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Plan Commission approves Hillcrest West Bend land‑use and zoning changes for Rainbow Lake area
Summary
The West Bend Plan Commission voted to change the recommended land use for about 28.56 acres near Rainbow Lake from multifamily to mixed use and approved corresponding zoning by Hillcrest West Bend LLC; staff said a site plan and amended development agreement will return for review.
The West Bend Plan Commission on Sept. 2 approved a comprehensive‑plan amendment and zoning map change requested by Hillcrest West Bend LLC for roughly 28.56 acres south of Barton Avenue and east of Rainbow Lake Lane.
Paul Apfelbach, representing Hillcrest, said Hillcrest bought the land in 2020 and has kept the same development concept for five years: a mix of multifamily, two‑family and condominium‑style single‑family units that Hillcrest says will complete and remove an unfinished foundation described as blight. Apfelbach said the company negotiated an agreement to protect existing condominium owners and expects the change will spread private road and private lift‑station costs across more units.
City staff described the request as a change in recommended land use from multifamily residential to mixed use and a zoning amendment that would split the property into RM1 (multifamily), RD2 (two‑family) and RS4 (single family). Staff notified property owners within 200 feet and reported one inquiry expressing concerns about construction traffic, private utilities and open space.
Residents from Rainbow Lake condominium association addressed utilities, with Taylor Sandidge asking whether the lift station has capacity for increased demand. Janet O’Brien, association president, said the lift station was originally built for 192 units and that adding 48 proposed units would keep the total under that original capacity; she described a past pump‑failure event but said she supports the project.
Commissioners discussed responsibilities for utility and stormwater improvements and noted that any development will require a later site plan review and an amendment to the original development agreement. The commission approved the recommended land‑use change and the zoning map amendment by voice vote. Staff said future public hearings will set the exact zoning layout, density and development agreement amendments.
The commission took no final action tonight on site plans or development‑agreement language; those items will return to the commission after the land‑use and zoning approvals.
