City Plan Commission Meeting - August 17, 2026

The City Plan Commission met on August 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM in a hybrid format at City Hall, Room 301-B. Vice-Chair Allyson Nemec presided in the absence of Chair Stephanie Bloomingdale. Commissioners present: Nemec, Washington, Moody, Smith. Commissioners excused: Gonzalez, Bloomingdale, Crane. The commission considered four public hearing items, all of which were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes (July 20, 2026): Approved without objection.

Discussion Items

1. Deviation from Development Incentive Zone – 1120 South Barclay Street (File 260481)

• Staff Presentation: Tanya Fonseca presented a request to deviate from the Port of Milwaukee Sub Area B (North) Development Incentive Zone (DIZ) to allow an assembly hall use within a portion of an existing former light manufacturing building. The assembly hall had been approved as an accessory use in 2019 but continued as a primary use after the manufacturing tenant vacated. A two-year deviation was granted in September 2024, expiring September 30, 2026. The applicant now seeks a longer-term extension. Staff recommended a one-year conditional approval to allow time to demonstrate synergy with arts/maker tenants and to provide updated plans.
• Applicant Testimony: Mei-Lyn Nelson, property owner, explained that after the manufacturing tenant left, she took over the building and developed an event space to cover costs. She filled two-thirds of the warehouse with artist workshops at below-market rent and is working on murals and streetscape improvements. She requested the longer-term deviation and committed to completing the mural within the year.
• Public Testimony: None.
• Commission Actions: Commissioner Washington moved to approve conditionally, seconded by Commissioner Smith. The motion prevailed 4-0.
• Condition: The applicant must apply for a longer-term deviation within one year, provide an exhibit with all requested information in the staff report, and inform DCD and Harbor District Inc. of any changes to plans in Exhibit A.

2. Zoning Change for Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub – 2600 and 2606 North 38th Street (File 260294)

• Staff Presentation: Tanya Fonseca presented a request to change zoning from Two-Family Residential (RT3) to Neighborhood Shopping (NS2) to allow community-serving commercial, residential, and service uses for the Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub. Phase 1 includes a community bookstore, café, soup kitchen, two affordable dwelling units, and a courtyard. Phase 2 includes meeting spaces, laundry facilities, flexible community rooms, and a rooftop eco-garden. Staff recommended approval; Alderman Russell Stamper, II supported the file.
• Applicant Testimony: Melody McCurtis (Metcalfe Park Community Bridges) and the design team presented the project as community-driven over 15 years, providing resources such as a café, bookstore, and accessible space for all ages. They described the two-phase development and the community’s desire for a central hub.
• Public Testimony in Support: Sheila Milton (resident), State Representative Margaret Arney (District 18), State Representative Kalan Haywood (District 16), and Koren Dennison (resident/property owner) testified that the hub would bring needed resources and counter negative stereotypes.
• Commission Questions: Inquiries about rooftop terrace use and operation of the bookstore and laundromat.
• Commission Actions: Commissioner Moody moved to recommend passage and assign to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee, seconded by Commissioner Smith. The motion prevailed 4-0.

3. Neighborhood Improvement District No. 13 – Metcalfe Park (File 260437)

• Staff Presentation: Sally Svetic (DCD) explained the creation of a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) to fund beautification, vacancy reduction, and community engagement. The proposed assessment structure differentiates between occupied and unoccupied properties to encourage occupancy. Certified mailings and community meetings were conducted. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Testimony: Melody McCurtis and Koren Dennison described the six-part community planning series, the assessment model ($50 per year for occupied single-family homes, higher for unoccupied, $500 for unoccupied commercial, $25 for vacant lots), and goals for reducing vacancy, supporting home repairs, and activating the neighborhood. They emphasized resident-led development and future board elections.
• Public Testimony in Support: State Representative Margaret Arney praised the thorough community process; Danell Cross (Metcalfe Park Community Bridges) noted organizational support for training the board.
• Commission Questions: Clarification on definitions of occupied/unoccupied, property tax impact, outreach methods, and treatment of exempt properties and PILOTs.
• Commission Actions: Commissioner Moody moved to recommend adoption and assign to the Community & Economic Development Committee, seconded by Commissioner Smith. The motion prevailed 4-0.

4. Business Improvement District No. 57 – Lincoln Village (File 260452)

• Staff Presentation: Jessica Sanchez (DCD) outlined the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) to support commercial corridor improvements along Lincoln Avenue from 5th Street to Forest Home Avenue. Assessment method: $2 per $1,000 of assessed value with a $300 minimum and $1,200 maximum. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Testimony: Maribel Franco (President, Lincoln Village Business Association), Don Rambadt (artist/business owner), Colleen Cheney-Trawinski (Cream City South CDC), and Norma Sanchez described volunteer efforts in beautification, safety, and events (e.g., Lincoln Fest, winter market). They noted the BID would provide sustainable funding to reduce vacancy, improve lighting, and support business grants.
• Public Testimony in Support: John Rozga (owner of Rozga Funeral Home, 40-year association member) and Father Bob Cook (rector, Basilica of St. Joseph) testified in support, citing revitalization potential and the Basilica’s tourism draw.
• Commission Questions: Clarification on exempt properties (manufacturing properties are assessed; residential and nonprofits are exempt).
• Commission Actions: Commissioner Moody moved to close the public hearing and recommend adoption, seconded by Commissioner Washington. The motion prevailed 4-0 (Commissioner Smith’s vote confirmed after audio issue).

Key Outcomes

• All four agenda items were approved on 4-0 votes (three commissioners excused).
• File 260481 (Barclay Street DIZ deviation): Approved conditionally for one year; applicant must apply for longer-term deviation and provide updated plans.
• File 260294 (Metcalfe Park zoning): Recommended for passage and assigned to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
• File 260437 (Metcalfe Park NID): Recommended for adoption and assigned to the Community & Economic Development Committee.
• File 260452 (Lincoln Village BID): Recommended for adoption and assigned to the Community & Economic Development Committee.
• Meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM.