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Plan commission grants two‑year extension for Mandel Group Delafield Street project amid pending appeal
Summary
The Waukesha Plan Commission unanimously extended the deadline for Mandel Group to pull building permits for a 219‑unit Delafield Street development to Nov. 19, 2028, citing litigation and an unresolved conservation easement that have delayed the city’s property transfer to the developer.
The Waukesha Plan Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a two‑year extension allowing the Mandel Group until Nov. 19, 2028, to obtain building permits and begin construction on a 219‑unit multifamily project at 130 Delafield Street.
Staff planner Doug told the commission that the city still owns the site and two matters outside the developer’s control have delayed transfer: a neighbor’s appeal of the project approval is pending in the court of appeals, and a conservation easement with the state historical society has not been finalized. “Those are outside the scope of control of the developer,” Doug said.
Why it matters: Extending the approval preserves the developer’s previously granted site plan while the legal and preservation processes play out; opponents said a long extension could permit changes that would alter the project’s fiscal or design assumptions.
During public comment, Lisa Saub (434 Madison Street) said she opposed the extension and asked commissioners to deny it. A resident who identified only as Melissa (161 Bridal Street) urged the commission to require updated fiscal projections and retain commission oversight for any design changes rather than permitting staff‑level flexibility. “Given changes in construction cost, interest rates, and financing… it would be prudent to confirm that these fiscal projections remain accurate before granting a full two‑year extension,” Melissa said.
Sarah Hillenbrand of the Mandel Group thanked the commission for consideration and said the company remained committed to the project but was constrained by the pending lawsuit. Alderman Eric Payne (District 2) urged denial, saying past extension requests had been denied and arguing consistency with prior decisions.
Chair moved to extend the plan commission approval deadline to Nov. 19, 2028; Commissioner Keller seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The extension preserves the previously approved plans; staff said any substantive change to the approved PUD or project design would require the developer to return to the commission for review.
