Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Summary – May 7, 2026

The Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals held a public meeting on May 7, 2026, beginning at 4:15 p.m. (local time). The board considered 25 consent agenda items and 26 public hearing items, including requests for use variances, special uses, and dimensional variances. The meeting lasted approximately 4.5 hours, with five board members present initially (St. Arnold Bell, Rocker, Current, Smysky, Lomberg); board member Bell was excused after the 35th item, leaving a quorum of four. City department staff from DPW, DNS, and DCD provided testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–25 (block approval): All consent agenda items, except two adjourned items (Item 7: 1568 N Farwell Ave; Item 20: 8225 N 107th St), were approved on a single motion without objection. Staff recommendations (dismissal without prejudice or approvals ranging from 3 to 20 years) were adopted. Three public hearing items (39, 41, 50) were also adjourned at the start of the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 29 (6000 S 6th St – temporary concrete batch plant): Neighbors (Jim Finco, Cheyenne Jansen, Austin Bryant, Greg Shaw, and others) expressed strong opposition, citing fugitive dust, excessive noise, vibration, and a prior history of non‑compliance at the site. The property owner acknowledged the lease expires June 30, 2026, and the applicant (HM Brands) stated only two to three weeks of crushing remained. Alderman Spiker objected, noting the operator began work without occupancy permits. The board approved a two‑month special use with conditions on hours and equipment relocation.
• Item 30 (4030 S Pine Ave – light motor vehicle sales): Two neighbors (Gary Karpinski, David Christianson) opposed the addition of sales to an existing auto repair business. The Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) and Department of City Development (DCD) also opposed, citing dozens of complaints and a 2018 denial. The applicant’s counsel argued complaints were unverified and that the business had no violations since 2023. Several online supporters (Brandon McLamore, Cheryl Bennett, Dr. Christine Schwanda, Luis Saldivar) spoke in favor. The board adjourned the item for a revised site plan and parking plan.
• Item 51 (5900 W North Ave – Dunkin’ Donuts drive‑through): Montavia Jones, Executive Director of Uptown Crossing BID, opposed the drive‑through, arguing it would increase traffic, create pedestrian safety issues, and conflict with the West Side Area Plan. Alderman Moore said she had not received negative feedback from constituents but agreed community engagement was needed. The applicant’s representative (Stephen Culver) explained the franchisee’s 23‑store operational model and argued the drive‑through would be efficient. The board adjourned the item to allow community outreach.

Discussion Items

• Item 26 (1335 S 10th St – light motor vehicle repair): The applicant (Mr. Rabosa) submitted revised drawings relocating a fence. DPW updated its condition. The board approved a two‑year use variance, noting past concerns about non‑compliance. (Vote: 5‑0)
• Item 27 (1012 S 2nd St – adult retail establishment): The applicant (Felix Winters) addressed prior concerns about hours and operation. The board approved a three‑year special use. (Vote: 5‑0)
• Item 28 (624 W Scott St – community living arrangement): DPW requested closure of the driveway on 7th Street due to cut‑through traffic and loss of three on‑street parking spaces. The applicant (Mara Lobo, Luki Charamos, Bill Corine) argued the parking lot added net spaces. The board approved a 20‑year special use with the condition to close the 7th Street curb cut. (Vote: 5‑0)
• Item 29 (6000 S 6th St – temporary concrete batch plant): After extensive testimony, the board approved a two‑month special use (expiring June 30, 2026) with conditions: operation hours 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., equipment moved away from the street by May 11, and adherence to site plan. (Vote: 5‑0)
• Item 30 (4030 S Pine Ave – light motor vehicle sales): Adjourned. The board requested a revised site plan, parking plan, and clearer plan of operation to address enforcement concerns. (Vote: 5‑0)
• Items 31–33 (2318, 2324, 2332 S Austin St – multifamily setback variance): DCD recommended approval, noting the building’s design provided adequate light and air. The board approved the dimensional variance to run with the land. (Vote: 4‑1; Current opposed)
• Item 34 (2353 W Fond du Lac Ave – daycare center): DPW requested a loading zone and adjustment of the ramp. The applicant (Monique) plans to open by summer 2026. Approved for two years. (Vote: 5‑0)
• Item 35 (4915 N 24th St – 24‑hour family daycare): DNS opposed 24‑hour operation in a residential neighborhood. The applicant (Monica) explained she has clients needing third‑shift care. Approved for two years. (Vote: 4‑0; Bell excused)
• Item 36 (2817 W Carmen Ave – contractor shop): Reaffirmation of prior 15‑year approval (from Nov. 7, 2024) with a two‑year window to obtain permits. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Items 37–38 (5249 N 35th St – school and daycare): Both approved for five years. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 40 (7609 W Capitol Dr – filling station): Dismissed without prejudice due to applicant’s failure to appear. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 42 (3740 N Bratney St – health club): Approved for five years. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 43 (2851 N Holton St – social service facility): Dimensional variance approved to run with land; special use approved through Dec. 12, 2044, with a two‑year permit window. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 44 (2420 W Chambers St – group home): Approved for three years. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 45 (1115 S 34th St – front yard parking): Approved dimensional variance to run with land, based on revised plan showing a 10‑foot driveway. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 46 (2932 W Forest Home Ave – contractor’s yard): Approved for five years (dimensional variance and special use). (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 47 (1911 W Mitchell St – light motor vehicle sales/repair): Approved for two years. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 48 (5225 W Mill Rd – daycare expansion): Approved for three years. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 49 (6408 N 49th St – 24‑hour family daycare): Approved for three years. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 51 (5900 W North Ave – restaurant with drive‑through): Adjourned to allow community engagement between the applicant, BID, and alderman. (Vote: 4‑0)
• Item 52 (3770 S 52nd St – front porch variance): Adjourned for the applicant to submit a revised plan with a smaller porch depth. (Vote: 4‑0)

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (23 items) with staff recommendations.
• Approved special use/variances for items 26, 27, 28, 29, 31–33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49.
• Adjourned items 30, 51, 52 for additional information or community outreach.
• Dismissed item 40 (7609 W Capitol Dr) without prejudice.
• Adjourned items 7, 20, 39, 41, 50 were previously adjourned.
• Conditions imposed: Several approvals included specific conditions (e.g., hours of operation, equipment relocation, parking limits, landscaping, two‑year permit windows).
• Next steps: Applicants for adjourned items must submit revised materials or schedule community meetings before the next hearing.