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Trustees vote to remove several medium‑density designations, sparking debate over senior housing and service capacity
Summary
After extensive discussion, trustees approved multiple amendments to the draft comprehensive plan that convert several medium‑density residential areas to low‑density (and one parcel to commercial), with at least one vote recorded 4–1; board members debated senior housing, EMS capacity and future flexibility.
Trustees spent the longest portion of their June 30 meeting reviewing and amending the draft comprehensive plan ahead of the public hearing and final approval process. The board considered several motions — mostly proposed by Trustee Chelsea Lancaster — to change medium‑density residential land uses to low‑density residential in multiple locations (east of County Highway N/State Park Road; north and south of Woodland; west of Lake Park Road) and to reclassify one parcel near Lake Park and Manitowoc Road from medium‑density residential to commercial.
Lancaster said residents value Harrison’s rural character and asked the plan to reflect that preference. “People want growth, rural character,” she said when explaining motions to shift density downward. Several trustees supported keeping some medium‑density areas near existing apartment complexes; staff noted medium density represents about 4.2% of total village land use and can serve as a transition zone.
Trustees debated whether the changes would preclude future senior‑housing options such as cottages or clustered independent units. Trustee Bowman noted that converting to low density could limit duplex or cottage products “for a senior house,” while Lancaster and others pointed to definitions in the plan that allow up to 5.8 units per acre in low‑density areas, leaving room for some senior‑housing forms.
Several specific motions passed after roll‑call votes; one amendment was recorded as passing 4–1. Trustees also approved language edits on housing objectives to encourage senior housing but remove prescriptive language about village financial incentives. Board members asked staff to confirm that millage or lot‑size language in the plan would not inadvertently force smaller lots without further ordinance action.
What’s next: The board will take the revised draft to public hearing and, following comment, move toward formal adoption in July. Staff will check cross‑references (millage/lot size language) and provide additional information requested by trustees about service impacts (fire/EMS) before final action.
