Planning commission approves Crash Champions collision‑repair shop with conditions

The Monona Planning Commission on a voice vote approved a zoning permit for Crash Champions to build a 15,000‑square‑foot collision‑repair facility at 1350 Fenry Drive, subject to staff‑recommended conditions including sidewalk installation, a specified fencing option, additional landscaping and final staff approval of facade changes and rooftop screening.

Staff outlined the proposal and noted the parcel sits in Community Design District and Redevelopment Area (TID 6), which also requires Community Development Authority review. The staff report said the applicant proposes 53 parking spaces (including two ADA stalls), exceeding the code requirement of 32; estimated daily customers at about 15–25 and 12–15 employees; a photometric plan with 11 fixtures; and a landscape plan listing 33.9% pervious area (noted in the packet as pervious not impervious). The report flagged issues including screening of rooftop units, dumpster fencing details, updated landscape point calculations and final recording of an approved certified survey map.

Frank Malowski, with CRESSA, said, “We’re looking for your approval and support,” and walked commissioners through the project program and materials board. Darren Pope of Vierbecker, the city’s reviewer, recommended a series of plan revisions for stormwater and site details, including re‑examining pond sizing and pool depth, adding oil‑and‑grease removal for inlet protection, addressing green‑infrastructure requirements for redevelopment, and adding spot grades for accessible routes. “I didn’t have any really major concerns about the site layout or the grading,” Pope said, while listing items the applicant should address on a second submittal.

Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on sidewalk continuity to nearby transit and medical facilities, the visibility of vehicle storage from Highway 51, fencing options and the photometric/site plan mismatch noted by a commissioner. Commissioner Chris moved approval with conditions that tracked staff recommendations (including sidewalk installation along Copps Avenue, use of the primary fence option, additional landscaping approved by staff, confirmation that rooftop units will be screened and facade adjustments), a motion the commission seconded and approved by voice vote.

The approval includes conditions to be resolved in the permit and second submittal; staff noted the Community Development Authority will also review the site at its forthcoming meeting. The city planner said revised technical materials (stormwater, landscaping schedules, inlet details and photometric/site plan alignment) should be provided before final permit sign‑off.