Commission recommends council approve conditional use for Safeway Transportation to park up to 21 buses and six vans

The Oak Creek Planning Commission on June 24 voted to recommend the Common Council approve a conditional use permit for Safeway Transportation Services at 6925 South Sixth Street, Suite 100, to operate a contractor shop/office and outdoor vehicle yard for school buses and passenger vans.

Staff said the business occupies portions of the building and currently uses interior space for offices and maintenance. The conditional use request covers outdoor parking and storage in the rear of the building: staff presented a site plan that shows up to 21 school buses and six passenger vans in designated areas, with 41 employee parking stalls (the use requires 39). Conditions presented by staff require that outdoor parking be limited to the areas shown on the approved plan, that no additional outdoor storage or materials be permitted, and that hours of operation be limited to 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Staff and applicants discussed the rear surface material (crushed asphalt) and noted it is allowed for parking but that disturbing the surface could trigger additional DNR review because of historical contamination on the site. Staff said that any disturbance could “reopen the file” with DNR and require remediation. The applicant said mechanical work will be performed indoors and that only parking and staging of vehicles will occur outdoors.

The commission moved and approved a recommendation to the Common Council subject to the conditions described by staff.