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Plan Commission approves Waunakee '24 existing conditions report after robust public engagement
Summary
The Plan Commission approved the phase-1 existing conditions report from the Lakota Group, which presents a detailed land-use data baseline and public engagement results (presenter cited nearly 10% response or about 1,000 survey respondents); commissioners highlighted housing affordability, senior housing and starter-home concerns.
The Waunakee Plan Commission voted to approve the existing conditions report (the 'state of the village') prepared by the Lakota Group as the phase-1 deliverable of the Waunakee '24 comprehensive planning effort.
Andy Cross of the Lakota Group presented the report and said it represents an unusually detailed land-use and mapping baseline for the village, compiled after extensive work with staff. Cross said the report benefited from strong public engagement; he described the online-survey turnout as "incredible," noting in the meeting that responses represented nearly 10% of the village population and that roughly 1,000 people participated.
Commissioners used the presentation to surface policy concerns the report highlights: multiple speakers raised housing-affordability constraints (noting small-lot developments such as Viridian and Savannah Village are still selling at high prices), the need for more senior housing and assisted-living options, and the challenge of preserving small-town character while accommodating growth. Commissioner comments highlighted that increased density can raise land values and suggested options such as land banking, starter-home strategies and working with nearby municipalities on transit access to support a local workforce.
Public comment that preceded the meeting reinforced these concerns. Nyla Frye told the commission that a lack of affordable housing forces low-paid care workers to commute from Sun Prairie, Madison and Middleton and urged the commission to consider the real-life impacts on caregiving staff; in her remarks she said, "We need to provide housing that those making over $75,000 can afford." (quote as spoken in public comment.)
Cross said phase 2 willtranslate the report's findings into draft goals and strategies and that the project team plans additional public engagement in spring to test proposed approaches. A commissioner moved to approve the existing conditions report for posting on the project website and to begin phase 2; the motion was seconded and carried on voice vote.
