Council endorses concept plans and authorizes staff to issue RFQ for 2400 Beloit Ave housing site

The Janesville Common Council on Feb. 23 recommended the city proceed with concept plans for a mixed‑residential development on a 55‑acre site at 2400 Beloit Avenue and authorized staff to prepare a request for qualifications (RFQ) to solicit development teams.

Caroline Eswine walked the council through two concept options. Option A showed about 283 units (including single‑family units, cottage courts, duplexes, townhomes and apartment buildings) and Option B about 237 units with more single‑family frontage and a cul‑de‑sac alternative. Both concepts emphasize trails, bioswales and rain gardens to manage stormwater; staff said public input favored smaller footprints, traditional materials and open space connectivity to nearby schools and parks.

Council members discussed traffic near Jackson Elementary, potential retail in mixed‑use corners, parking approaches for apartment buildings and the desirability of scattered duplexes rather than clustering. City Manager Kevin Lehner said the project aligns with the city’s strategic goal of housing for all and noted future rezoning, public hearings and plan‑commission review would be required. The council voted unanimously to proceed with the concepts and to authorize staff to prepare an RFQ.

What happens next: Staff will draft and advertise an RFQ to attract qualified development teams, then proceed with rezoning, public hearings, and selection of a developer if proposals conform to council objectives.