Developers present initial plan for 240 apartments and 20 townhomes on Bacchus property; commission broadly supportive

Developers presented an initial concept to the Verona Planning Commission for 240 apartment units and 20 townhomes on the Bacchus property south of Whispering Coves. City staff told commissioners the project would require annexation into the city, a comprehensive plan amendment to accommodate higher residential density, a zoning map amendment, a land division, a conditional use permit for multifamily housing and subsequent site plan approval.

Staff described multiple site constraints: existing wetlands on the east side of the property, steep grades on the south end near single‑family homes, and limited soils suitable for stormwater management on the northwest corner of the site. The site also requires extending Blue Ice Pass to align with County Highway M and a future connection to Grassland Terrace in Whispering Coves.

Commissioners and the mayor present generally said they would support a higher‑density residential proposal on a constrained site. "I would say yes," the mayor said when asked whether apartments and townhomes would be supported. Commissioners asked the applicant and staff to consider bringing buildings closer to the street, increasing façade articulation and landscaping, improving screening and providing stronger trail connections, including a possible trail link and a highlighted crosswalk to connect neighborhoods.

Applicant and project team comments: Paul Schmitter of the development team answered questions about design tradeoffs such as rooftop gardens and structural cost: "When you structurally design a building, especially 3 stories with a flat roof, all of that extra dirt and soil ... it kinda breaks the bank," he said, noting additional design and maintenance costs for rooftop gardens.

Why it matters: The proposal would add substantial new housing capacity and requires multiple legislative and technical approvals that will shape transportation, stormwater, and neighborhood interfaces. Staff specifically asked the commission for guidance on whether the city supports the proposed mix of apartments and townhomes and whether under‑building (covered) parking should be supported in lieu of underground parking; commissioners generally favored the mixed housing and under‑building parking given site topography.

What’s next: Because the proposal is at an initial review stage, the applicant will continue discussions with staff to refine stormwater management, building siting, screening to adjacent single‑family homes and public‑realm connections; future applications will include annexation materials, detailed civil plans, the comp‑plan amendment and formal zoning and CUP applications.