Waukesha Plan Commission Regular Meeting - July 22, 2026

The Waukesha Plan Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on July 22, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Joan Frank Hoore in the absence of the mayor. Roll call confirmed a quorum with Commissioners Heather Granger, Jack Wells, Joan Frank Hoore, Beth Moulton, and Callis present. The agenda included approvals, a consent calendar, four business items, a code update, and a land surplus declaration. Public comments were received on the Niagara Street consultation item.

Consent Calendar

• All items on the consent agenda were approved without objection, per staff recommendations, as no commissioner requested removal.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Three residents spoke during the Niagara Street consultation:
  • Diana Bauer (980 Town Line Road) expressed concerns about the proposed development’s density, impact on her existing four-family rental property, and the definition of “affordable housing.”
  • Karina Mandiola (914 Niagara Street) noted that the lots in the area are irregular and that the vacant site has been used for truck storage; she also stated the bus line has been discontinued and questioned the feasibility of a public park due to past environmental issues.
  • Kelly Mendiola (914 Niagara Street) highlighted chronic parking problems during Frame Park events, often blocking her driveway, and opposed the development.
• Shane Peterson (826 Niagara Street) asked about notification procedures and potential federal funding, expressing concern that decisions might be predetermined.

Discussion Items

1. 222 West St. Paul Avenue – Final Site Plan and Architectural Review (St. Paul Place)

   • Applicant Ashley Pollocks (Thrive Architects) presented plans to renovate a blighted building for four commercial tenants (auto detailing, gym, office, retail). A key issue was a fence that divided the parking lot, leaving only 7 spaces on the St. Paul side (total 39 including 32 on the North Street side). Staff recommended relocating the fence to add 5 spaces and provide pedestrian/vehicular access. The applicant preferred removing the fence entirely. After discussion, Commissioner Jack Wells moved to approve with the fence retained but with a pedestrian opening (no vehicular gate). The motion passed 5–1 (Commissioner Keller opposed). Conditions included providing a cross-access easement and addressing engineering/fire comments.

2. Dolphin Drive/Coral Drive – Final Site Plan and Architectural Review (Store It Right)

   • Presented by new planner Megan Steiner Puttier. The proposal was for a 64,000-square-foot self-storage facility on 4.27 acres. The applicant requested relief from: parking requirements (28 spaces under old code, 14 under new; proposed 5), driveway geometry (flared vs. radius), curb and gutter on Coral Drive, and sidewalk on Dolphin Drive. Staff recommended sidewalk on Dolphin (medium priority per city plan), curb and gutter on Coral, and five parking spaces. Commissioner Heather Granger moved to approve with all staff recommendations. After debate (Commissioners Wells and Moulson opposed sidewalk due to cost and driveway slope; Commissioner Keller initially opposed but later supported), the motion passed with a majority, though one “no” vote was recorded. Conditions include fire/engineering comments.

3. 1343 Ellis Street – Minor Site Plan and Architectural Review (Zender Marketing)

   • Presented by intern Thane Bremer. The request was to add a 690-square-foot warehouse addition, reconstruct a concrete pad with ADA parking, and enclose dumpsters. Staff recommended approval. The commission voted unanimously to approve, commending the property owner’s attention to site aesthetics.

4. Niagara Street Consultation – Proposed Residential Development (Cherry Faith)

   • Developer Dewan Cherry introduced a proposed 20-unit (reduced from 24) two-story multifamily development with 11 affordable units and 4 Type A units for individuals with disabilities. The site requires rezoning from M1 to residential. Discussion focused on density, parking (20 spaces for 20 units, but visitor parking needed), rear setback proximity to single-family homes, and the possibility of a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Commissioner Keller suggested combining the two northern buildings to improve setbacks; Commissioner Wells recommended a one-way drive aisle and leveraging bus access (though residents noted the bus line is discontinued). Cherry proposed a public park at the existing grassy knoll. The commission offered preliminary support but stressed the need for a neighborhood meeting and further refinement. No formal action was taken.

5. Plumbing Code Update

   • Doug presented updates to Chapters 16 and 19 of the city code to align with state requirements for plan review and homeowner work limitations. The commission unanimously voted to recommend the update to the Common Council.

6. Surplus Land Declaration – Big Bend Road Parcel

   • Doug requested declaring a 1.986-acre city-owned vacant parcel (no longer needed by the Water Utility) as surplus. No other departments expressed interest. The commission unanimously voted to recommend the declaration to the Common Council.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (5–1): 222 West St. Paul Avenue site plan with condition of fence retention and pedestrian opening.
• Approved (majority): Dolphin Drive/Coral Drive site plan with all staff conditions (sidewalk, curb and gutter, five parking spaces, driveway design to be coordinated).
• Approved (unanimous): 1343 Ellis Street site plan.
• Recommended (unanimous): Plumbing code update to Common Council.
• Recommended (unanimous): Surplus land declaration for Big Bend Road parcel.
• No action taken: Niagara Street consultation; developer directed to hold neighborhood meeting and consider PUD.