 General Business District to allow a potential drive-through.

Todd, planning staff, told commissioners the property is undeveloped and designated for commercial use in the city's comprehensive plan and that the B-4 district is intended for businesses along state highways and permits drive-throughs as a conditional use, while B-2 does not. He said the applicant's concept shows "a little over 6,000 square foot building, partially retail, and then also have a coffee shop with that, hoping to have the drive through." Todd described the next steps as a conditional-use application for the drive-through and subsequent site-plan and architectural review if the rezoning is approved.

Catherine Smith, who identified herself as representing WMG, the site's developer, provided an address for the record and said the rezone request is to allow the drive-through use. Commissioners asked questions about siting and neighborhood impacts; Commissioner Chris said the proposal is "an appropriate use there on Howell" but noted concern that the drive-through appears to be "front and center facing," which could put queuing alongside the building. Other commissioners said they had no objections to the rezoning given the property's location on a state highway.

The commission's motion to recommend approval was moved by Siebert and carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting aye.

Because the rezoning only changes permitted uses, it does not by itself approve any drive-through layout or building design. If the Common Council approves the rezoning, the applicant must apply separately for the conditional-use permit for a drive-through and later for site-plan/architectural approval; those reviews will consider circulation, queuing, landscaping and any required mitigation.