Altoona Plan Commission Special Meeting: Final Plat of Whitetail Woods Approved (April 22, 2025)

The Special Plan Commission of Altoona, Wisconsin, met on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to consider recommending approval of the final plat for the Whitetail Woods subdivision. The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:30 p.m. (the agenda listed 4:30 p.m., creating a discrepancy in recorded start time). After receiving public comments on both a prior development (Otter Creek Landing) and the Whitetail Woods plat, the commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the final plat to the City Council, subject to staff conditions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Randall Walmer (2503 Cottagewood Lane) spoke during the citizens participation period about Otter Creek Landing, a prior GRIP development. He argued that the original rezone was based on false promises that twin homes would be owner-occupied, but all 18 units are now rentals. He urged the commission to consider this history when voting on Whitetail Woods.
• Mary Prosnank (employee of Grip Companies/River Bend Rentals) responded to Walmer, stating that the Otter Creek Landing units are intended for eventual sale; five current renters want to purchase but are waiting for interest rates to drop. She said the units were listed for sale but rented due to market conditions, and that the project has been successful.
• Charlene Lynham (6789 Mile Creek Road) raised two concerns about the Whitetail Woods final plat: (1) buildings up to three stories tall would not fit the rural character, and she urged a two‑story limit; (2) standing water has appeared on her property for the first time, likely due to vegetation removal and runoff from the development. She requested a plan to address drainage.
• Kim Lynham (6780 Nine Mile Creek Road) questioned road safety at the Briar Cliff access point, noting a traffic impact analysis found inadequate sight distance to the west due to a horizontal curve. He also pointed out that the fire chief had not provided written approval of emergency access (only verbal), and that drainage berms are saturated, causing ponding on his property. He opposed the waiver of a financial assurance bond.
• Chris Serenacki (1310 Ocrest Drive) complained about unprofessional behavior by the developer's representatives and urged the commission to consider existing residents’ concerns, including construction noise and building height.

Discussion Items

• Taylor Greenwell, Planning Director, presented the application for Phase 1 final plat of Whitetail Woods—a 172‑lot subdivision overall, with 28 lots in this phase (7 twin‑home lots/14 units, 10 single‑family lots, 4 multifamily lots) on 63.98 acres. He noted the project complies with the comprehensive plan (Neighborhood Type A, density of 3 dwelling units per gross acre).
• Greenwell explained that building height and architectural design are reviewed during site plan approval, not platting. Drainage will be addressed through post‑construction stormwater permitting, requiring retention of the 100‑year, 24‑hour storm event.
• Commissioner questions: New commissioner asked about density calculations. Others inquired about the single access point for Phase 1 (South Briar Cliff off Nine Mile Creek); a second access is planned for a later phase. The fire chief has reviewed the plat informally; no written documentation is required by code.
• City Engineer Christian Hubert addressed drainage concerns: diversion berms were installed 25 feet from the property line, and water saturation may occur during heavy rain, but the developer must demonstrate stormwater management at permitting.
• Public Works Director Scott Quick discussed a test well lot dedication for future water supply; nearby wells would be protected per DNR guidelines.
• Mark Erickson (everyday survey and engineering) stated he was available for additional questions.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to recommend approval of the final plat of Whitetail Woods (as conditioned per the staff report) was made by Commissioner Traxel, seconded by Commissioner Hogg.
• Vote: All present members (Traxel, Rowe, Hogg, Roth, and President Beerin via Zoom) voted aye. Commissioner Hepner was absent and Mayor Pratt recused himself. The motion carried unanimously.
• The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action at its regular meeting on April 24, 2025.

Note on schedule: The agenda listed a 4:30 p.m. start, but the transcript indicates the meeting began at 5:30 p.m. This discrepancy is unresolved in the provided materials.