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Plan Commission denies proposed PUD overlay for Daisy/Clearview development after resident opposition
Summary
The West Bend Plan Commission voted to deny a proposed PUD overlay for roughly 21.7 acres at Daisy Drive and Clearview Drive after residents raised concerns about flooding, private roads, policing, traffic and lack of PUD offsets. The motion cited failure to meet zoning criteria in section 17.36 sub.4(a)-(c).
The West Bend Plan Commission voted on Aug. 4 to deny a proposed planned unit development (PUD) overlay for about 21.7 acres at the northeast corner of Daisy Drive and Clearview Drive, after nearly three hours of public comment.
Staff described ZPU 26-007 as a request by Diamond Holdings LLC to apply a PUD overlay to RS4 zoning for a 60-unit single-family development with private roads and private utilities; staff said the proposal met units-per-acre density but the overlay would provide design flexibility. Dozens of neighbors, however, urged denial, citing long‑standing drainage and groundwater problems, traffic and school‑bus safety, limited parking, and concerns about private streets and utility maintenance.
Residents repeatedly said the development would change the neighborhood’s character and increase flooding risk. “This is the 3rd time we’ve had to do this,” said Kate Barrett, who lives on Daisy Drive, and added that “Having a PUD overlay is not the same as RS4.” Several speakers described wetlands and a high water table that they said have caused periodic flooding of yards and outbuildings.
A commission member who moved the denial described the objection as procedural and design‑based rather than solely about density: “I made the motion to deny. Why? I don't see that a case has been made for a PUD,” the member said, citing concerns about the length and width of a proposed private road and missing offsets that PUDs sometimes provide (private parks, trails or additional green space).
Developer John Laufer of Diamond Holdings defended the project and said work underway would include swales and berms to address dewatering impacts. He also told the commission the planned units would not have basements built under the groundwater. Laufer said the developer is aiming for a starter‑home price point around $400,000.
After deliberation, the commission approved a motion to deny ZPU 26-007 with a friendly amendment that the application failed to meet approval standards listed in zoning code section 17.36 sub.4(a), (b) and (c). The denial was carried by voice vote; the record shows a voice vote taken but does not list individual roll-call tallies in the transcript.
The developer may pursue alternative designs or return with changes that address the commission’s concerns, or seek review by another governing body as the process allows. The commission adjourned following the vote.
