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Plan Commission backs Millwork Distributors expansion in Southwest Industrial Park
Summary
The commission recommended a heavy industrial rezoning with a Planned Development overlay and approved a general development plan and specific implementation plan to allow a 23,000‑sq‑ft building expansion and additional paving for Millwork Distributors on Universal Street.
The Oshkosh City Plan Commission recommended approval of a heavy industrial zoning change with a Planned Development overlay and approved associated development plans that will allow Millwork Distributors to expand its facility in the Southwest Industrial Park.
Planning staff described the site as a five‑acre parcel on Universal Street occupied by Millwork Distributors. The applicant proposes a 23,000‑square‑foot building expansion on the west side of the existing building and additional pavement to accommodate more employee parking. The applicant requested a variance (BSM) to raise the lot’s impervious surface ratio from the district maximum of 70% to 76.6%. To offset the increased impervious area, the applicant proposes landscaping that exceeds current ordinance point requirements.
Staff explained the zoning code does not require additional landscape points for the project because the building expansion and new pavement do not individually exceed 50% of existing floor area or pavement area, but the applicant voluntarily proposes landscape improvements that increase the site’s landscape points from the reported existing 1,507 points to about 2,271 points. Staff recommended approval of the zone change with PD overlay, the general development plan, and the specific implementation plan (SIP) with findings and conditions in the staff report.
Sam Winterfeld of Keller (representing Millwork Distributors) told the commission the expansion would help the company remain and grow locally; Todd Miller, identified as chairman of the Millwork Distributors board and a former banker for the company, said the business is employee‑owned and expects to add about a dozen jobs after the expansion.
Commission members asked technical questions about stormwater retention and the size of the retention pond; staff said retention sizing and any necessary stormwater design details will be addressed by Public Works during the SIP review. Commissioners also commented on landscaping and tree plantings; staff said the applicant’s proposed planting plan increases landscape points substantially and will be reviewed in detail at SIP.
Following public comment and a brief discussion, the commission moved to adopt staff findings and recommendations; the motion passed unanimously by roll call. The recommendation forwards the project with conditions to the Common Council (as applicable) and requires the applicant to meet any outstanding technical requirements during the SIP phase.
Record details: proposed 23,000 sq ft expansion, request for impervious surface increase to 76.6%, proposed landscape point increase from 1,507 to 2,271, applicant stated intention to add roughly 12 jobs, retention pond sizing to be verified with Public Works during SIP, staff recommended approval and commission adopted findings and recommendation.
