Planning commission backs recommendation for 60-unit mixed-use building at 1050 North Edge Trail

The Verona Planning Commission voted Sept. 3 to recommend that the Common Council approve the preliminary and final plan and a conditional use permit for a four-story, 60-unit mixed-use building at 1050 North Edge Trail.

Planning staff presented the application and told commissioners the project is proposed at the site of a former Monks restaurant and includes approximately 2,224 square feet of first-floor commercial space, a rooftop plaza above an enclosed parking structure and 60 residential units. "The current plan has 4 less units, and less commercial space on the 1st Floor," planning staff said, noting the scheme is a reduced version of a 2022 approval for the site.

Staff described several requested exemptions: allowing apartment units on part of the first floor, a height exemption that would raise the maximum from 45 feet to 50 feet, a setback reduction along the east property line and a parking exemption that reduces the minimum required stalls from 117 to 109. Staff said the building was shifted south to increase a north-side fire lane at the request of the fire department and that additional parking-lot landscaping and canopy trees were added. "Staff is supportive of the land use exemption," Mr. Severson said, adding that staff recommended approval with conditions noted in the staff report.

Commissioners asked site-specific questions about pedestrian connections and landscaping. When asked whether a sidewalk from the eastern side of the building would connect to the public sidewalk along North Edge Trail, Mr. Severson pointed to the site plan and confirmed the proposed sidewalk aligns with the previous approval. Commissioners also discussed landscaping and drainage on the south side, and whether adjacent property owners had been notified.

Several commissioners said they supported the design. "I like the project overall," the chair said, noting support for the smaller commercial footprint and the need for additional housing. Commissioner Harrison recommended shade structures for the rooftop plaza similar to those at Fireman's Park; Commissioner Powers said the design fits the neighborhood and supported the height exemption. Alder Posey asked that staff follow up with the nearby dental office about the reduced south setback; Mr. Severson said written notification had been sent to nearby properties and that he would speak personally with the dental office.

After discussion, the commission voted to recommend that the Common Council approve both the preliminary and final planned-unit development and the conditional use permit with the exemptions and conditions described in the packet. The recommendation now goes to the Common Council for final action.

The planning commission did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the motion passed by voice vote.