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Verona and town leaders outline growth plans, road projects and new development
Summary
City and town officials summarized population growth, housing demand, major development projects and infrastructure work; city leaders highlighted fiscal restraint, sustainability and parks improvements while the town emphasized open space and a boundary agreement with surrounding cities.
Mayor Luke Diaz and city and town officials told the Verona Area Chamber on a snowy morning that Verona continues rapid growth and detailed a slate of infrastructure, park and development projects to meet demand.
City leaders listed four priorities — fiscal responsibility, environmental sustainability, meeting housing demand and preserving community character — and described actions underway from solar panels and electric vehicles to parks improvements and road reconstructions. "The city of Verona is in good financial shape," Mayor Luke Diaz said, adding fiscal restraint will remain a focus.
The nut graf: City and town officials framed ongoing construction and planning as a response to a sustained influx of new residents (city presenters said the city is averaging roughly 800 new residents per year), and said major projects include traffic improvements, multifamily and mixed-use development, park upgrades and a comprehensive plan update that will seek public input.
City administrator Jamie Nolik (introduced as city administrator during the event) and Planning and Development Director Lucas Severson walked through active and proposed projects: Arden Glen phases, Apex at Verona multifamily and townhome components, Sugar Creek Commons additions, Kellogg Creek North single-family lots, and commercial expansions including EPIC Campus 6 and Wisconsin Brewery production facilities. Severson said some residential sites carry complex stormwater constraints that have slowed construction but are moving forward.
Infrastructure highlights included plans for an interchange reconstruction at G and Highway 151, signal upgrades on Legion Street with added turn lanes, water and sewer work near McKee Road and Harvest Moon Trail, and site work for a proposed SSM Health clinic south of Highway 151. The city said it recently issued a request for proposals for a modest solar panel project and has added electric vehicles and chargers to some staff fleet vehicles.
Officials also described parks work: a new shelter and restroom at EPIC Park, an ADA-compliant fishing pier and kayak launch at Fireman's Park, a replacement splash pad and resurfacing at Cedar Drake Ridge Park, and expanded security camera installations as budgets allow.
On planning, Severson described the city’s upcoming comprehensive plan process: background work and data analysis now, a public open house this spring, continued public engagement in fall and a target of adopting a final plan next year. The city launched a project website and interactive map to gather resident input.
Town of Verona Chair Mark Geller described the distinct role of the town government, its 23 square miles, roughly 2,442 residents, a land-preservation emphasis and a boundary agreement with neighboring municipalities. Geller said the town remains debt-free and highlighted 1,800 acres of public open space, noting the town requires 30% open space within new large subdivisions.
Officials told attendees they will remain available for follow-up questions and encouraged public participation in the comprehensive plan process and upcoming annual town meeting.
