Commission approves Century Plaza consolidation plat but tables variance for proposed 40‑foot right‑of‑way for future road

The Madison City Planning Commission approved a replat consolidating parcels at the property known as Century Plaza (application PCAF‑25‑9) but tabled SDVA‑25‑1, a variance request to allow a 40‑foot right‑of‑way for a proposed roadway instead of the ordinance standard 50 feet.

Jim Pruitt, a real‑estate broker representing D & W Realty Holdings LLC, told the commission the owners plan to replat several parcels at 2629 North Michigan Road/Century Lane and develop roughly 19 single‑family rental homes on a single parcel (no individual lot sales planned). Pruitt said the plan includes a roadway to provide access and that the units will be rented, not sold.

Multiple members of the public raised concerns about traffic congestion near the Michigan Road/Franks Drive intersection, the proximity of the proposed roadway to the Inglewood Motel and other businesses, noise for motel residents, and drainage. Cher Austin said the proposed road “is gonna be just a very small distance between the [candle shop] and the Inglewood Motel” and warned that the area already experiences heavy traffic. She asked that a sound barrier or 12‑foot fence be considered if the road is sited close to the motel.

Darryl Deber, a nearby property owner, asked for a fence to prevent trespass and cited safety concerns near slabs and paved areas adjacent to his property. Several public commenters also questioned whether the parcel included wetlands and noted recent changes in nearby development since the parcel was platted in the 1980s.

Pruitt said the applicant has begun drainage and utility engineering and that the design would be refined later; he noted the plan had been reviewed by the fire chief, who confirmed the proposed turnaround would accommodate fire apparatus. Pruitt explained two options: build a private driveway (which would remain privately owned and maintained and would not receive city services) or build a city street to city specifications and turn it over to the city. He said early cost estimates suggested a private driveway could cost about $125,000 and a city street about $250,000, but he said the owners are still obtaining firm estimates.

Commissioners discussed whether the commission should act on the variance without more detailed cross‑section drawings showing sidewalks, curbs and the street/pavement layout. One commissioner said approving a reduced right‑of‑way could limit future options, such as installing sidewalks, and recommended the applicant provide scaled cross sections and a pavement/sidewalk plan before the board decides on a variance.

The commission approved the consolidation replat (PCAF‑25‑9). Roll‑call votes recorded on that motion were: Patrick Tavenaugh — yes; Jerry Ralston — yes; Rick Ferris — yes; Mike Armstrong — yes; Carl Eaglin — yes; Josh Wobler — yes. The separate variance application (SDVA‑25‑1) to reduce the right‑of‑way from 50 to 40 feet was tabled at the applicant’s request so the applicant could provide additional design detail and cost information; roll‑call on the table motion recorded: Carl Eaglin — yes; Mike Armstrong — yes; Jerry Ralston — yes; Patrick Tavenaugh — yes; Rick Ferris — yes; Josh Wobler — yes.

Staff noted that if the development ultimately proceeds as a city street it must be built to city specifications before the city would accept maintenance responsibility. If the road remains a private driveway, the property owner would bear maintenance responsibility and service differences (for example, trash collection). Commissioners also noted the fire chief had reviewed the proposed turnaround and found it adequate for apparatus. The applicant was advised to return with clearer drawings showing curb, gutter and sidewalk layouts and with final drainage and cost estimates before the commission considers the variance.

Votes at a glance: PCAF‑25‑9 (consolidation of Century Plaza parcels) — approved; SDVA‑25‑1 (variance to reduce right‑of‑way from 50 ft to 40 ft for future roadway) — tabled.