Plan Commission reviews housing element to boost eligibility for state housing grants

City staff introduced a discussion of Resolution 1593 on June 3, asking the Plan Commission to review and reaffirm the housing element of the comprehensive plan under Wisconsin Statute 66.101. "This is just discussion tonight, so not an action," staff said, explaining the comp plan is a 20-year document and the housing element is about five years old.

Staff and commissioners said updating or confirming the housing element will improve the city's score for Wisconsin Economic Development (WED) grant and loan programs that support residential development. The commission discussed recent and planned housing projects in and around the River North area, including new duplexes, a multifamily site plan, and a development that has obtained occupancy but still needs finishing work such as landscaping and sidewalks.

Commissioners and staff reviewed affordability indicators quoted from the draft housing section: owner-occupied home values in the five-year-old report were about $225,000 and new apartment rents were listed at roughly $900 per month. Staff and commissioners flagged those figures as potential updates in advance of any formal reaffirmation to ensure the data reflect current market conditions.

Members discussed affordable housing availability as well: staff noted the Lori Way apartments (state-assisted low-income units) are at full occupancy, with little turnover, which commissioners said demonstrates demand for subsidized housing. Commissioners also asked about accessory dwelling units; staff responded that ADUs remain allowed in the city's R-1 zoning but are subject to code requirements.

Staff described an open RFP for several Woodland lots intended to encourage infill housing. The RFP lists lots at $7,500 each and includes a requirement that a purchased lot be improved with an occupied house within three years; staff said the city would consider flexible terms for buyers who purchase multiple lots. Commissioners recalled prior interest in the parcels that fell through and encouraged continued outreach to developers and builders.

Staff said the commission can return the housing element for more detailed review at a future meeting when more commissioners are present; staff suggested adopting or reaffirming the section later this year to meet grant-timing goals. Because this was a discussion item, no formal motion or vote occurred.

Next steps noted by staff included a fuller review with a full commission and, if needed, an amended resolution to present for recommendation and subsequent council action.