Plan Commission recommends comprehensive‑plan change to allow 92‑unit apartment near Meriden Road

The Oshkosh Plan Commission voted on March 3 to recommend amending the comprehensive land use map from light‑density residential to medium/high‑density residential for seven parcels near Whitsall Avenue and Meriden Road, a step staff said is necessary for a proposed four‑story apartment building.

Staff said MB Moon LLC initiated the request after acquiring three parcels at the northeast corner of Whitsall and Meriden. The proposed development would include a four‑story multifamily building with 92 apartment units, 57 underground parking spaces (the presenter corrected parking tallies during the staff presentation), and accessory residential amenity areas. Staff recommended expanding the amendment area to include four additional adjacent parcels to avoid creating isolated pockets of light‑density zoning within an otherwise higher‑density area.

"The requested comprehensive plan amendment and subsequent zoning change are appropriate, given how the surrounding area has developed over the past several decades," staff told commissioners, adding that existing nearby buildings include a 72‑unit apartment to the east. Staff also said single‑family uses would remain allowed by right in MR36 if the rezoning proceeds.

Commissioners asked technical questions about grandfathering and the multi‑parcel approach; one commissioner voiced concern about the frequency of market‑rate projects but acknowledged site suitability. The commission voted 8‑1 to recommend approval; Chairman Perry recorded the lone dissent.

The amendment will precede a zone change and general development review should the Common Council approve the map change.