Kenosha commission approves rezoning of 4807 Seventh Avenue to B-4 mixed‑use

The Kenosha City Plan Commission voted June 16 to approve three related land‑use items that would amend the City of Kenosha 2035 comprehensive plan and rezone 4807 Seventh Avenue from RG‑2 general residential to B‑4 mixed‑use.

The actions approved were: (1) a resolution amending the land use plan map in the comprehensive plan for the property, (2) a zoning ordinance amendment (staff described it as a proposed subsection to 18.02) to reflect the land use map change, and (3) a rezoning ordinance to change the parcel from RG‑2 to B‑4. Planning staff recommended approval of all three items.

Planning staff told the commission the current land use designation shows medium‑ to high‑density residential but that the existing corner building is a commercial storefront and that the B‑4 designation would fit the mix of uses at the location. Planning staff said, "The first item is to amend the land use plan. The current land use plan shows the site of medium to high density residential... The existing building is a commercial storefront. Fits in with the area and the surrounding area is a mixture of zoning districts."

James Matzner, who gave his address as 4815 Seventh Avenue and identified himself as the building owner, said he has owned the property since 1970 and asked that it be rezoned to B‑4. "I've owned it for over 50 years... we remodeled the storefront to accommodate a barbershop," Matzner said.

A nearby resident who gave an address on Seventh Avenue told the commission the property has long housed retail uses and said they "welcome this new business coming in." Bill Seal, identifying his address and neighborhood, thanked city staff and urged the commission to codify the property's historical commercial use.

Commissioner Vincent Ruffalo moved to approve items 1, 2 and 3 on the agenda. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Roberta Lamakia, Commissioner Mark Bork, Commissioner Michael Foster, Commissioner Vincent Ruffalo, Commissioner Jeffrey Wallace and the mayor (recorded in the transcript as Mayor Vitacela) voted aye; Commissioners Chris Bininger (Benninger) and Lydia Spotswood were recorded as excused. The commission did not record any no votes, abstentions, or recusals on the motion.

Commissioners and staff noted that the commission's approval is a step in the process and that Common Council action is still required; a commissioner said council consideration is expected at the first meeting in August. The commission held a special meeting to advance the timeline so the prospective tenant could move forward.

Votes at a glance

- Item 1: Resolution to amend the comprehensive plan land use map for 4807 Seventh Avenue — Approved (roll call: ayes recorded; excused: Chris Bininger, Lydia Spotswood). - Item 2: Zoning ordinance amendment to create/modify subsection 18.02 to reflect the land use change — Approved (same roll call). - Item 3: Rezoning ordinance to change 4807 Seventh Avenue from RG‑2 General Residential to B‑4 Mixed Use — Approved (same roll call).

Next steps

The commission's approvals will be transmitted to the Common Council for final action; staff and a commissioner said council consideration is expected at its first August meeting.