Plan commission approves 14,700 sq. ft. addition for Waunakee public works facility

The Waunakee Plan Commission on Monday approved a site plan for a 14,700-square-foot addition to the village public works facility at 504 Moravian Valley Road.

Lauren, village planning staff, presented the proposal as "a 14,700 square foot addition" to accommodate additional public-works vehicles and parking and to remodel office space. She told commissioners that most planning comments in Tim's report had been resolved and that staff recommended approval, subject to adding shields on northern facade lights to meet the village lighting ordinance's four-foot-candle limit at the property line.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about vehicle circulation and storage. One commissioner asked whether plow trucks could navigate the southwest corner; staff said the design provides "the minimum amount of space there to get a plow truck through," and that most plow trucks will enter from the north and be stored in the new interior parking area. The applicant and staff said interior racking and storage are being maximized to avoid exterior storage and to keep equipment protected.

On landscaping and materials, staff said the addition uses materials to match the existing building and that the current plan meets the landscaping point requirements. On lighting, Lauren recommended adding shielding to northern lights; commissioners raised no objection to the shielding recommendation.

A motion to approve the site plan as exhibited, with the additional shielding on the north-facing lights, was moved, seconded and carried. One member voiced opposition during the roll call on the motion.