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Onalaska plan commission recommends land‑use change for 1035 East Avenue North
Summary
The Onalaska Plan Commission voted unanimously May 26 to recommend Resolution 14‑2026, amending the 2040 comprehensive plan to change 1035 East Avenue North from traditional low‑density residential to single‑family attached midscale housing; the applicant must seek rezoning and council approval next.
The Onalaska Plan Commission voted unanimously on May 26 to recommend adoption of Resolution 14‑2026, a comprehensive plan amendment to change the future land use designation for 1035 East Avenue North (Tax Parcel ID 182097‑5) from Traditional Low‑Density Residential to Single‑Family Attached Residential (midscale).
Jacob Mooney, who identified himself and gave a nearby East Avenue North address, spoke in favor of redeveloping the property and described a concept for roughly five to seven townhouse/rowhouse units. "This is not a proposal for a large apartment complex," Mooney said, adding that a well‑designed townhome development could "significantly improve the appearance and overall feel" of the block and provide ownership‑oriented housing attractive to local employees.
Planning Director Katie Aspenson told commissioners the change would allow R3 zoning where appropriate and that the packet included a conceptual site plan and cover letter from the applicant, listed in the materials as Riverland Investment LLC. Aspenson said the Long Range Planning Committee recommended approval on April 15, 2026, and reminded the commission that approval tonight would be a recommendation to adopt Resolution 14‑2026; if recommended, the applicant must apply to rezoning to a medium‑density residential district and obtain all required city and state approvals before development could proceed. "The concept may change over time," Aspenson said, noting the materials were provided to show the applicant's current intent.
Commissioners asked for clarification about lot size and unit capacity. Aspenson stated the parcel is approximately a half acre and explained that while the R3 zoning district can allow up to eight units "depending on the size of the lot" and minimum square footage requirements, the actual number of units would be determined later during the rezoning and site plan review process.
Kathy Lowendorf moved to approve Resolution 14‑2026; Eric Scholander seconded. With no recorded opposition the motion carried unanimously. One commissioner, Eric Archer, had been recorded earlier as excused/absent. The commission concluded its business and adjourned.
The commission's recommendation now moves to the Common Council, and the applicant will need to pursue rezoning and all applicable city and state permits before construction or final unit counts are established.
