Development News for Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

City Council Approves Second Reading for McMillan Street Rezoning to Facilitate Multifamily Development

The city council conducted the second reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning map for the property at 550 McMillan Street, rezoning it from Institutional to Multi-Family Residential 30. This change aims to facilitate the future development of 24-unit buildings. Concerns regarding traffic circulation, storm water management, and pedestrian connectivity were raised by neighboring residents and addressed in a neighborhood meeting and a commissioned traffic study, which concluded that the existing infrastructure can handle the proposed density. The city's comprehensive plan designates the area for mixed use. Staff recommended approving the ordinance, moving it to a third reading.

City Partners with Greenbox Compost to Enhance Waste Management and Reduce Landfill Contributions

The city is partnering with Greenbox Compost to manage the existing yard waste composting facility, introducing a public-private partnership. Greenbox Compost, which collects and composts food scraps from residences and businesses, will manage the city's yard waste and integrate it with food scraps to create a higher quality compost. This partnership aims to reduce operational costs for the city, decrease landfill contributions, provide a new revenue source, and allow city staff to focus on other priorities. Greenbox will provide 500 cubic yards of compost annually to the city. The agreement is for an initial three-year term, with potential for renegotiation. The partnership is expected to support the state's goal of reducing food waste to landfills by 50% by 2030.

DLM Group LLC Granted Alcohol Beverage License for 1245 Whitewater Avenue

The City Council approved an alcohol beverage license application for DLM Group LLC, doing business as Jenny's Entertainment Events, for the location at 1245 Whitewater Avenue. This includes a Class B intoxicating liquor and Class B fermented malt beverage license. The license is contingent upon payment of licensing fees. The previous occupant, McGrath Catering, will surrender their existing license upon approval for DLM Group. Background checks were completed and approved by the police department. The new establishment anticipates a soft opening in June and plans to offer a menu and roller skating.

City Council Approves Certified Survey Map to Resolve Property Line and Setback Issues on Jefferson Street

The City Council reviewed and approved a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for the property at 217 Jefferson Street, owned by the Clausny family, to resolve issues with an existing fence and property setbacks encroaching on their neighbor, the Trickorellis. The CSM redefines property lines to address these issues, with minor mapping errors noted and corrected. The current SR7 zoning requires a 7-foot side setback, and while one measurement is slightly under at 6.72 feet, staff deemed it met the ordinance's intent. The Plan Commission recommended approval, and the council approved the CSM with conditions from the Plan Commission memo.