The Plan Commission of the City of Portage on Monday heard public testimony and a staff update on a proposed 52‑unit planned unit development for parcels 6021.20 (2941 Hunters Trail) and 6021.21 (350 Gunderson Drive), but the commission did not vote on the proposal and the developer will submit a final site plan for consideration at the Feb. 16 Plan Commission meeting.

The proposal, brought by Impact 7 Inc., would construct a three‑story building with an underground garage, two ingress/egress points (a shared driveway at Hunters Trail and a Gunderson Drive entrance to the underground garage), and a planned connection to the Maltese Path walking trail and nearby dog park. Carol Keane, representing Impact 7, told the commission, "We're estimating project costs of between $15–$16 million." Keane said the developer hopes to use tax credit financing and could break ground late in 2025 if financing and construction contracts come together.

The project drew multiple resident speakers who described family need and local demand for supported independent living. Ina Carson, president of Harmony Housing Partners, said the group had "received commitment with Impact 7 to attempt to build this beautiful project in Portage" and that she supported the proposal. Joyce Felician, who described her 32‑year‑old daughter who still lives at home, said an option in Columbia County would prevent families from having to move relatives to Dane County. Roger Ness and Michelle Ernst also spoke in favor of keeping adult children with disabilities close to family and community supports.

Commission discussion focused on site layout and operations, funding and tax implications, parking and access, and on‑site management. Commissioners noted the proposal includes a minimum of 25 percent of units designated for adults with disabilities, including autistic or neurodivergent adults, and that the building would not be a group home or medical facility; Ina Carson clarified that "there is not nursing care on-site" and that medical or supportive-services arrangements would be contracted by individual residents.

On financing and local incentives, the commission discussed the relationship between the proposed project and existing Rolling Prairie development agreements and tax increment financing (TIF). A commission member asked whether the city would provide additional funding; staff and commissioners indicated that diverting increment from the Rolling Prairie project would be problematic. One commissioner summarized the position: taking incremental tax revenue that is already committed to another developer would be unfair and, therefore, staff did not anticipate city funds would be used for this project beyond existing arrangements.

Members asked about staffing and management levels. Keane said industry norms for a 52‑unit property point to approximately a three‑quarter time on‑site manager plus maintenance and 24‑hour on‑call support. Harmony Housing Partners said volunteer supports and community events are planned but emphasized the development "is not set up as a group home," and volunteers would supplement, not replace, professional on‑site staff.

Staff advised the commission that the developer intends to submit a final site plan by the end of the month; the application will appear on the commission agenda Feb. 16 for possible action. No motion was made on the PUD at Monday’s meeting; the chair closed the item with "No action tonight."