Plan commission approves 336‑unit apartment complex and parking variance

The Kenosha City Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit and a parking‑ratio variance for a 336‑unit apartment complex at 60th Street west of Green Bay Road during its June 4 meeting. Staff recommended approval, and commissioners voted to approve the conditional use permit and the requested relief, with final materials to be reviewed by staff and a developer's agreement to follow.

The applicant, Katie Skelton of Continental Properties, told the commission that site grading and stormwater constraints make a 2:1 parking ratio difficult and that a 1.86:1 ratio would allow retention of open green space and on‑site amenities. "If we were to achieve a 2 to 1 ratio, we would have to get rid of the rest of the open green space and amenity space," Skelton said, arguing the proposed 1.86:1 ratio aligns with the developer's portfolio and management experience.

Chris Wicker, representing the Kenosha Achievement Center and owner of property immediately east of the site, spoke in support of the parking exception: "We are in favor of granting that parking exception." Planning staff said the application meets zoning criteria and reiterated that previously established conditions of approval remain in place.

Commissioners discussed color palettes, material samples and additional landscape buffering. Multiple commissioners requested that the applicant provide material boards and realistic renderings before construction; staff said a developer's agreement covering public improvements will be returned to the commission at a future date. A motion to approve the conditional use permit and the parking‑relief request passed by voice vote; the chair voted aye.

Next steps: staff will review the material boards and bring a developer's agreement forward for commission review prior to issuance of final approvals.