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Commission gives feedback to developer on Rivers Crossing duplex condominium concept
Summary
Commissioners asked Belinsky Homes for changes to a proposed 12-duplex condominium concept in the Rivers Crossing area, pressing for sidewalk continuity, more masonry or panelized masonry, fewer front-facing garages where possible, and clearer cul-de-sac/fire access design; developers were asked to return with revised plans.
The Waukesha City Plan Commission reviewed a conceptual proposal from Belinsky Homes on Jan. 22 for 12 duplex condominium buildings at the north end of the Rivers Crossing subdivision near Salesville Road, River Road and Rapids Trail. Staff framed the consultation as non-decisional and sought feedback on access, sidewalks, building setbacks and exterior materials.
Staff explained the site is currently zoned B5 (commercial) and would require rezoning and a Planned Unit Development overlay before residential use is permitted. Staff noted sidewalks should ideally extend along Rapids Trail and to Salesville and River roads where marked "not built" in the sidewalk plan, and flagged that an earlier conceptual cul-de-sac length had been shown at 590 feet — above the fire-code 500-foot dead-end limit — so the applicant is revising the layout to comply.
Charlie (staff) also asked for additional masonry or panelized masonry on street-facing elevations and for more side-entry garages where feasible to break up repetitive front-facing garage facades. John Donovan, development manager for Belinsky (transcript spells the firm both “Belinsky Homes” and, in one comment, “Balinski Homes”), said the project is intended as a moderate-price product and that design and material choices are being balanced against cost: “We need to try and keep this in the budget.”
Commissioners and staff suggested specific edits: extend sidewalks to connect to existing sidewalks at Salesville, add masonry panels to a portion of gable ends, explore converting some front-facing garages to side-entry, maintain green strips between garage rows, and ensure the cul-de-sac and private drive meet fire-department turning and access standards. Staff emphasized that the consultation does not grant approvals; revised plans, grading details, and any necessary rezoning or PUD materials should come back for formal review.
