Commission advances Tierra Woods development agreement after mayor recusal; developer says construction expected in April

The Planning Commission approved a development agreement March 19 between the City of Kenosha, the Kenosha Water Utility and Tierra Woods LLC for property at the southeast corner of 27th Street and 47th Avenue, following a public hearing and a mayoral recusal.

Mayor David Patella stated he had direct involvement with the Tierra Woods property and recused himself from discussion and voting. Nancy Washburn, representing the developer interests and identifying herself with land‑development administration work, told the commission the developer had worked with staff to resolve minor changes, expected to secure required letters of credit and to make cash payments for 47th Avenue improvements, and was ready to obtain necessary signatures to move the project forward.

Staff noted the common council had previously approved the subdivision plat subject to conditions and that the development agreement spells out required public improvements including stormwater work. Commissioners raised questions about tree removal, wetlands protections, special assessments and whether extension of a half road to 27th Street was part of the plan; staff and the developer said wetlands would be protected, tree removal would be limited to the non‑wetland areas with replacement plantings through the city’s street‑tree program, and the road extension was not controlled by this application because the developer does not own the adjacent parcel.

When asked about timing, the developer’s representative said the team expects to begin initial clearing and sees bulldozers in April after required approvals and bank processing of letters of credit. The commission moved, seconded and approved the development agreement by voice vote.