City Plan Commission approves rezoning to allow neighbor to buy vacant lot at 2560 North Titonia Avenue

The Milwaukee City Plan Commission on Nov. 10 approved a zoning change that will allow an adjacent homeowner to purchase a vacant city-owned lot at 2560 North Titonia Avenue and combine it with his property.

Kristen Connolly, a planner with the Department of City Development, told the commission the site has been vacant since about 1980, was acquired by the city in 2001, and is currently zoned LB2 while the neighboring property is zoned RT4. "Staff's concluded that the proposed zoning change is consistent with the plan recommendations," Connolly said, citing the Fond Du Lac and North area plan’s future land-use map and the plan’s guidance that homeowners may purchase adjacent vacant lots in appropriate circumstances.

The prospective buyer, Tyrone Tubbs of 2554 North Titonia, addressed the commission and said the purchase would be used "from a beautification standpoint." Tubbs, who said he has lived in the neighborhood for about 61 years, told commissioners he plans to plant trees and maintain the area and that he would obtain city recommendations and permits for any work.

Rosita Ross of DCD’s real estate division said the buyer had contacted the department earlier in the year and staff worked with him to progress the sale; Ross said the department supports homeowners purchasing lots adjacent to their homes because it can reduce dumping and help ensure local upkeep.

A motion to close public input and approve the ordinance was moved and seconded. With no discussion, commissioners voted by voice and the motion carried.

The ordinance (file 250888) would change the zoning from LB2 to RT4 so the parcel can be combined with the adjacent residential lot. Alderman Stamper sponsored the file and had expressed support, Connolly said.

Next steps: the action approved by the commission goes to the Common Council for final council approval and any subsequent conveyance steps required by city policy.