Plan Commission unanimously denies rezoning for 1030 Fairfield Street after extensive resident opposition

The Onalaska Plan Commission voted unanimously April 22 to deny a rezoning request that would have changed 1030 Fairfield Street (Tax Parcel 18-1042-10) from low-medium density residential (R2) to high-density residential (R4).

The motion to deny was made by Commissioner Eric Archer and seconded by Commissioner Tom Smith; commissioners voted aye on a unanimous roll call. The application had sought R4 to accommodate a future multifamily row‑house development shown in a conceptual plan.

Why it mattered: dozens of nearby residents turned out to oppose the rezoning, citing increased traffic through narrow neighborhood streets, safety for children and park users, stormwater/runoff risks on the parcel’s slope, loss of trees and neighborhood character. City staff and the applicant said the parcel’s future land‑use designation in the comprehensive plan envisions multifamily housing, but staff stressed that tonight’s decision concerned zoning only — not approval of any specific site plan.

Residents described daily foot traffic to a small park near…