Plan Commission backs change to allow medium‑high density housing at Lacy Road/Fehee Glenn

The Fitchburg Plan Commission on June 16 approved Ordinance 2026‑10 and Plan Commission Resolution PCR‑02‑26, recommending a minor amendment to the comprehensive plan to reclassify a 4.4‑acre parcel at Lacy Road and Fehee Glenn as medium‑high density residential (9–15 dwelling units per acre).

Deanna Schmidt, the city planner, told commissioners the applicant’s revised plan proposes 44 townhomes in three buildings with underground parking and four duplexes on the western portion of the site, bringing the overall density to roughly 12 dwelling units per acre. Schmidt said staff’s packet showed the original April proposal (64 townhomes) and the revised layout addressed previous transition and stormwater concerns.

Public comment was split. Patrick Cheney, who spoke in support, called the proposal “appropriate infill,” noted the city’s housing target and argued the commission was deciding only the future‑land‑use density not ownership or rental rules. “If somebody wants to keep this an open field so the deer and the coyotes can run through it, buy it,” Cheney said, urging approval to avoid leaving the site unused.

Neighbors and other commenters urged caution. A nearby lot owner who identified themselves as the owner of Lot 58 said they opposed changing the zoning and urged development to occur under the current designation. David Hayden, speaking separately, raised questions earlier in the record about whether the formal amendment materials included a legally sufficient consistency analysis with all elements of the comprehensive plan.

Sam Cook, representing the family that owns the parcel, said there had been no market interest for the originally envisioned neighborhood retail since the 2009 neighborhood plan and circulated an email from a former steering‑committee member supporting the change. Cook said the revised design reflects feedback and attempts to balance unit counts and neighborhood transition.

Commission discussion emphasized transition elements — commissioners welcomed the duplexes at the west side and the reduced unit count from the April submittal — and asked staff how rezoning would be handled later in the development process. Commissioners then moved and seconded approval of the ordinance and resolution; voice votes carried both motions during the meeting.

What happens next: the minor comprehensive plan amendment requires both Plan Commission recommendation and Common Council action; if one body approves and the other denies the amendment fails. The city packet indicates council considered the item on June 9 and referred it back to the commission for further consideration; council action will determine the final result.