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Verona council approves preliminary and final plan for 116‑unit development at 511 West Verona Avenue
Summary
The Verona Common Council on Jan. 12 approved Resolution 26‑001 to allow a 116‑unit apartment building and about 6,900 sq. ft. of commercial space at 511 West Verona Avenue, granting several zoning exemptions and requiring a cross‑access agreement and development agreement; city staff said the project does not qualify for TIF payments without a future amendment.
The Verona Common Council voted Jan. 12 to approve Resolution 26‑001, permitting a 116‑unit apartment building with roughly 6,900 square feet of commercial space at 511 West Verona Avenue. Alder Swanson moved passage; the planning commission had recommended approval 5–0.
The council granted several exemptions to allow the project in a suburban commercial zoning district: an increased maximum building height from 45 feet to 50 feet, a five‑foot pavement setback encroachment along the east property line, and expanded canopy sign area (with a maximum canopy sign height of 18 inches). The approval is conditioned on a cross‑access agreement being recorded with the register of deeds and the execution of a development agreement.
City representatives flagged tax‑increment finance (TIF) issues connected to the site. “The multifamily development proposal before the common council tonight involves land that is subject to the Sugar Creek Commons TIF agreement,” a city representative read, adding that the proposed multifamily project “does not satisfy the hotel project requirement under the TIF agreement.” The representative said that, unless the council later amends the TIF agreement, the developer will not receive any TIF payments tied to that agreement.
Council members discussed signage, building appearance and how the project would align with neighboring commercial buildings. Alder Keller and others asked about canopy signage; a representative explained the goal was consistent lettering size along the frontage so smaller canopies can display signage comparable to existing nearby tenants.
Alder Tucker Long asked whether voting on the site plan tonight would affect the TIF discussion; staff replied that the developer had not requested TIF disbursement and that staff would return to the council on Jan. 26 to discuss TIF requirements and any needed formal action. The council approved Resolution 26‑001 by voice vote.
What’s next: city staff will follow up on TIF eligibility and any potential amendment needs at the council meeting on Jan. 26, 2026. The conditioned approvals (cross‑access agreement and execution of a development agreement) must be completed before the approval becomes effective.
