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Elm Grove plan panel backs Culver’s double‑lane drive‑through after residents press for fence, trash and noise plan
Summary
The Elm Grove Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of an amended conditional use permit allowing Elm Grove Burger LLC (Culver’s) to add a double‑lane drive‑through at 15280 West Bluemound Road, with a condition that the company and property owner reach a joint plan with adjacent condominium residents to address fencing, trash and lighting/noise mitigation before the trustees’ hearing.
The Elm Grove Plan Commission on April 6 unanimously recommended that the board of trustees approve an amended conditional use permit allowing Elm Grove Burger LLC, operating as Culver’s, to add a double‑lane drive‑through at 15280 West Bluemound Road, subject to a written agreement with adjacent condominium residents on fencing and mitigation of trash, light and noise.
Multiple residents from the Plainview condominium complex told commissioners the existing gap in perimeter fencing has allowed patron litter and foot traffic onto their private drive, and that lights and speakers at peak times can affect front‑facing units. “The trash problem is out of control,” resident Chris Strollinger said, urging the commission to require a contiguous fence and stronger on‑site controls.
Representatives for the ownership and development group said they understood the neighbors’ concerns and offered to propose solutions. Brian Schecterli, the original developer of the retail property, said landscaping and a fence were considered in the original 2012 conditional‑use exhibit but that some of the perimeter detail is unclear now. Anthony Graziano, representing the ownership/engineering team, said the latest site plan locates snow storage and moveable elements to avoid impacting circulation and that a photometric study shows the project meets village lighting limits. “We are meeting the village requirements of 1 foot‑candle at the outside property line of the entire site,” Graziano said.
Ricky Bryce of the ownership group said the developers are willing to fund fence extension or modifications, subject to landlord approval: “We are definitely open to trying to help… we are definitely open to trying to help, you know, resolve this problem by adding or modifying that fence,” he said, adding that any work that would remove or trim mature arborvitae would require coordination with the landlord.
Commissioners and staff discussed technical details raised by residents: the applicant said additional menu boards would face north toward commercial properties, not east toward the condominiums, and that the drive‑through’s automatic volume control will adjust output based on ambient noise. Commissioners recommended a practical solution—extending the fence or adding a small angled corner fence to act as a catch basin for wind‑blown debris—and suggested staff (Ethan) participate in follow‑up talks to document an agreed plan for the trustees.
The commission’s recommendation included a stipulation that Culver’s work with the adjoining condominium association to develop a plan acceptable to both parties and present that proposal to the board of trustees. Commissioner (speaker 2) moved the recommendation; Commissioner (speaker 5) seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The trustees will consider the commission’s recommendation at a public hearing scheduled for April 8, when residents and the applicant can present any finalized mitigation plan.
