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Commission approves Prospect Street vacation, off-site school parking, and related lot consolidation near Howe Elementary
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Summary
The commission approved a package of items to support Howe Elementary’s off-site parking: vacating part of Prospect Street, a conditional use permit for an ~89,000 sq ft off-site parking lot with pickup pavilion, and a certified survey map combining lots and the vacated right-of-way; approvals were unanimous, but staff will follow up on storm-sewer and utility easements.
The Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission approved a trio of related actions on April 6 to support redevelopment near Howe Elementary: vacating a portion of Prospect Street, approving a conditional use permit for an off-site parking lot and pavilion, and authorizing a certified survey map to combine two lots and the vacated right-of-way.
Elizabeth Edwardson, associate planner, said the street vacation is the first of three requests tied to the school redevelopment and noted the city will reconfigure storm sewer and that the adjacent property owner affected by the vacation has agreed. Staff presented a site plan for an off-site parking lot of roughly 89,000 square feet with a one-way pickup/drop-off loop and a pavilion; the plan includes landscaping, screening from adjacent residences and a required 50-foot setback for one Saratoga Street driveway near the Saratoga/8th intersection. Staff recommended approval of the CUP contingent on the street vacation and a forthcoming certified survey map, and requested additional lighting/photometric information.
Ron Rasmussen, superintendent of Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, described safety measures for student drop-off: "the crosswalk will be moved directly across from the main entrance...we'll have [a] crossing guard there," and the plan includes a shelter for inclement weather and fencing to prevent students from running through the lot. Resident Drew Stafford, who lives adjacent to the former Emmanuel Lutheran church site, said he supported the project for safety but asked that city engineers evaluate the storm drain that runs under the half of Prospect Street that would revert to his ownership so the pipe is not buried without inspection.
Staff and the applicant’s civil engineer (Pointe of Beginning) said shifting the driveway to meet the 50-foot setback appears feasible and that driveway and fence permits would be separate processes. Staff noted it is likely the city will either maintain the existing storm sewer or require easements if private infrastructure is created; the city engineer will be asked to confirm details prior to council review. The commission approved the street vacation, the off-site parking CUP (with six staff recommendations), and the associated certified survey map by unanimous vote, 7–0.
