Council rejects developer request to remove lot‑line survey requirement for East Broadway senior housing
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Summary
The Monona Common Council voted to reject a developer-sponsored resolution that would have removed a certified survey map (CSM) requirement and sought parkland-fee adjustments for a 55‑unit senior housing project on East Broadway. City attorney and staff said a CSM provides long‑term clarity; staff said it could be completed by occupancy to avoid permit delays.
The Monona Common Council on April 6 rejected a developer proposal to rescind a certified survey map requirement and to pre-authorize park-fee relief for a 55‑unit senior housing project on East Broadway.
Developer representative Sean told the council the project needs quick clarity to meet tax-credit timelines and argued recorded easements would protect shared parking and access without shifting lot lines. "We just believe that, you know, adding a CSM when one already exists...is unnecessary," Sean said, urging the council to allow easements in lieu of a new survey so building permits can proceed.
City Attorney Cole told the council staff lacks authority to overturn a Council-imposed condition and recommended the issue come back to the Council. Cole said an easement "will do the job," but that a certified survey map is "a better way to do it from the city standpoint," particularly if parcels are later sold: "If you do it by easement, the two parties can amend that as they wish." Cole added staff could allow the CSM to be submitted by occupancy so permits would not be delayed.
Several council members said they were sympathetic to the project's scheduling pressures but concerned about long-term property clarity and parkland funding. Alder Bryant moved to reject the developer's resolution; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Mayor Nancy W. Moore said the motion carried.
The practical effect is that the existing CSM condition remains in place; staff told council they could permit construction while allowing the CSM to be completed by the occupancy stage. The developer and staff also discussed parkland fees; council members signaled reluctance to waive fees without additional guarantee that any waived amount would translate into rent reductions or other enforceable affordability commitments.
No formal fee waiver or development agreement was approved at the meeting; the Broadway project will return to council for later consideration of required documents and timing.
