Plan Commission clears signage at Badgerland after‑school site at 1233 Janesville Ave; larger site changes noted

The Plan Commission approved a site‑plan review for signage at Badgerland After School Enrichment (BASE), 1233 Janesville Avenue, and heard an overview of a broader renovation plan for the property that includes removing parking pavement to create playing fields and a playground.

Planner Jed Draeger told the commission the signage as proposed meets the city's square‑footage requirements and will consist of dimensional letters on the building plus a secondary square sign; the existing monument sign with an electronic message board will retain its electronic board subject to city electronic sign regulations on timing and non‑scrolling.

Draeger and staff also presented the larger project scope in the packet: a playground and soccer field area to the east of the building, façade color changes and reduction of pavement to increase permeable surface. Staff reported that parking counts for the building's use will continue to meet ordinance requirements despite removal of some paved spaces. Draeger noted that the playground and potential future gym would return to the Planning Commission for separate review when the project advances because those elements may affect site egress and setback requirements; for example, fences on the front yard would be limited to four feet rather than six.

The commission voted to approve the signage as proposed. Commissioners and staff praised the project's community service role and said they were pleased to be able to approve signage for a program that provides after‑school programming in the city.