County presents NextGen housing concept; Plan Commission directs staff to set public hearings on land‑use changes
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Summary
Washington County presented a NextGen housing concept targeting roughly 200 owner‑occupied units with affordability targets; the West Bend Plan Commission heard the concept, raised questions about buffering and enforceable owner‑occupancy guarantees, and voted to direct staff to schedule public hearings for related comprehensive plan and zoning amendments.
Washington County and its consultants presented a concept plan to the West Bend Plan Commission proposing roughly 200 owner‑occupied homes across three adjacent development areas in the city as part of a NextGen housing initiative. Deb Silskin, Washington County Community Development Director, told commissioners the county aims for 40% of homes to sell for under $340,000, another 40% under $360,000, and all units under $420,000.
The concept spans approximately 72.3 acres at the southeast corner of South Main and West Rusco Road and is tied to Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 45 and two related zoning map amendments and a PUD overlay. County and consultant presentations described three subareas (north, central and south) with approximate unit counts: about 50 units in the north area (single family, alley duplexes), about 47 single‑family units in the central area, and two alternatives for the south area with 103 units in one option or 73 in an alternative emphasizing more single family. The plan includes rear‑loaded garages, alley access in many areas, parks, walking trails and multiuse connections to nearby trails.
Commissioners asked how owner‑occupancy commitments would be enforced; staff and the developer said such expectations could be written into TIF and development agreements, subdivision covenants and PUD declarations, and noted covenant language can limit short‑term rentals. County representatives said the concept grew from a county redevelopment task force and an open house that drew about 30 attendees and several written comments.
Several commissioners expressed concern about placing residential lots adjacent to industrial activity. Commissioner Jed said he was uncomfortable approving residential development next to a manufacturing site with only a 25‑foot buffer; county staff and the consultant pointed to the packet profile showing roughly 75 feet from house lot to the industrial building face when additional setbacks and buffer areas are included, and said they will study buffering, transportation impacts and utilities as the project advances. Staff requested and the commission voted to direct staff to schedule public hearings on the comprehensive plan amendment and related zoning items for the earliest available meeting (likely in April due to 30‑day notice requirements).
