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Wauwatosa planning commission backs laundromat permit but narrows overnight hours after police data and neighbor objections
Summary
After staff presented police data showing 88 calls for service at a similar 24‑hour location, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a laundromat at 7105 West North Avenue with hours limited to 6 a.m.–midnight, a 12‑month review and a ban on automatic transfer of the permit; the item goes to the Common Council on Feb. 24.
The City of Wauwatosa Planning Commission on an unspecified date recommended that the Common Council approve a conditional use permit for a laundromat at 7105 West North Avenue with restricted overnight hours and additional oversight after an extended public discussion about safety and neighborhood impacts.
Staff presented data showing public concern and police activity at a similar 24‑hour laundromat owned by the applicant. "A similar 24 hour laundromat, which is also owned by the applicant, has generated 88 calls for service since 01/01/2023," Planning staff (Mr. Pinon) told the commission, adding that roughly 60% of those calls occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Based on that record and written public comment, staff recommended limiting hours to 6 a.m.–2 a.m. and imposing conditions including an on‑site attendant from 10 p.m. until closing, a 24‑hour security system, a police‑approved security plan, overnight facility checks and a 24‑hour emergency contact for the city.
Kenneth Sodello, the applicant, told the commission he had worked with neighbors and would accept staff’s conditions. "We have state‑of‑the‑art cameras at all of our other facilities... and we do have a full‑time staffed security person," Sodello said, adding the owner had moved mechanical equipment to reduce noise and planned screening around dryer exhaust ducts.
Neighbors and elected officials pressed for stricter limits. Steven Glaser, whose home sits immediately south of the site, argued the North Avenue overlay requires extended hours to be "reasonable and customary" and that the commission must find no negative impact on adjoining properties before approving extended hours. "I don't believe that they're reasonable or customary," Glaser said, describing proximity and noise concerns and urging caution. Alderman McLough said he was "definitely against" a 24‑7 operation and suggested midnight as the latest acceptable hour.
The city attorney advised the commission that the North Avenue overlay (Municipal Code chapter 24.05) restricts hours to 6 a.m.–11 p.m. and that any extension requires findings by the Common Council that the hours are reasonable and will not negatively impact adjacent properties. He also cited state law (chapter 62.237(d)–(e)) explaining that if an applicant agrees to reasonable, ordinance‑related conditions supported by substantial evidence the city must grant a conditional use permit; he said the police report constitutes substantial evidence in this case.
After questions about enforcement and accountability for an on‑site attendant, Alder Amanda Fuerst moved to recommend approval with modifications: limit operations to 6 a.m.–midnight, require a 12‑month review after opening (including a new police report), and prohibit automatic transfer of the CUP to a succeeding owner unless further approval is obtained. Alder Phillips seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to forward that recommendation to the Common Council for final action on Feb. 24.
The commission’s recommended conditions mirror staff concern for public safety while adding a neighborhood oversight mechanism; the Common Council will make the final decision on Feb. 24.
