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Saint Francis residents press council to block 'Triangle' high-rise; petition tops 477
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Saint Francis Common Council to oppose a proposed high-rise 'Triangle' development; speakers cited city ordinance 455-33 requirements, growing petition support (477 signatures), and concerns about scale, character and lack of public awareness.
Dozens of residents told the Saint Francis Common Council on a recent meeting night that a proposed high-rise at the “Triangle” site near Lake Drive, Howard Avenue and South Packard Avenue would be out of scale with the city and should be halted or more carefully reviewed.
Marty Sahorski told the council his group’s petition has grown “from 230 to 477” signatures and cited local ordinance 455-33’s timetable for a complete planned-unit-development (PUD) submittal, asking the city to ensure at least 30 days for review and public inspection before any public hearing. “Public inspection is not a public hearing,” Sahorski said, emphasizing residents need time to review plans and prepare written comments.
Other speakers echoed that concern. Michael Haven said he and his neighbors are “against the high rise of the triangle,” and Mary Haven urged the Planning Commission to reexamine the city’s strategic plan and to vet developers’ reputations. Sheila Semrow recommended small-scale, human‑scaled retail and offices in line with the Lakeshore Catalytic District plan, arguing tall towers and surface parking would “dwarf the existing homes and businesses.”
Council members acknowledged the input. Alderman Matt Damon said he is listening and has not made up his mind; he said he aims to follow both “the spirit and the letter of the law” on public notice and review periods. Alderman Don said he is “not sold on the triangle yet” but wants to explore options because the property is important. No formal council vote on the PUD occurred during the meeting.
The next procedural step for any PUD will be formal submittal of a complete PUD package, review by the Planning Commission and any required public hearings; residents were encouraged to follow the process and submit comments to the Planning Commission when the application is posted.
