Plan commission approves lot-line rezoning and Johnson Bank drive-through conditional use permit

The Kenosha City Plan Commission on May 22 approved a package of land-use changes and a conditional use permit that will allow Johnson Bank to build a new bank with a drive-through adjacent to Christian Assembly (District 11). The actions include a comprehensive-plan map amendment, zoning ordinance amendments, rezoning of portions of two parcels and establishment of conditions of approval related to the bank’s drive-through and a lot-line adjustment between the church and bank property.

City planning staff told the commission the applications are interconnected: a survey and lot-line adjustment will shift property between the church and the bank site, add land to the north side of the bank parcel and consolidate the drive-through and related circulation. Staff recommended approval and that the commission establish conditions of approval at this first hearing.

Why it matters: The approvals align the zoning with the revised lot lines and clear the way for construction of a new bank building, demolition of the old bank after the new bank opens, landscaping and new parking for the church. The package affects the configuration of property and public access along Ninth Avenue and Sixtieth Street in District 11.

In discussion commissioners and staff focused on driveway access and safety. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) asked the applicant to submit an exhibit showing that required sight distances are met or else the driveway must be eliminated, altered or relocated. A Johnson Bank representative, Eric Olson, said the project’s civil engineer will prepare and submit the sight-distance exhibit to the DOT. Olson said, “we’ll reach out to the DOT to put together that exhibit.” Staff and the commission discussed the possibility that the DOT could require the driveway be moved or removed; the applicant indicated they would comply and, if necessary, abandon that access or relocate it to meet DOT standards.

Fire and site-circulation access was also discussed; staff noted the typical requirement for two ways in and out of the site and suggested using an access on Sixtieth Avenue as one of the access points if needed. Commissioners asked applicants to coordinate with DOT and public works to finalize safe driveway geometry and circulation.

Formal action: The commission moved and seconded approval of items 1, 2 and 3 (comprehensive-plan amendment, zoning amendment and rezoning) and then separately moved and seconded approval of item 4 (the conditional use permit for a financial institution with a drive-through). Roll-call votes recorded unanimous support; commissioners and the mayor recorded “aye” on both motions.

Next steps: The applicant must submit the DOT sight-distance exhibit and any revised access plans for staff review. If the DOT requires changes, the applicant will need to alter or relocate the driveway before final approvals and permitting.