Waukesha Plan Commission Meeting – August 26, 2026

The Plan Commission of Waukesha, Wisconsin, met at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing and action on a conditional use permit for an adult day care, followed by final site plan and architectural reviews for four industrial/commercial projects. All votes were 5-0 unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the July 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Hearing & Testimony

• Conditional Use Permit – 1142 River Place Blvd (Mirian LLC) – A request to allow a home-based adult day care for persons with disabilities in the Rs-3 Single Family Residential District. Staff presented the proposal: non‑medical services, Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM, maximum 3–4 participants, sole caregiver (the applicant), with potential future expansion. Staff recommended approval for two years with a condition that the business must operate as a home occupation (only family members employed).
  • Public speakers:
    • Linda Short (1133 River Place Blvd) asked clarifying questions about re-zoning, monitoring, and permit transferability. She did not state support or opposition.
    • Zachary Scott (1128 Dana Lane) voiced opposition, arguing that a business in a single‑family neighborhood (homes valued $500,000–$650,000) could set a precedent.
  • No other speakers.

Discussion Items

• Action on Conditional Use Permit – Commissioner Molson moved to approve the permit as recommended by staff (two‑year term, home‑occupation condition). Seconded. After brief discussion (Commissioner Wells expressed comfort given similarity to child care; Commissioner Francor noted parking concerns), the motion passed 5‑0.

• Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 818 Progress Ave (H.O. Bostrom) – A two‑phase project: Phase 1 – 46,797 sq ft addition to existing building; Phase 2 – 4,000 sq ft standalone storage building and associated site improvements in M‑1/M‑2 Manufacturing Districts. Staff presented the plan, noting required access easements, dumpster enclosure details, and lighting color temperature limits. The architect (Mark Hertzfeld, Design to Construct) explained the phased approach for trash enclosures and requested no masonry base on the rear building. Motion by Commissioner Molson to approve with all staff comments to be addressed. Passed 5‑0.

• Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 2323 Corporate Dr (Medico Mart) – A 7,260 sq ft addition (office and warehouse) in the M‑3 Limited Business and Industrial Park District. Staff noted a recommendation to extend the architectural accent band on the south elevation and that the applicant agreed. Motion by Commissioner Walner to approve with staff conditions. Passed 5‑0.

• Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 500 S. Prairie Ave (Ventura Foods) – Request to repave the parking lot and remove two landscape islands in the M‑1 Light Manufacturing District. Staff recommended denial of the island removal, citing code requirements that parking lots with ≥30 stalls provide islands totaling ≥5% of paved area (~1,300 sq ft). The existing islands were ~1,620 sq ft.

  • Applicant testimony: Ed Wolock (site director) and Pete McGuaski (engineering manager) argued that islands caused water damage, snow‑plowing difficulties, and were frequently struck by semi‑trucks. Rod Hansen (Munson Paving) confirmed subgrade damage and water intrusion. They requested a variance.
  • After debate (Commissioner Wells opposed waiving landscaping requirements; Commissioner Francor and others sought a creative solution), Commissioner Francor moved to approve the paving with a temporary waiver of the landscape‑island requirement while directing the applicant to work with staff within 60 days to provide a 5% landscaping solution (e.g., redesigned islands or peninsulas). If no solution is found, the matter returns to the Plan Commission. Motion seconded and passed.

• Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 809 Philip Dr (The Gund Company) – Addition of ~107,000 sq ft of manufacturing space (27,000 sq ft and 80,000 sq ft sections) in the M‑1 District. Staff noted conditions: certified survey map to combine two parcels must be recorded before building permits; new lighting color temperature ≤4,000 K; and engineering comments addressed. The applicant’s representative (John Coots, MSI General) stated they had incorporated prior commission feedback. Motion to approve with staff conditions passed 5‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional Use Permit (1142 River Place Blvd) – Approved for two years, with home‑occupation conditions (only family employees). Vote: 5‑0.
• 818 Progress Ave (H.O. Bostrom) – Final SPAR approved with staff conditions. Vote: 5‑0.
• 2323 Corporate Dr (Medico Mart) – Final SPAR approved with staff conditions (extend accent band). Vote: 5‑0.
• 500 S. Prairie Ave (Ventura Foods) – Final SPAR approved with temporary waiver of landscape‑island requirement; applicant must work with staff within 60 days to achieve 5% landscaping (islands or peninsulas). Vote: 5‑0.
• 809 Philip Dr (The Gund Company) – Final SPAR approved with conditions (certified survey map, lighting temperature, engineering comments). Vote: 5‑0.

Director’s Report

• Community Development Director announced that the new zoning code will take effect September 1, 2026. Applicants for the September meeting were given the choice to use the old or new code.

The meeting adjourned shortly after.