Planning commission grants one‑year conditional use permit for downtown adult day program

The Waukesha Planning Commission on Dec. 18 approved a one‑year conditional use permit allowing Waukesha Cares to operate an adult day program at 209 South Street in the B2 Central Business District.

Staff introduced the proposal, noting the applicant expects to serve about 15–18 adults daily, operate 7 days a week from roughly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and meet a staff‑to‑participant ratio of 1:8. Staff recommended approval provided the applicant addresses outstanding engineering, fire department and water utility comments and obtains any necessary sign permits.

Applicant Dymie Buchanan told the commission most participants will be brought by transportation providers or staff, and described a plan to use a side door and staged drop‑offs to minimize street congestion. Commissioners and nearby business owners questioned how loading and unloading would work on South Street and Barstow Avenue, expressing concern about repeated double‑parked vehicles during morning and afternoon pick‑up and drop‑off windows.

Several commissioners urged the applicant to seek a formal loading/unloading zone from the city and proposed limiting on‑street time with scheduled drop‑offs; staff said the loading zone is outside the planning commission’s authority and would require the alderperson’s assistance. Given the unknowns, the commission moved to a one‑year permit so the city can monitor operations and avoid forcing the applicant to make large permanent improvements before testing the plan.

Chair moved the approval with conditions; Commissioner Alden Wells seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The applicant was advised to work with staff and the appropriate alderperson on a loading/unloading zone and return in one year for a review of operations.