Plan commission approves reduced parking for Grease Lightning with recorded off‑site parking condition

The Onalaska Plan Commission on March 24 approved an amendment to the Crossing Meadow Planned Commercial Industrial District to allow Grease Lightning automobile repair at 1240 Crossing Meadow Drive to expand its lobby and reduce on‑site parking to eight stalls, subject to nine conditions that include a recorded off‑site parking agreement.

Planning staff said the site’s lot dimensions limit on‑site parking and that Grease Lightning currently operates with only two stalls on site; the applicant proposes to increase on‑site stalls to eight and to lease six additional stalls from an adjacent property. "We can stack about three to four cars behind the shop," owner Andrew Divine told the commission when asked about stacking and queuing. Divine also said the project will remove a 2,000‑gallon underground waste‑oil tank and replace it with an above‑ground tank constructed to current safety standards.

Commissioners pressed staff about the adjacent parking agreement. Staff confirmed the commission’s conditions require the property owner to provide a signed parking agreement for a minimum of six stalls, recorded at the register of deeds, before the applicant may begin development. "That is has to occur before we would let them begin any sort of development project," staff said.

Commissioner Bill moved to approve the amendment with nine conditions and Commissioner Jared seconded; the motion carried with one recorded opposition.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed provided the recorded parking agreement is in place and the nine conditions in the packet are satisfied prior to permit issuance.