Plan Commission recommends approval for Millwork Distributors expansion at 2751 Universal Street

The Oshkosh City Plan Commission voted 8-0 to recommend a zone change to Heavy Industrial with a planned development overlay and to approve a general development plan for a 23,000‑square‑foot expansion at Millwork Distributors, 2751 Universal Street, in the Southwest Industrial Park.

Planning staff said the subject site is a five‑acre parcel currently zoned Heavy Industrial and occupied by Millwork Distributors. The applicant seeks a PD overlay to allow flexibility for the proposed building expansion on the west side of the existing structure and to add paved parking stalls. The applicant requested a variance (BSM) from the zoning code to permit 76.6% impervious surface on the lot; the Heavy Industrial district allows up to 70% impervious surface. To offset the increase, the applicant proposed landscaping that exceeds current code requirements.

Staff reported that the expansion does not exceed 50% of the existing floor area, so the zoning ordinance does not require new landscaping points; nevertheless the applicant proposed additional plantings and reported an increase from 1,507 existing landscaping points to a proposed 2,271 points. Staff recommended approval, noting the exterior expansion materials will match existing metal siding and that proposed facade improvements include repainting and window trim replacement.

Sam Winterfeld of Keller (Kaukauna), representing Millwork Distributors, was present to answer questions. Todd Miller, chairman of the company’s board and a former banker for the project, told the commission Millwork Distributors converted to employee ownership five years ago and said the expansion is intended to support company growth; he estimated the project would add about 12 jobs when finished.

A commissioner asked whether the site’s retention pond would be adequate for the additional impervious surface; staff replied that stormwater and retention sizing will be reviewed by Public Works during SIP review.

The commission voted to adopt staff findings and recommendations by roll call, 8 ayes and 0 nays.

Votes at a glance - Item 3 (Zone change to Heavy Industrial with PD overlay and General Development Plan approval for building expansion at 2751 Universal Street): Motion to adopt staff findings and recommendation — Passed 8‑0 (Miss Sherman: Aye; Miss Pracht: Aye; Mister Pollock: Aye; Council member Bulow: Aye; Mister Rucker: Aye; Miss Davey: Aye; Mister Lowenstein: Aye; Chairman Perry: Aye).

Next steps include civil and stormwater design review and a site improvement plan review with Public Works before any construction permits are issued.