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Planning commission approves conditional use for mixed-use development at 310 West Wolf River Avenue
Summary
The New London Planning Commission approved a conditional use grant to allow a mixed-use project (retail plus 12 multifamily units) at 310 West Wolf River Avenue after staff testimony that the site plan meets ordinance parking requirements; the developer was not present for the hearing.
The New London Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use grant for a mixed-use development planned at 310 West Wolf River Avenue on Dec. 12, 2024.
Chad (planning staff member) told the commission the petition in their packet proposes first-floor retail and two separate buildings containing a total of 12 residential units above, describing the northern building as retail below with three stories of sixplex apartments above and the southern building as two six-unit residential buildings. "We have to make a strong case not to allow," Chad said, explaining the municipal burden under the conditional-use standard.
The petition was reviewed against the commission's four evaluation criteria and the applicable ordinance provisions. Chad cited Chapter 17 (off-street parking) and walked the commission through the parking math: 12 dwelling units at 2 spaces per unit plus one guest space per four units yields a minimum requirement of 27 stalls; the concept plan shows 30 stalls. "So right now they have 30," Chad said, and staff noted that figure exceeds the ordinance minimum.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After the presentation and an opportunity for questions, a motion to approve the conditional use grant was made and seconded; Marcos moved, Donna seconded, and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.
Chad told commissioners the developer had been involved in earlier stages but could not attend that evening. Staff also noted related technical steps already addressed in the packet, including proposed lot combination to allow proposed garage setbacks and compatibility with the city's comprehensive-plan considerations.
Separately, staff updated the commission on the broader zoning-code rewrite work with the city's consultant (transcribed as Van de Wall/Van de Waal Associates) and said the common council may be asked to consider a development agreement for a beer garden at a site near the new Swiderski development; staff indicated a possible future plan to rezone that parcel to Downtown B1 commercial to streamline approvals.
The commission approved routine items earlier in the meeting (agenda and Sept. 26, 2024 minutes) and set a tentative next meeting for January 2025. The meeting ended after a customary voice vote to adjourn.
Votes at a glance: agenda adopted (voice vote); Sept. 26, 2024 minutes approved (voice vote); conditional use grant for 310 West Wolf River Avenue approved (motion by Marcos, seconded by Donna; voice vote); adjournment approved (voice vote).
