Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Distribution Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews initial plans for 800,000 sq ft distribution center; plan commission conditional-use approvals advance
Summary
Council reviewed an initial plan for an 800,000-square-foot distribution center and raised concerns about truck routing, lighting, noise, and screening; the planning commission’s recommendations for a nearby apartment complex and a height variance were approved by the council after discussion and standard conditions.
The Verona Common Council on July 13 reviewed an initial submission for an 800,000‑square‑foot distribution center in the Liberty Business Park and approved two Plan Commission recommendations for conditional use permits tied to separate housing proposals.
Alder Swanson summarized Plan Commission recommendations: Resolution 26‑022 conditionally approves an apartment/condominium complex south of Morningside Boulevard subject to a development agreement and required construction start within 365 days (or a requested extension). Resolution 26‑023 conditionally approves a request to exceed the 35‑foot maximum height in an urban residential district to approximately 47 feet under the same timing and development‑agreement conditions. The planning commission recommended both measures 5–0 and the council approved them by voice vote.
On the distribution center, staff said the project will require a conditional use permit and that the applicant will complete a traffic impact analysis (TIA). Council members and commissioners urged screening and mitigation measures after a public comment requested a berm to screen the facility from Shady Bend Road residents and called out concerns about backup beepers, diesel fumes and 24‑hour operations. Planning staff confirmed the TIA will study truck routing (including potential north–south road connections) and mitigation options; commissioners noted the facility’s applicant estimated about 150 jobs associated with the project.
Council feedback emphasized minimizing truck traffic through residential streets, preferring routing to the business park and future signalized connections, encouraging dark‑sky lighting and bird‑collision mitigations for any extensive glass, and considering rooftop solar or other sustainability measures. Staff recommended the council provide preliminary feedback and wait for the applicant’s formal conditional‑use submission and required studies.
Next steps: the applicant must complete a TIA and submit materials required for a conditional‑use permit; council and staff will review those materials and provide direction before any permit is considered.
