Plan Commission approves comp‑plan amendment, rezones 1696 Janus Ave to low‑density residential

The Green Bay Plan Commission voted March 23 to amend the comprehensive plan and rezone 1696 Janus Avenue from multifamily to low‑density residential, clearing the way for a proposed preliminary plat of seven single‑family lots.

City planning staff said the parcel contains floodway and environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) that significantly reduce developable depth and constrain multifamily development. Staff recommended approval because the requested change better reflects realistic development options given the site constraints and still allows housing diversity (duplexes and small stacked units are possible under the R‑1 code in certain configurations).

Applicant Brad Reimer (Verbicker), representing Landmark Real Estate and Development, told commissioners he had a preliminary plat ready for seven single-family homes and explained the property had never been developed; he said the rear of the parcel is constrained by a creek and ESA buffers. An alder representing the district told the commission she strongly supported the application and emphasized local demand for single-family housing.

Commissioners discussed potential alternatives (townhomes or higher density), but staff and the applicant explained that the ESA setbacks and floodway made higher density impractical. The commission approved the comprehensive plan amendment and the rezoning and forwarded both items to City Council for final action on April 21.