Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Multifamily Redevelopment Harbor District topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves rezoning of First Street site to allow 5‑story, 69‑unit multifamily project
Summary
The commission approved changing zoning at 1435 South First Street from IL2 to IM to allow a five‑story, 69‑unit multifamily building with 49 parking stalls; nearby industrial businesses voiced concerns about noise and truck access and met with the developer to identify mitigation measures.
The City Plan Commission approved a request to change zoning for 1435 South First Street from Industrial Light (IL2) to Industrial Mixed (IM) to allow a proposed multifamily residential development on the northwest corner of South First Street and West Orchard Street in the Twelfth Aldermanic District.
DCD staff said the proposal is consistent with the Harbor District water and land use plan and the Walkers Point equitable growth through transit‑oriented development plan, which supported residential development close to employment centers. The city’s industrial land analysis also identified portions of the First Street corridor as appropriate for zoning changes where industrial land protections are balanced against redevelopment opportunities.
SR Mills of Baird Development (presenting for Behr Development) described a five‑story building concept with 69 units (26 one‑bedroom and 43 two‑bedroom units) and 49 parking stalls, a 0.71 parking ratio. Mills said the design intent includes activated first‑floor frontage on First Street and a mix of unit sizes; the developer indicated discussions have occurred with DRT and other city reviewers and that they are considering TIF support.
Charles Engel, president and owner of Engle Tool and Forge across the street, told commissioners his business operates loud forging equipment and relies on truck access. “We pound steel. That's what we do. It's noisy. It's loud,” Engel said, arguing the corridor is an active industrial area and raising safety and durability concerns for introducing residential neighbors adjacent to an operating metal shop.
City staff and the developer said they have met with Engle to discuss operations and potential mitigations. The developer said materials choices, upgraded windows and careful site planning can reduce interior noise for residents and agreed to continue coordination about truck and loading arrangements. Tia Torres of the Milwaukee Harbor District said the district supports workforce housing while also recognizing overlapping industrial uses and remained officially neutral on the application.
Commissioner Ronnell Washington moved to close the public hearing and approve file 250522; the commission approved the zoning change by voice vote.
Why this matters: The rezoning and proposed development reflect a broader planning shift along the First Street corridor to add housing near Harbor District employment nodes. The item illustrates tensions between preserving industrial operations and allowing residential infill in adjacent parcels; mitigation measures and continued city engagement were emphasized.
What’s next: The developer will pursue environmental and permit reviews, explore funding options, and work with adjacent businesses and city staff to address noise, loading and safety concerns as the project advances to design and permit stages.
