Concerns Raised Over Height Of Proposed Waukesha Development

WAUKESHA, WI — Most members of the Waukesha Plan Commission on Wednesday expressed support for a proposed 72-unit, multifamily apartment project but raised concerns over the building’s height and design. The commission took no formal action on the project and asked for more information from the project's developer.

The commission on Wednesday reviewed the conceptual design for the apartment project being developed by Cardinal Capital Management Inc., proposed for 4.8 acres of land south of the Saylesville Road and River Road intersection.

Commissioners felt the site could be considered for residential uses as there has been no commercial interest over the last 20 years.

The proposal included a three-story, 30,569-square-foot building oriented towards Saylesville Road and River Road with access off Rapids Trail, documents said.

Some 72 units are proposed, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The project will also have 85 parking spaces under the building and 38 surface spaces.

Patch reached out to the Plan Commission for a summary of the meeting.

Mayor Shawn Reilly told Patch the developer was encouraged to decrease the height of the building and incorporate more masonry. Reilly added the developer was asked to explore how the development could integrate better with the surroundings.

The Common Council will make the final decision on rezoning the property.

"It was suggested that perhaps a conceptual review before the Council would provide the developer with additional clarity," Reilly said.

Several emails from residents also expressed concern over the size and scale of the project. Residents worried that it would increase traffic and would not be compatible with the neighborhood, according to city documents.

One resident spoke in support of the project, saying it would be more compatible with the neighborhood than if the parcel were commercially developed under current zoning. The resident still had concerns about the mass and height of the building.

A second resident spoke in opposition to the project and proposed more business development.

Patch’s report is based on a summary of the meeting provided by the mayor and others who were present.