Wauwatosa committee grants 12-month extension to Harlow and Hem certified survey map over objections

A Wauwatosa committee voted 4-2 to approve a 12-month extension allowing the applicant to record a certified survey map (CSM) for the Harlow and Hem development at the northwest corner of Wauwatosa Avenue and Blanchard Street.

The committee approved the extension after staff described the request as necessary because the applicant has not met the statutory recording deadline tied to the CSM approval on 07/16/2024. Sarah Hillenbrand, representing the applicant Mandel Group, told the committee, "We are very, very, very close... We expect to close in late August or at the very latest September." The motion to grant the extension passed 4-2, with Alder Brandon moving and Alder Champagne seconding.

Why it matters: The CSM secures land combinations, easements, and public-right-of-way adjustments that lock in the public benefits of a development. Several committee members and a member of the public said the extension would allow the developer more time without delivering required public works approvals, and they urged caution before granting further delay.

City staff told the committee the CSM must be recorded within 12 months of the original approval per state statutes; the map was originally approved on 07/16/2024. Staff said the applicant cannot meet the mid-July statutory recording deadline because final construction and financing steps remain in progress.

Public comment and committee concerns: Joe McClough, identifying himself as a District 3 resident, urged the committee to deny the extension, saying, "We should not be working on their behalf to simply make it easier for them." Alders raised competing concerns. Alder Bridal said the CSM is "what legally secures land combination and public benefits like easements, access, and right of way changes" and noted outstanding public-works approvals and a pending landscaping exemption, saying those items should be resolved before granting a new 12-month extension. Alder Foley said, "Consistent with my previous votes on this project, I will be voting no," citing the project's history of delays.

Applicant response and timeline: Hillenbrand described ongoing progress: finalizing construction bidding, working with city staff on development and public-access agreements, and selecting a lender and equity partners. She estimated a closing in late August or, at the latest, September. Staff and several alders also noted that utility work (We Energies transformer involvement) can add time to approvals.

Vote and immediate outcome: The motion passed on a roll call vote, 4 yes, 2 no. The committee approved a 12-month extension for the applicant to record the CSM.

What remains: Committee members asked that outstanding public-works approvals for encroachments and the landscaping exemption be resolved; staff and applicants indicated those items remained pending. The extension allows the CSM to be recorded within the next 12 months but does not change the underlying approvals required from public-works or other city departments. No additional formal direction to staff or deadlines beyond the extension were adopted at the meeting.