Plan Commission approves final plat for 18 single-family lots on former Washington Elementary site

The Oshkosh Plan Commission on Feb. 19 approved the final plat to redevelop the former Washington Elementary School site at 929 Winnebago Avenue into 18 single-family lots, adopting staff findings and recommendations by a 6-0 vote.

Staff told the commission that the City of Oshkosh purchased the property from the Oshkosh Area School District in September 2024, and that the parcel, sized at 2.8 acres, will be cleared this winter in preparation for residential development. The final plat lays out 18 lots — 10 along Winnebago Avenue and eight along School Avenue — with no new right-of-way dedications. Staff said the proposed lots meet area and dimensional requirements for the SR-9 district and calculated the proposal at 6.4 units per acre, under the SR-9 maximum of nine units per acre.

Engineering reviews show city water, sanitary sewer and storm-sewer capacity are available on both street frontages, and Department of Public Works grading, drainage and paving-restoration plans must be approved prior to Common Council final approval. Staff said easements for public and private facilities and two municipal access easements to the rear of properties are shown on the plat. The Oshkosh Area School District was notified and had not responded with concerns about accommodating students from this development.

For parkland requirements, staff reported there are sufficient recreational facilities nearby and recommended fees in lieu of land dedication totaling $7,200 ($400 per lot). Street lighting exists adjacent to the site; terrace-tree planning will be finalized by the city forester because some terrace strips are narrow and may be constrained by utilities and driveways. "As a condition of plat approval, final terrace tree planting species and locations for some lots will be determined by the city forester if feasible," staff said.

There was no public comment on the item. Commissioner Rucker confirmed the commission's action was limited to plat approval and not to future building approvals; staff agreed that building design and developer selection will occur later in the process. The commission adopted the staff report findings and recommendations; roll-call votes recorded all six members voting "aye." The motion carried 6-0.

Next steps include Department of Public Works approval of civil construction plans, any required municipal approvals at Common Council, and subsequent permitting and developer selection.