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Plan Commission approves rezoning on Cherry Park Court over neighborhood objections
Summary
The Plan Commission voted 6–2 to recommend rezoning four undeveloped parcels on Cherry Park Court from duplex residential (DR6) to multifamily residential 20 (MR20), allowing two eight‑unit buildings (16 units). Staff said the change aligns with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan; nearby residents raised traffic, parking and property‑value concerns.
The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission recommended approval May 5 of a rezoning that would change four undeveloped parcels at 115–185 Cherry Park Court from duplex residential (DR6) to multifamily residential 20 (MR20), a move the city says is consistent with the 2040 comprehensive plan and would allow two eight‑unit apartment buildings (16 units total).
Planning staff told commissioners the parcels are appropriate for higher‑density housing under the city’s long‑range land‑use guidance and recommended approval. Applicant and property owner Dave Bysak said his company plans two “higher‑end” eight‑unit buildings with attached garages, consolidated access through existing private roads and screening to address neighbors’ concerns. “We have moved all of the traffic through the existing private roads…Aesthetically, these are very, very nice units,” Bysak said.
Several nearby residents urged the commission to keep the existing DR6 zoning. Rita Walsh said she bought her house with assurances the lots across the street would match the existing duplex/twin‑home character and asked the commission to preserve a mix of housing types. “I really like living on Cherry Park…So I’d like to keep the zoning as it is,” she said. Other commenters cited worries about increased traffic, street parking, and reduced property values if two 16‑unit buildings are built.
Bysak and staff said the developer has addressed neighborhood concerns in the conceptual design, including consolidating vehicular access away from Cherry Park Court and proposing berms and screening. Bysak also offered to provide a screening fence where allowed. Staff noted that site‑plan review would address landscaping, traffic and detailed compatibility if the rezoning moves forward.
Commission discussion acknowledged the neighborhood’s concerns but emphasized the city’s housing shortage and the project’s consistency with the comprehensive plan. Council member Bulow said he supported the rezoning as compatible infill that responds to rental availability needs.
The commission voted by roll call to recommend approval, 6–2. The item now proceeds following normal review steps for site plan and subdivision controls where design and technical conditions will be addressed.
