Commission backs Wildwood Lake PRD amendment with conditions after debate over trail and sewer easement

The Menomonee Falls Plan Commission on Feb. 4 recommended that the Village Board adopt an ordinance amending the Wildwood Lake planned residential development, subject to the 15 conditions in the staff report. Commissioners voted unanimously after extended discussion about two specific conditions: (1) a requirement to install a multi-use trail along Town Hall Road and (2) a sanitary-sewer easement that affects the proposed footprint of Building 3.

Applicant representatives led by Ryan (Arden Properties) told the commission they prefer to avoid cutting mature trees along Town Hall Road and either to place the trail inside the site on private property with an easement to the village, to align the trail width with the 5-foot path north of the site, or to delay installation with a future funding agreement so trees are preserved. Ryan said the existing mature trees were planted as part of the 2008 Wildwood Lake improvements and that a 10-foot trail likely would harm them.

Planning staff and commissioners noted the town's outdoor-recreation plan calls for a 10-foot multi-use trail in that corridor; engineering staff prefers the 10-foot standard for safety and consistent design. Commissioners suggested staff work with the applicant and engineering to refine location and width, consider whether a future-installation agreement or escrow could be used to delay construction without abandoning the trail requirement, and evaluate the feasibility of fitting the trail between existing trees and fence lines.

The second contested item was a sanitary-sewer easement that, as written, would force Building 3 to shift. The applicant said they relocated a proposed fire hydrant to the north and requested the easement be amended so Building 3 could remain in the proposed position; engineering staff indicated the easement may contain infrastructure beyond the hydrant and preferred to keep it in place. Commissioners directed staff and the applicant to continue working to reach a mutually acceptable solution; if they cannot, the matter will be included in the Village Board materials for final decision.

Staff presentation noted the ordinance before the commission contains 15 conditions; commissioners approved the motion to recommend the ordinance to the Village Board with the conditions and with the expectation the applicant and staff will seek resolution on items 1 (trail) and 10 (sanitary easement). The Architectural Review Committee previously approved the design elements and the item will appear on the Village Board agenda for further review.

Ending: The commission recommended the PRD amendment unanimously; staff and the applicant will continue to negotiate trail alignment, trail timing, tree preservation measures and the sanitary-easement language before Village Board consideration.