Green Bay council approves PUD to expand Valentine farm with conditions

The Green Bay Common Council on May 6 approved a planned unit development (PUD) for property at 3026 Nicolay Drive that will allow up to three greenhouses and three high tunnels, a detached garage, relocation of a farm stand to the driveway, and continued youth programming, subject to several conditions. Alder Grant brought the item forward and the council adopted amendments on temporary restroom screening, parking, and limits on public events before approving the PUD as amended.

The council and applicants framed the vote as a compromise: the PUD permits infrastructure needed to accept a time-sensitive NRCS grant for a high tunnel and to store equipment, but does not rezone the parcel or authorize a restaurant, assembly hall, or short-term rental use. Sarah Valentine, the applicant, told the council the project will be phased with the high tunnel as the first step and that the driveway widening, five parking spaces, and an ADA restroom would follow: "By next spring, we will work to widen the driveway and make it 2 lanes ... and adding 5 parking spaces by the farm stand," she said.

The amendment package that the council adopted included allowing a screened temporary restroom (porta-potty) for up to 24 months while the permanent ADA facility is built, requiring that the portable unit be screened by at least a 4-foot year-round buffer of masonry, fence or plantings, and limiting public adult education events tied to the site to 12 per year with a maximum capacity of 25 attendees and all event parking on the property. Alder Grant said the camp program typically runs 9 a.m. to noon for four weeks and that summer youth camps generally involve about 20 children; a member of the public noted some materials referenced a limit of 28 participants.

The PUD text and staff remarks clarified what the approval does not authorize. Alder Grant and staff repeatedly emphasized the PUD "does not include a restaurant or an assembly hall" and does not rezone the parcel to commercial; if the applicants pursue different commercial uses in the future they must submit a new PUD and full review. Staff also noted existing animal permits remain unaffected and animal rules are enforced under municipal code (chapter 6) and animal control rules.

Public testimony was mixed. Supporters — including Red Smith School students, teachers and neighbors — described the site as an educational resource and community garden, arguing the high tunnel and storage would allow the Valentines to continue school programming and local food production. Opponents raised concerns about traffic, property maintenance, and the introduction of business-like activities into an R-1 residential zone; Greg Warner said the request was effectively "about allowing commercial uses of the property" and urged denial.

The council approved the amendments and the PUD as amended; the record shows the motions carried with the ayes prevailing. The approvals require the applicants to meet the conditions adopted by the council and to obtain any required building, driveway and temporary use permits before some elements proceed.