Council rezones Prairie Avenue parcels to allow two-family planned unit development

The Janesville City Council on April 14 adopted Ordinance No. 2025-915 to rezone 1211 and 1230 Prairie Avenue from R-1 single-family and two-family residential to R-1D two-family residential. The two parcels total approximately 5.6 acres on the city—s near north side and abut Black Ridge Hills Recreation Area to the north.

Mackenzie Wilcox, associate planner, told council the property owners Gordon Radloff and Michael Eckert submitted development plans proposing construction of seven two-family residences. Wilcox said the property must be rezoned to allow a residential planned unit development (PUD) and that the plan commission reviewed the proposal on March 17 and unanimously forwarded it with a favorable recommendation. She said the city—s comprehensive-plan future-land-use map designates the area as single-family residential urban and staff consider the proposed R-1D classification a logical transition given the surrounding land uses.

Council members asked whether an open green space on the site would remain undeveloped; Wilcox said the area has steep slopes that make it unsuitable for building and would remain as open space. There were no members of the public who spoke at the public hearing. Councilmember Squire moved adoption and Vice President Burdick seconded; the ordinance passed unanimously.

Staff noted the rezoning is a precondition to the applicant pursuing conditional-use approval for the residential PUD from the plan commission. Wilcox said she would answer follow-up questions as property owners advance design and permitting.

No amendments were made to the ordinance at second reading.