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West Bend plan panel backs rezoning for duplexes on Stratford Road after neighbor concerns
Summary
The Plan Commission voted 6–1 to recommend changing land use and zoning on a Stratford Road parcel to allow six duplexes (12 units) as part of a Next Gen Housing project; neighbors raised concerns about density, parking and aesthetics, and staff said on-site garages and PUD review will address details.
The Plan Commission of West Bend voted 6–1 on Dec. 2 to recommend a comprehensive-plan amendment and a zoning map change that would allow part of a Stratford Road parcel to be developed with two-family (duplex) buildings.
Jim, a city planning staff member, told the commission the developer is seeking the change from single-family to two-family for roughly 0.69 acres north of Highmount Road because "the costs for public improvements"—including lack of municipal water and a needed storm-sewer relocation—have made single-family development financially difficult and higher density necessary to proceed. The council-level action will be the next step after the commission forwards its recommendation.
Why it matters: The change would allow three duplexes on the northern half of the site, producing six units there and matching the southern half (six units), for a total of 12 units across the property. Staff said that represents an increase of about two units compared with the earlier single-family concept for the north end and that the units would be owner-occupied under the county's Next Gen Housing initiative.
Neighbors urged caution. Linda Smeaton, who said she lives at 2116 Stratford Road and is the closest neighbor to the proposed development, told the commission she supports affordable housing but worried the amended plan would increase households from what she understood previously and said the density "seems like it's going crazy here." She asked whether the developer had purchased the land and whether the new buildings would be rentals; staff replied the developer has a contingent offer and that Next Gen rules require owner-occupied homes.
On-site parking and design will be addressed at the PUD/site-plan stage. Evan Parish, representing the project's surveying and engineering team, told the commission each unit is intended to have a two-car garage plus two additional parking spaces behind the garage so parking would be provided on the property rather than on Stratford. Specific building layouts, driveways and landscaping will be reviewed when the developer submits a formal site plan and PUD overlay.
Commissioner Paul explained his 'no' vote by saying the density "doesn't fit aesthetically with the rest of the surroundings" and expressing concern about packing duplexes next to lots that currently provide larger yards and green space. The commission chair said the rezoning conforms to RD-2 density standards and that the PUD review will be the venue to evaluate design, screening and other neighborhood impacts.
Next steps: The commission's approval forwards the recommended comprehensive-plan amendment and zoning change to the Common Council (or appropriate legislative body) for final action; the developer must subsequently submit a site plan and PUD materials for commission review.
