Altoona Plan Commission Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation from the Chippewa Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, a rezoning recommendation for the Hoss Bros LLC property, and discussion on updating the city's five-year parks plan. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes of the April 14, 2026 regular Plan Commission meeting by a voice vote. Commissioner Roth abstained, and the Mayor also abstained. The motion carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizens participated in the Citizens Participation Period; it was closed by motion.

Discussion Items

• Presentation from Eric Anderson, WCWRPC/MPO: Eric Anderson, director of the Chippewa Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, presented an overview of the MPO's work. Key points included:

  • The MPO is funded 80% by federal highways, 4-6% by WisDOT, and the remainder by the regional planning commission; services to local governments within the Metropolitan Planning Area are provided at no cost.
  • In 2025, the MPO updated its long-range transportation plan (adopted February 2026) and conducted various projects, including official mapping for Altoona, a trail grant proposal for Centennial Park, and a multi-use path on McKinley Road.
  • A public survey for the long-range plan received 1,200 responses (up from 350 in 2021). The highest-ranked transportation priority was reducing crashes; the lowest was expanding roads.
  • The MPO created a poster summarizing the plan, reportedly the first of its kind in Wisconsin, and provided crash reports for each local government, including a specific report for Altoona.
  • Altoona's crash data (from law enforcement reports) showed alcohol/drugs contributed to 7% of crashes; speed, weather, and darkness were also notable factors.

• Rezoning of Hoss Bros LLC Property (311 S. Highway 12): Staff presented a request to rezone a 0.72-acre parcel from R1 (residential) to commercial, following a comprehensive plan amendment approved the previous month. The property would be used for a commercial warehouse with access from the newly purchased adjacent strip. The parcel is east of multifamily housing and west of existing commercial areas. The comprehensive plan designation is Mixed Use, which supports commercial zoning. Staff reviewed the zoning code criteria and found the rezoning compliant. The commission discussed potential access points and coordination with WisDOT.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning Recommendation: The Plan Commission voted unanimously (all ayes, no nays) to recommend approval of the rezoning petition to the Common Council. The motion was made by Commissioner Bieran and seconded.
• Parks Plan Update: The commission noted the need to update the city's five-year Parks and Open Spaces Plan to maintain eligibility for DNR and state funding. Two Plan Commission representatives are needed for a steering committee; the Mayor volunteered to serve. Other interested members were asked to contact Planning Director Taylor Green.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 PM by unanimous vote.