Portage Planning Commission Meeting – January 22, 2026

The Portage Planning Commission met on January 22, 2026, to consider a site plan application for the Oakland Apartments at 10506 Oakland Drive. After public comments, staff presentation, and applicant discussion, the commission approved the site plan with a condition requiring a minimum eight-foot-high fence along the western and southern property lines, achievable through a combination of berm and fence height. The vote was unanimous (9-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (November 6, 2025): Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. No further discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David and Kathy Irwin (2205 West Osterhout) – Opposed with conditions: Expressed concerns about privacy, fence height (requested 8–10 ft instead of proposed 6 ft), dumpster location and garbage truck maneuverability, fire truck access, building density (12 units on one acre), lack of ADA parking spaces, sidewalk to nowhere, aesthetics, and inaccurate site plan scaling. They supported affordable housing but felt the proposed development was too dense for the lot.
• Julius Trough (10406 Dewbury Street) – Opposed with conditions: Supported the Irwins’ concerns, added worries about his nearby duplex tenants’ safety and lack of fencing on that side, and noted the city’s poor maintenance of a nearby lot.
• Lisa Batts (2202 Osterhout) – Opposed with conditions: Concerned about headlights from the single driveway (should have second access on Oakland Drive) and the density; suggested reducing to two units or adding a second driveway.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation (Eric Felt, Community Development): The applicant (Chad Scott, Scott Oakland Drive LLC) proposes 12 units in three two-story buildings on an approximately one-acre site zoned RM-1 (multifamily). The plan includes 25 parking spaces (one ADA), a six-foot privacy fence on west and south sides, private stormwater system, sidewalks along West Osterhout and Oakland Drive, and a single dumpster enclosure. No public hearing was required as it is a permitted use. Staff recommended approval without changes.
• Applicant Statement (Chad Scott): Addressed fence cost concerns (eight-foot fence requires engineering due to city code); proposed a berm to raise effective fence height without needing a stamped design. Noted dumpster location was moved to avoid Oakland Drive and to minimize truck traffic near children. Defended single driveway – a second access on Oakland Drive would create cut-through traffic. Units will rent for approximately $1,750/month. Six lower-level units are ADA accessible, but only one ADA parking space is required for under 25 spaces; he agreed to add more. Construction timeline: approximately 18 months.
• Commissioner Questions & Debate:
  • Fence Height: Multiple commissioners discussed options – increasing fence to 8 ft (requires engineering) vs. a berm (2 ft berm + 6 ft fence = 8 ft; 1 ft berm + 7 ft fence = 8 ft). Chair Cordini noted the need to meet privacy concerns and suggested a condition for minimum 8 ft fence height, achievable by any combination.
  • Sidewalks: Commissioner Freeze supported sidewalks for resident safety; Commissioner Ladd and Chair Cordini argued they are a required, costly eyesore that lead nowhere.
  • Driveway/Access: Commissioner Baldwin strongly advocated for a second access on Oakland Drive for safety and convenience; applicant and staff maintained it would encourage cut-through traffic and was not necessary.
  • Water Service: Commissioner Cobb questioned the adequacy of a 1.25-inch water service for fire suppression in a fourplex; staff stated the city engineering approved it.
  • Dumpster Location: Chair Cordini raised noise concerns for neighbors and backing onto Osterhout; applicant argued current location was safest.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve with Condition (Chair Cordini): Approved the site plan as submitted, but with a condition under Section 42-573 that the required screening fence along the western and southern property lines must have a minimum height of 8 feet (measured at the top of the fence relative to adjacent grade). This can be achieved either by:
  • A fence at least 8 feet tall at grade, OR
  • A fence at least 6 feet tall placed on a berm of sufficient height to reach 8 feet total, OR
  • Any combination of berm and fence height that results in at least 8 feet, with all berm material retained on the subject property and landscaped with grass.
• Vote: Roll call – all nine commissioners voted yes.
• Next Steps: Applicant to work with city staff (Eric Felt) and neighbors (Irwins) to finalize fence details. Building permits and soil erosion permits will follow. Next commission meeting scheduled for February 5, 2026.