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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Plan Commission Meeting - September 23, 2026: Oakdale Consultation, Horizon Consultation, and Site Plan Approvals

Public Meetings — Wednesday, September 23, 2026

BodyWaukesha, Wisconsin

SessionPublic Meetings

DateWednesday, September 23, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:52:18

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:01

That one I don't know.

0:03

Try yeah, try turning it on.

0:04

That one might be the one that just doesn't work.

0:12

I know.

0:17

That one.

0:18

Does that one get the content?

0:25

Yeah, that one's usually like here.

0:29

Yeah.

0:30

I mean.

0:33

I mean, I can.

0:34

What do I need for your oh, I mean, I can see that I can see everything on here.

0:38

So this is good.

0:40

I'll just like that.

0:47

Perfect.

0:48

All right.

0:49

Maria, are you good?

0:51

All right.

0:52

Um I am going to call this Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 meeting of the Plan Commission to order.

1:01

Uh, we will start with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:10

America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:14

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:24

All right.

1:25

For roll call, Commissioners Granger and Walner are not able to attend.

1:30

All other members of the commission are present.

1:33

Um before we get started with the bulk of this meeting, um, I do understand that we have a lot of people here tonight.

1:39

Um, I believe that probably many of you are here to speak on one specific issue.

1:44

While all of you are welcome to speak during the public comment section, which is going to come directly after I give my little spiel here.

1:51

Um, you are welcome to do so.

1:53

The item um that you wish to speak on, if it is on the agenda, will come up, and you will also have an opportunity to speak at that time, which is what I would recommend, because that will be after the presentation that we receive and after the commissioners have an opportunity to ask some of the questions you might already have.

2:09

Um with that in mind, um, I do want to make sure that we are all being respectful of each other.

2:15

That means no speaking out of turn, no shouting, etc.

2:19

I also ask that you address all um comments and questions directly to the commission or to our wonderful city staff members up here rather than having conversations amongst yourselves.

2:30

Um, we do recognize that this is standing room only as well at this point.

2:34

So I want to be respectful of everyone's time.

2:37

So with that said, I want to make sure that we are able to hear from everyone who wants to say what they want to say.

2:42

But I would ask that if your comments have already been made, especially if they've been made several times, um, that you maybe think about how you want to word what you have to say so that we can hear all of the different and unique perspectives and that everyone's questions can be answered here tonight.

2:59

Um I also want to remind everyone in the room um that at least on the Oakdale property, which I'm sure that many of you are here to speak on.

3:06

We are taking no action tonight.

3:08

This is a consultation phase, so this is very early on in the process.

3:12

So we are glad to have you here so that we can hear from you during this consultation phase, but know that nothing will be voted on by the commission on this item tonight.

3:21

Uh so with that, I'm gonna open it up to public comment.

3:24

Does anyone wish to speak in the general public comment phase of this meeting?

3:31

If you do, please come up to the microphone.

3:33

Please state your name and your address for the record.

3:40

Good evening.

3:40

My name is Zachary Scott, 1128, Dana Lane, Walkshaw 53189.

3:46

Um, I just want to say my family has lived in the River Hill subdivision for the past 11 years, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight about the proposed development near Oakdale Drive and Les Paul Parkway.

3:56

I want to start by saying that I'm not opposed to development.

3:58

I understand that this property will eventually be developed, and I think there is an opportunity to do that in a way that benefits both the city and the surrounding existing community.

4:06

My concern is specifically with the current proposal for 15 apartment buildings and 384 units immediately adjacent to the established single family neighborhoods.

4:15

This proposal also includes 697 parking spaces.

4:19

My daughter spent most of her childhood in River Hills.

4:21

One of the things she values about our neighborhood is the environment it provides.

4:25

She rides her bike, plays with other children in the neighborhood, enjoys the playground, has the ability to spend time outside in a relatively quiet and peaceful setting.

4:32

Those qualities are important to our family, and they're a significant part of why we chose to live here.

4:37

That is why I believe the question should be more than whether 3840 unit units can physically be placed on this property.

4:44

I think the commission should also consider whether it's type and scale of development is appropriate for this particular location.

4:51

The surrounding neighborhoods are primarily single-family homes.

4:54

A development consisting of 15 apartment buildings and 3840 units would represent a significant change in density and character.

5:01

And to be clear, my concern is not about apartment residence or multifamily housing in general.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning Regulations██████████████████████22%

Transportation Safety█████████████████████21%

Affordable Housing████████████████16%

Public Engagement█████████████13%

Community Engagement████████████12%

Stormwater Management███3%

Engineering And Infrastructure███3%

Parks and Recreation███3%

Environmental Protection███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Plan Commission Meeting - September 23, 2026

This meeting of the Waukesha Plan Commission featured a lengthy consultation on a proposed 384-unit multifamily development on Oakdale Drive, a consultation on an 84-unit project on Elkhart Drive, and approvals of a warehouse addition and a golf simulator expansion. The meeting began at 6:00 PM and concluded around 10:00 PM. No formal votes were taken on the consultation items, but the commission provided extensive feedback to the developers.

Consent Calendar

Certified Survey Map – Big Bend Road (PC26-0089): Approved unanimously, authorizing a 2-lot CSM on 0.61 acres for future home sites for Operation Finally Home. Staff comments and conditions were included.

Public Comments & Testimony

Oakdale Consultation (PC26-0091): Over 150 residents attended. More than two dozen spoke in opposition, and a petition of 333 residents was submitted. Key concerns included: excessive density (384 units on 36.7 acres adjacent to single-family homes), traffic safety on Oakdale Drive (40 accidents in 3 years per Wisconsin DOT data), inadequate parking (1.8 spaces/unit), dangerous sight lines at the proposed Parkton Drive extension, negative impact on neighborhood character, potential decline of property values, reduced green space and wildlife, stormwater runoff, school capacity, and the developer’s poor Better Business Bureau rating (D-). Several speakers requested lower density, single-family homes or condos, and a formal environmental impact study. Alderman Dale Matthews, absent, submitted a letter stating 99% of District 12 feedback opposed the project. Alderman Manion echoed that he received only two supportive calls.
Elkhart Drive Consultation (PC26-0092): No public comments were offered.
901 Sentry Drive (PC26-0090) and 2507 Plaza Court (PC26-0082): No public comments were made on these items.

Discussion Items

Consultation – Oakdale Drive / Les Paul Parkway (Fiduciary Real Estate Development Inc.)

Developer Presentation: Tony DeRosa (Fiduciary) proposed a 60 million dollar, 15-building, 384-unit apartment complex (mix of studios to 3-bedrooms) on 36.7 acres owned by the Waukesha School District. The plan included 617 parking spaces (80 enclosed), a clubhouse, pool, and a water pump house. A traffic study by Traffic Analysis and Design Inc. projected 2,700 daily trips, with 150 AM peak and 195 PM peak trips. The study recommended a southbound bypass lane on Oakdale at Parkton Drive and a northbound turn lane at Highway 59. Fire Chief Goplin stated that extending Parkton Drive to Oakdale is necessary as a second access point due to steep topography (10–60 foot grade changes) and safety concerns. The developer noted the site is tax-exempt currently and would generate significant new tax revenue.
Commission Feedback: Commissioner Keller urged reducing density, especially phase two buildings near single-family homes, and suggested L-shaped buildings, underground parking, and a phased approach (phase two not approved until phase one is complete). Commissioner Molson supported the updated plan with a larger buffer. Commissioner Wells questioned traffic modeling and suggested the development reads as large-format; he encouraged more articulation to feel residential. Commissioner Francois called for greater variety in materials and design. Mayor (Commissioner) expressed preference for outward-facing units. Alderman Christine noted past successful density reductions in her district. Alderman Manion said he cannot support the project as proposed, citing overwhelming neighborhood opposition, traffic concerns, and the need for a density reduction and improved design including covered parking.
Developer Response: Fiduciary acknowledged the feedback and will revise plans before returning for rezoning and site plan review. No formal action was taken.

Consultation – Elkhart Drive (Horizon Development Group)

Developer Presentation: Hunter Patchon (Horizon) proposed 84 units in six buildings (four 16-unit, two 10-unit) on 6.7 acres, with 160 parking spaces (68 garage, 92 surface). Buildings would have individual entrances, balconies, and a clubhouse. The site is adjacent to the Village at Fox River apartments and surrounded by highways.
Commission Feedback: Commissioners debated whether garages should face inward or outward; a split view emerged. Commissioner Keller suggested more architectural diversity. Commissioner Wells preferred inward-facing garages to create a protected courtyard, but others (Commissioner Molson, Francois, Mayor) favored outward-facing units for views. The commission also noted the parking field could be softened with vegetation. The developer indicated they would submit a preliminary site plan within a week. No public comment.

Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 901 Sentry Drive (Nations Roof)

Proposal: A 4,800 sq. ft. warehouse addition (60x80) and a future 60x100 building in the GM District. The existing building houses a roofing company. Staff identified an unpermitted rear addition that the applicant agreed to demolish.
Commission Action: Commissioner Francois moved to approve with staff conditions (building permits, demolition of unpermitted addition, masonry base wall, and engineering comments). Motion passed unanimously (5-0).

Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 2507 Plaza Court (Prairieville Park)

Proposal: A 2,744 sq. ft. addition for indoor golf simulators, a covered patio, and a relocated dumpster/transformer enclosure. The parking lot would be one stall short of code (52 vs. 53 required), for which relief was needed. Staff recommended masonry walls for the enclosure per design guidelines.
Commission Action: Commissioner Wells moved to approve with all staff comments. Seconded. Unanimously approved (5-0).

Key Outcomes

Oakdale Drive Consultation: No action taken. The developer will revise plans based on commission and public feedback, including density, building placement, and design. A formal rezoning and site plan review will occur at a future meeting.
Elkhart Drive Consultation: No action taken. The developer will submit a preliminary site plan within a week, incorporating commission feedback on garage orientation and landscaping.
901 Sentry Drive (Nations Roof): Final site plan and architectural review approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions.
2507 Plaza Court (Prairieville Park): Final site plan and architectural review approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions.
Notable: City staff noted that many upcoming residential projects are driven by recent industrial growth and that slab-on-grade designs (without underground parking) are becoming common due to high concrete costs.

Meeting Transcript

That one I don't know. Try yeah, try turning it on. That one might be the one that just doesn't work. I know. That one. Does that one get the content? Yeah, that one's usually like here. Yeah. I mean. I mean, I can. What do I need for your oh, I mean, I can see that I can see everything on here. So this is good. I'll just like that. Perfect. All right. Maria, are you good? All right. Um I am going to call this Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 meeting of the Plan Commission to order. Uh, we will start with the Pledge of Allegiance. America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. All right. For roll call, Commissioners Granger and Walner are not able to attend. All other members of the commission are present. Um before we get started with the bulk of this meeting, um, I do understand that we have a lot of people here tonight. Um, I believe that probably many of you are here to speak on one specific issue. While all of you are welcome to speak during the public comment section, which is going to come directly after I give my little spiel here. Um, you are welcome to do so. The item um that you wish to speak on, if it is on the agenda, will come up, and you will also have an opportunity to speak at that time, which is what I would recommend, because that will be after the presentation that we receive and after the commissioners have an opportunity to ask some of the questions you might already have. Um with that in mind, um, I do want to make sure that we are all being respectful of each other. That means no speaking out of turn, no shouting, etc. I also ask that you address all um comments and questions directly to the commission or to our wonderful city staff members up here rather than having conversations amongst yourselves. Um, we do recognize that this is standing room only as well at this point. So I want to be respectful of everyone's time. So with that said, I want to make sure that we are able to hear from everyone who wants to say what they want to say. But I would ask that if your comments have already been made, especially if they've been made several times, um, that you maybe think about how you want to word what you have to say so that we can hear all of the different and unique perspectives and that everyone's questions can be answered here tonight. Um I also want to remind everyone in the room um that at least on the Oakdale property, which I'm sure that many of you are here to speak on. We are taking no action tonight. This is a consultation phase, so this is very early on in the process. So we are glad to have you here so that we can hear from you during this consultation phase, but know that nothing will be voted on by the commission on this item tonight. Uh so with that, I'm gonna open it up to public comment. Does anyone wish to speak in the general public comment phase of this meeting? If you do, please come up to the microphone. Please state your name and your address for the record. Good evening. My name is Zachary Scott, 1128, Dana Lane, Walkshaw 53189. Um, I just want to say my family has lived in the River Hill subdivision for the past 11 years, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight about the proposed development near Oakdale Drive and Les Paul Parkway. I want to start by saying that I'm not opposed to development. I understand that this property will eventually be developed, and I think there is an opportunity to do that in a way that benefits both the city and the surrounding existing community. My concern is specifically with the current proposal for 15 apartment buildings and 384 units immediately adjacent to the established single family neighborhoods.

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