Council approves PUD amendment to allow Starbucks at Brighton Square amid traffic concerns

The Waukesha Common Council approved a planned‑unit‑development amendment to allow a freestanding Starbucks in the west parking area of Brighton Square (also referenced as President’s Plaza), after plan‑commission approval and a public hearing focused on traffic impacts.

Planning staff explained the site is already zoned B‑5 with a PUD overlay and said engineering review required restriping on Sunset Drive to provide a left‑turn lane into the development. “The drive‑through lane goes around the entire perimeter of the project and can stack up to about 15 cars,” planning staff said, adding that a left‑turn lane striping plan will retain two through lanes in each direction.

Several neighbors urged more study. Keith Jasinski, who leases office space adjacent to the western lot, said removing the overflow parking will likely force turn‑lane backups onto Sunset Drive and recommended right‑out controls or other treatments. “Traffic will build up... you’re gonna block that and now it’s gonna back up onto the street,” Jasinski said.

Alderpersons debated whether the proposed restriping and two‑lane through configuration would be sufficient. Alderperson Eric Payne said he could not support approval without more definitive traffic mitigations, citing prior problems at Starbucks drive‑throughs. Other council members argued drivers and alternate access from East Avenue would mitigate impacts.

A motion to approve the PUD amendment, with staff comments to be addressed and conditions that the PUD be recorded before building permits issue, passed 9 to 4. Council members recorded concerns about turn‑lane length and vehicle stacking and requested that engineering provide detailed lane striping drawings to address those issues prior to final permitting.

Next steps: staff will ensure plan‑commission conditions and engineering comments are satisfied and that the PUD amendment is recorded before permits may be issued.