Board denies pet‑facility request to pave boulevard at Green Bay Street; vote 4–1

The La Crosse Board of Public Works voted 4–1 on Nov. 24 to deny a property owner’s request to permit an impervious surface (asphalt or concrete) on the public boulevard outside a pet facility at 1404 Green Bay Street.

Eve, the facility owner, told the board that "Matthew Construction shut down" after placing asphalt that a city representative later removed and that, with that contractor closed, asphalt is no longer an option. She said she needs a non‑organic surface that can be disinfected "due to the nature of the large amount of animals that are coming in and out of the facility" and cited disease risks including parvo, coccidia and giardia. Eve said she had used concrete previously and that she and staff scrubbed concrete twice daily with bleach water.

Director Matt Gallagher told the board he believed the county health department’s authority applies to private property but not to the public boulevard, and he cited city code requiring boulevards be restored to turf for stormwater, greening and tree objectives. "By code, no," he said when asked whether alternatives to grass are allowed; "Our code is pretty specific in saying that we are supposed to be making every effort to restore boulevards to be turf regardless of zoning."

During questioning, Gallagher also pressed whether the owner had permission to install asphalt; the owner acknowledged the crew paved without prior approval. Gallagher raised concerns that any cleaning or scrubbing using bleach or water would run to the curb and gutter and into the storm sewer, and said the liability for right‑of‑way areas is non‑delegable.

Board members expressed sympathy for the owner’s sanitization concerns but said allowing an impervious boulevard surface would set a precedent and could hinder future streetscape and stormwater goals in redevelopment areas. Director Gallagher moved to deny the request; Council President Dickinson seconded. The motion passed 4–1. The denial applies to asphalt and concrete on the boulevard; the owner was told she may pursue other engineering or permitting conversations with staff if she wishes to explore alternative compliant options.

The board’s action ends the request to pave the public boulevard but leaves open the possibility of future discussion if the owner brings a different, code‑compliant proposal.