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Plan Commission approves 15‑unit townhouse group development; neighbors cite lack of green space
Summary
The Plan Commission approved a conditional‑use permit for three townhome buildings totaling 15 units at the northwest corner of East Tennessee Avenue and Mount Vernon Street, amid neighborhood concerns about limited green space, drainage and compatibility with existing homes.
The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission approved a conditional‑use permit for a three‑building, 15‑unit townhome development at East Tennessee Avenue and Mount Vernon Street, finding the project meets zoning and development standards but drawing neighborhood concern about limited green space and proximity to an existing auto body shop.
Staff described the 1.19‑acre site as vacant and in the Urban Mixed‑Use (UMU) district. The proposed plan shows seven attached garages accessed from Mount Vernon Street and additional attached garages from Harrison Street, meets setback and parking standards, and proposes landscaping and outdoor recreation areas to satisfy code requirements. Staff noted a minor deficiency in the window/door area on one north‑facing façade but recommended permitting the reduction because the project exceeds requirements on primary facades and the site’s four street frontages create unusual design constraints.
Neighborhood speakers, including Vicki McCann representing the Midtown Neighborhood Association, said the proposed on‑site recreation space is insufficient for a densely populated neighborhood and urged more green space and safety measures for children. “We just would like to see more green space, and making sure that the children are safe in these higher traffic areas,” McCann said.
Other public comments asked for perimeter fencing to protect vehicles at an adjacent commercial property; commercial owner Kurt Hines asked the developer to add fencing to safeguard tenant customer vehicles. A separate commenter criticized the design aesthetics and urged the commission to consider context and higher‑quality architecture.
Commissioners who supported the project emphasized the need for new housing and described the site as a difficult parcel for single‑family infill; they said the project increases housing supply in a location close to existing services. Council member Bulow and Plan Commission members cited city housing goals and the sustainability benefits of infill development while noting concerns about green space should be addressed by the parks department or at site plan review where feasible.
The Plan Commission vote recorded six ayes and one member present; the motion carried.
