Plan Commission - November 6, 2024

The City of West Bend Plan Commission held a meeting on November 6, 2024, focusing primarily on land use and zoning changes to facilitate residential development. Key agenda items included approval of a conditional use permit for Habitat for Humanity to build a single-family home on a vacant lot, and significant public hearings on comprehensive plan and zoning amendments to rezone approximately 34 acres from industrial/business park to single-family residential (RS4). The proposed development by Newman Companies, a prominent local home builder, aims to address housing shortages with homes priced around $400,000 and sizes averaging 1,900 square feet. The meeting featured extensive public input expressing concerns about increased density, traffic safety on 18th Avenue, environmental impacts on nearby Silver Lake and watershed areas, and the adequacy of public notification and community engagement. Commissioners acknowledged these concerns, discussed the procedural steps including future subdivision planning and infrastructure improvements potentially funded through a tax increment financing district, and emphasized that the current zoning change is an initial step allowing further detailed planning and public input. The commission approved the comprehensive plan change and set a public hearing for an additional zoning amendment in January 2025. Other items included approval of a 12-lot residential subdivision plat and a three-lot certified survey map. The meeting concluded with discussions on improving communication and transparency in future planning processes.