La Crosse council approves rezoning to allow mattress-recycling tenant at former Shopko South

The La Crosse City Council on Feb. 12 approved an ordinance rezoning parcels on East Avenue South to planned development so the former Shopko South building can host a mattress-recycling operation and other mixed uses.

Deputy director (staff) told the council the property owner seeks planned-development zoning to allow a mix of commercial, retail and office uses and to permit 7 Rivers Recycling to operate a mattress-processing facility in the rear of the building. "One condition is that only mattresses can be recycled at this processing facility," the deputy director said, and staff recommended several conditions to reduce neighborhood impacts, including that all mattress-breaking activities occur indoors, no outside storage of recyclable materials be allowed, and that any external dumpsters be screened by an opaque fence at least eight feet high and landscaped.

The planning staff framed the rezoning as consistent with the city's comprehensive plan if the proposed use "does not adversely impact the surrounding residential areas," pointing to screening and buffering as tools to protect nearby homes. Staff also said the tenant and property owner must obtain a separate recycling-processing license from the city and meet nine additional licensing conditions referenced in the staff report.

Council Member Charles said he was "ambivalent" and asked about a housing component mentioned in the report. Staff said the property owner has discussed a future phase that could include residential units but that the immediate request is to fill space with the recycling tenant; they also said planned-development zoning was recommended because it allows the mix of uses the owner envisions, whereas M-2 (heavy industrial) zoning would not permit residential.

Council member Newberry asked what happens after today's recommendation; staff said the planning commission's recommendation will go to a 5:30 p.m. special "J and A" meeting that evening and then to the council agenda at 6 p.m. The deputy director said the applicant paid for the special meetings to expedite review, but staff confirmed statutory notification requirements, including the 200-foot notice, had been satisfied.

Commissioner Yeager moved to approve the rezoning per the planning department's recommendations; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The council then adjourned.

The ordinance was recorded on the council's agenda as item 260085; the staff report and the licensing requirements referenced in the meeting record provide the detailed list of conditions the council attached to approval.