Council hears Northpointe Phase 3 plan; fire chief opposes on‑street parking over aerial access concerns

Monona — At first reading, the City Council considered a general development plan (GDP) from Northpointe Development Corporation for 1212 East Broadway, described by staff as the third phase in a multi‑phase housing project. Planner Doug presented the GDP as a master plan; the developer said the proposal is for a four‑story residential building and indicated the project has been submitted for project‑concept review for low‑income housing tax credits.

Developer Brian described the building as largely one‑bedroom units and said the site currently falls short of Monona’s parking standards by 11 stalls. He argued existing Phase 1 parking is underused at times and that several mitigation options exist, including using underutilized stalls from Phase 1, marking a small number of reserved stalls close to the site, or pursuing shared‑parking arrangements. "We're about 97% occupied, and I think we're about 50% utilized [of surface parking]," the developer said, noting the property has underground parking and surface stalls.

Fire Chief Jerry, calling in remotely, strongly opposed permitting on‑street parking along the private drive that serves the site. He said the drive measures 26 feet curb‑to‑curb and that, for buildings above roughly 30 feet, aerial access requires an 18‑foot operating width plus room for firefighters on both sides. "I simply don't have enough space to operate safely for buildings that are 30 feet or above," he said, and registered formal opposition to allowing parking on that street for the taller buildings.

Planner and staff noted the planning commission recommended some additional on‑site stalls (five identified in an exhibit) and considered the three stalls closest to the site most relevant. Staff suggested alternatives such as shared parking or minor reconfiguration to get closer to code. Council members asked for more data on parking demand and how Monona's standards compare to neighboring communities before deciding whether to strike the on‑street parking condition placed by the planning commission.

Outcome: The GDP was presented and discussed at first reading; no final council approval was recorded in the transcript. Staff and council will consider planning commission recommendations, fire‑safety comments, and possible parking mitigations before returning the item.

Next steps: The item will return to council following additional staff analysis and committee review.