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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Fitchburg Plan Commission Meeting Summary – September 15, 2026

Common Council & City Boards — Tuesday, September 15, 2026

BodyFitchburg, Wisconsin

SessionCommon Council & City Boards

DateTuesday, September 15, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:23:11

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:00

Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby.

0:01

And I'm Nick Boucher.

0:02

We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg.

Speaker 2

0:06

Every weekday, we pulled together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Pittsburgh.

0:12

Find

Speaker 1

0:12

Talking Fitzburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web.

0:18

Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service.

Speaker 2

0:23

This is your city.

0:24

Keep up with Talking Fitzburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors.

Speaker 1

0:29

Get connected, Fitchburg.

0:31

Sign up for Fitchburg Connect, the city's monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you.

0:39

Get it in your inbox once a month.

0:42

Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect.

Speaker 3

1:20

Second is approval of the meetings.

1:22

The minute

Speaker 4

1:24

I'll move approval of minutes.

Speaker 3

1:26

Second.

1:27

Any question, comments?

1:30

All those support of the minute say aye.

1:32

Aye.

1:33

Any opposed, the motion carries.

1:35

Next is public appearancy for non-agenda item.

1:38

Do we have anyone in the audience for non-agenda items?

1:42

No.

1:43

Okay.

1:45

So next we move to item five is agenda item.

1:49

And I will start with the I will open the public hearing and consideration of conditional use.

1:58

Request by Melissa Rashdi to obtain a conditional use permit under section 22 dash dash 39714 and 6 to allow for a culinary and event space on property associated with 5335 Lacey Row.

2:14

So do we have anyone in the audience who went to who wishes to speak on this?

2:19

Hear none.

Speaker 5

2:30

I'll motion to postpone.

Speaker 3

2:31

Okay.

2:32

Second.

2:32

All those in all those in favor to postpone the motion say aye.

2:38

Aye.

2:39

Any opposed, the motion carries.

2:41

So next I will open another public hearing and consideration of reason RZ 2666 26, Tracy Way multifamily request by Tommy McCullough, agent from EJ Plescon Associate to rezone property from PDD, D GIP that is a planned development district, general implementation plan to PDD SIP that is a planned development district, a specific implementation plan to allow for a multifamily residential development on property along Tracy Way Drive.

3:17

So we have a couple of people that want to speak.

3:25

Do we have anyone besides the developer?

3:31

No.

3:33

Okay.

3:33

So I will I will close a public hearing and I invite um the developers if they want to add anything else to this.

3:43

I will call David Gervers Tammy and John Barack.

4:00

Okay.

4:01

Hello again.

Speaker 6

4:02

Yes, hello.

4:04

Thanks for having me back.

4:06

Um we're just uh back here again tonight uh to uh present the uh the SIP.

4:16

Um so this is just the the second step of the rezoning of this property.

4:21

Um as we discussed with the GIP.

4:24

Um this is a uh section 42 low-income housing tax credit uh project that has uh recently been awarded 9% tax credits by the Wisconsin Housing Economic Development Authority.

4:35

Um so the SIP in front of you is for the first phase of that for 70 units.

4:39

Um it's a hundred percent affordable.

4:41

It ranges in uh income uh ranges from uh 30 to 80 percent of county median income.

4:47

Uh it's not age restricted like the Highline or other project is across the street.

4:51

Uh this is for uh families and uh immediately adjacent to the new uh um uh community center.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Uh we feel this is a great uh spot to introduce this type of affordable housing into uh the community.

Unassigned speaker

5:05

Um

Speaker 6

5:05

and I'm just uh happy to answer any questions.

5:08

Uh our architects are here today as well that they can present uh the project as it's uh uh been further developed and responding to staff comments.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning█████████████████████████████████33%

Miscellaneous██████████████████18%

Affordable Housing███████████11%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%

Procedural█████5%

Public Works█████5%

Senior Programs█████5%

Public Engagement████4%

Tree Preservation███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Fitchburg Plan Commission Meeting Summary – September 15, 2026

The City of Fitchburg Plan Commission convened on the evening of September 15, 2026, to deliberate on a full agenda of development proposals and zoning amendments. The meeting included public hearings, staff reports, and votes on multiple rezoning requests, final plats, and architectural design reviews (ADRs). Key topics ranged from affordable housing and senior living to industrial development and park fee ordinance updates.

Public Comments & Testimony

Wes Weigler (Lot 59, Waterford Glen) spoke in opposition to the Lacey Road/Fehey Glen rezoning (RZ 2668-26), expressing concerns that 52 units were "too much" for the single-family neighborhood, questioning setback distances (originally stated as 31 feet, now showing 17 feet), and the impact on existing trees.
Sam Cook (landowner on Lacey Road/Fehey Glen) expressed support for the project, citing the developer’s changes including a density reduction from 64 to 52 units and the addition of duplexes.
David and David Hayde (5855 Woods Edge Road) expressed opposition to the Syncopation development and Trilogy facility, citing concerns about stormwater drainage into Swan Creek and potential violations of DNR regulations (NR 103) impacting the Wabasaw Wetlands State Natural Area.
David Wood spoke in support of the Syncopation development, calling it a "tertiary piece of ground" ready for high-quality development.
Byron Glick (TerraVesa resident) spoke in opposition to the TerraVesa replat (FP 2664-26), arguing that converting four single-family lots into eight zero-lot-line units would upset the neighborhood's "intentional community" balance and lacked sufficient neighborhood input.
Brett Hickham (developer of a parcel at Seminole Highway and Lacey Road) spoke in favor of Ordinance 2026-026 regarding park fees, thanking the city for developing a fair solution.

Discussion Items and Key Outcomes

5B: Tracy Way Multifamily (RZ 2666-26)

Proposed: A 70-unit, 100% affordable family development (Section 42 LIHTC, 30%–80% CMI) by Tommy McCullough (agent for EJ Plescon). The development requires a rezoning from PDD GIP to PDD SIP. 52 existing trees will be removed, with 152 new trees planted. A prominent cornice was added to the building design to mirror the Highline across the street.
Outcomes: The commission voted to approve the rezoning (10 conditions, with park fee condition #7 amended). The certified survey map (CSM) and architectural design review (ADR) were also approved. The motion carried with two dissenting votes. A related TIF request for the project is pending and was confirmed to be a separate consideration from the rezoning.

5D: Lacey Road & Fehey Glen Residential (RZ 2668-26)

Proposed: A 52-unit "Missing Middle" development by Sherry H.M. (AI Development LLC), scaled down from an original 64 units. The plan includes four ranch-style duplexes and three two-story townhome buildings with underground parking. A 20-foot setback with vegetative screening was a key condition.
Outcomes: The rezone and CSM were approved with staff conditions. The developer reaffirmed the 20-foot setback and the goal to preserve the mature white pines on the neighboring property. Further design refinements, including tree protection plans, are expected at the PDD SIP stage.

5E/5G/5I: Syncopation Final Plat & Trilogy Senior Living

Proposed: Final plat approval for the large mixed-use Syncopation development (including 30 single-family lots, 40 townhomes, and multifamily units) and the rezoning/ADR for the Trilogy continuum-of-care facility (119 units/153 beds: skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, independent living). The developer confirmed a land closing within two weeks.
Outcomes:
- Final Plat for Syncopation approved (25 conditions, condition #16 modified regarding utility easements).
- Rezone (RZ 2670-26) for Trilogy approved (8 conditions).
- ADR for Trilogy approved (18 conditions, with an added requirement to screen rooftop and service equipment). The dog run with chain-link fencing was allowed as part of the plan.

5J: TerraVesa Replat (FP 2664-26)

Proposed: Replatting four single-family lots and one outlot into 16 zero-lot-line parcels by Michelle Burse (AY Development).
Discussion: Commissioner Carol gave a strong defense of renters, stating "everyone is welcome in Fitchburg." Commissioner Steven questioned the market viability of 27-foot-wide lots. The developer explained that water lines were already stubbed for the higher density, making the replat practical.
Outcome: Final Plat approved (14 conditions).

5K: Cesta Senior Living (ADR)

Proposed: A life-plan community by Illuminus (non-profit) with 127 independent living units and 52 CBRF units (40 assisted living/12 memory care). The project is 70% pre-sold. Discussion included underground parking exhaust fan screening and a potential PILOT program negotiation.
Outcome: ADR approved (14 conditions plus screening of garage exhaust grates).

5L: Seminole Pool Renovation (ADR)

Proposed: A 20-foot addition to the bathhouse and roof replacement by the Seminole Pool Association.
Outcome: ADR approved (14 conditions). Staff will require a multi-use path connection during a future parking lot renovation.

5M: Commerce Park Drive Flex Industrial Building (ADR)

Proposed: An 18,000 sq ft flex industrial building by Star Storage LLC for seven small business tenants. Use of EIFS material was discussed but not prohibited.
Outcome: ADR approved (14 conditions).

5N: Ordinance 2026-026 – Park Fee Collection Amendment

Outcome: Ordinance approved. It brings park fee collection into compliance with state law and allows phased payment per building for larger multi-building developments.

5O: Resolution R-177-26 – Public Water Main Easement

Outcome: Resolution approved to accept a public water main easement in the High Field Reserve subdivision.

City Planner Report & Announcements

Deanna Schmidt reported that a zoning code update for data centers is in development. The Comprehensive Plan work group has been selected. The first major open house for the Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Hosta Hoochi. The next Plan Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby. And I'm Nick Boucher. We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg. Every weekday, we pulled together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Pittsburgh. Find Talking Fitzburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web. Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service. This is your city. Keep up with Talking Fitzburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. Get connected, Fitchburg. Sign up for Fitchburg Connect, the city's monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you. Get it in your inbox once a month. Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect. Second is approval of the meetings. The minute I'll move approval of minutes. Second. Any question, comments? All those support of the minute say aye. Aye. Any opposed, the motion carries. Next is public appearancy for non-agenda item. Do we have anyone in the audience for non-agenda items? No. Okay. So next we move to item five is agenda item. And I will start with the I will open the public hearing and consideration of conditional use. Request by Melissa Rashdi to obtain a conditional use permit under section 22 dash dash 39714 and 6 to allow for a culinary and event space on property associated with 5335 Lacey Row. So do we have anyone in the audience who went to who wishes to speak on this? Hear none. I'll motion to postpone. Okay. Second. All those in all those in favor to postpone the motion say aye. Aye. Any opposed, the motion carries. So next I will open another public hearing and consideration of reason RZ 2666 26, Tracy Way multifamily request by Tommy McCullough, agent from EJ Plescon Associate to rezone property from PDD, D GIP that is a planned development district, general implementation plan to PDD SIP that is a planned development district, a specific implementation plan to allow for a multifamily residential development on property along Tracy Way Drive. So we have a couple of people that want to speak. Do we have anyone besides the developer? No. Okay. So I will I will close a public hearing and I invite um the developers if they want to add anything else to this. I will call David Gervers Tammy and John Barack. Okay. Hello again. Yes, hello. Thanks for having me back. Um we're just uh back here again tonight uh to uh present the uh the SIP. Um so this is just the the second step of the rezoning of this property. Um as we discussed with the GIP.

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