Meeting Details

Meeting Name: CITY PLAN COMMISSION Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 9/28/2026 1:30 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: Room 301-B, 3rd Floor, City Hall 200 E. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI 53202
This is also a virtual meeting.
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video: eComment: Not available  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultTallyAction DetailsVideo
     Additional instructions, virtual access and registration information, and meeting details can further be found on the City Plan Commission website: https://city.milwaukee.gov/CPC. Those wishing to view the proceedings are able to do so via the City Channel - Channel 25 on Spectrum Cable or the internet at https://city.milwaukee.gov/cityclerk/CityChannel.    Not available
     Meeting convened at 1:30 p.m.    Roll call Video Video
     Also present:

Minutes note: Jonathan Latsko, DCD Planning
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   1. Review and approval of the previous meeting minutes from August 17, 2026.

Minutes note: Meeting minutes from September 28, 2026 were approved without objection.
    Video Video
     Zoning - Public Hearing 1:30 PM    Not available
260642 12.OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to zoning regulations for family day care homes.

Minutes note: Appearing: Ed Richardson, DCD Planning Mr. Richardson presented. Proposed Substitute A of this ordinance amends the definitions of “family day care home” to increase the limit on the number of children being cared for from 8 to 12, to bring the definition into compliance with recent changes in Wisconsin State Statutes. Public testimony in support: David Celata, Milwaukee Greater Foundation Mr. Salata testified to the importance of providing access to quality and affordable childchare infrastructure for families. Commissioner Washington moved approval of Proposed Substitute A, seconded by commissioner Gonzalez. (Prevailed 5-0)
RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE AND ASSIGNEDPass5:0 Action details Video Video
     Zoning - Public Hearing 1:35 PM    Not available
260534 13.OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from Two-Family Residential, RT4, to Neighborhood Shopping, NS2, to allow a wider mix of commercial uses on the property located at 2841 South Howell Avenue, on the west side of South Howell Avenue, south of East Schiller Street, in the 14th Aldermanic District.

Minutes note: Ms. Connelly presented. The subject site consists of a rear duplex and a currently vacant 2-story mixed-use building along South Howell Avenue. This zoning change from RT4 to NS2 will allow the owners, Howell Haven LLC, to occupy the commercial spaces within the building with neighborhood-serving uses such as a small café, retail shop, or art studio. Staff recommended approval and noted support from Ald. Dimitrijevic. Appearing: Jobi Wall, applicant/owner Abby Wall, applicant/owner Mr. and Mrs. Wall presented on details of the zoning change. There was inquiry and discussion on the site plan, demolition of the garage structure, future use of the vacant portion of the lot, including the potential expanded footprint of the existing building. Commissioner Gonzalez moved approval, seconded by commissioner Smith. (Prevailed 5-0)
RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE AND ASSIGNEDPass5:0 Action details Video Video
     Zoning - Public Hearing 1:40 PM    Not available
260532 14.OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to the 5th Amendment to the Detailed Planned Development known as Southgate Marketplace, Phase 1 to allow the construction of a bank with drive-through ATM at 3473 South 27th Street, on the west side of South 27th Street, north of West Morgan Avenue, in the 11th Aldermanic District.

Minutes note: Ms. Connelly presented. This zoning change was requested by the property owner, Southgate Marketplace LLC, and will allow a new development on the site. More specifically, the owner seeks to raze the existing restaurant development situated at the southeast corner of the subject site and construct an approximately 3,500 SF, single-story financial center (bank), drive-up ATM lane, and associated parking and landscaping. Staff recommended approval conditionally. Appearing: Brian Emrich, Allegro Civil Engineers Ned Brickman, landowner representative Zak Klobucar, Interior Architects Ald. Peter Burgelis, 11th Ald. Dist. Ald. Burgelis testified with no objections. A presentation was given on details of the zoning change and new development. There was inquiry and discussion on landscaping, stucco building material, window glazing, banking service offerings, and job opportunities. Commissioner Washington moved approval, seconded by commissioner Gonzalez. (Prevailed 5-0)
RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE AND ASSIGNEDPass5:0 Action details Video Video
     Zoning - Public Hearing 1:50 PM    Not available
260533 05.OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from General Planned Development known as Bookends to a Detailed Planned Development known as Zenith to allow the construction of a multi-family residential building at 711 East Kilbourn Avenue and 822 North Van Buren Street, on the east side of North Van Buren Street, south of East Kilbourn Avenue, in the 4th Aldermanic District.

Minutes note: Ms. Fonseca presented. This zoning change was requested by the property owners (applicant) to allow the construction of a 25-story for-sale residential condominium tower on the site. The proposed development, known as Zenith, includes 226 dwelling units, 412 indoor vehicle parking spaces, 68 total bicycle parking spaces, resident amenity spaces, a ground-floor residential lobby, and building service areas. Staff recommended approval conditionally. Appearing: Joey Wisniewski, New Land Enterprises Mark Larson, Korb Architects Ald. Robert Bauman, 4th Ald. Dist. A presentation was given on details of the zoning change and new development. Ald. Robert Bauman, 4th Ald. Dist., testified in support. There was inquiry and discussion on loading zones, deliveries, and move-in access points; and City-assisted financing. Public testimony in opposition: Susan Roberts, resident David Guzman, resident Curtis Oquist, nearby property manager (Edgewood Apartments) Christian Trunley (virtual) Speakers in opposition testified to concerns of increased density, blockage of their outside views and sunlight at their residences/buildings, loud noise and air pollution construction impacts, exacerbation of luxury high rise buildings in the area, the housing serving residents from outside the community, negative parking impacts in the neighborhood, potential for condo units being unoccupied, and lack of a lighting and shadow study relating to the new development. There was inquiry and discussion on community outreach and notifications by the applicant, building height differences between the previously approved GPD to DPD, setback at the south line, parking ratio, amenity floor footprint, location of mechanicals, guest parking options, a lighting and shadow study, traffic and parking access in relation to the alley, public parking options in the area, access to amenities, street activation for pedestrians, height restrictions and regulations for downtown, and construction timeline. Commissioner Gonzalez moved approval conditionally, seconded by member Smith. (Prevailed 5-0) Condition: 1. Applicant provides a status update to DCD Planning on the south setback design and coordination with the adjacent property prior to the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee meeting.
APPROVED CONDITIONALLYPass5:0 Action details Video Video
260533 0 OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from General Planned Development known as Bookends to a Detailed Planned Development known as Zenith to allow the construction of a multi-family residential building at 711 East Kilbourn Avenue and 822 North Van Buren Street, on the east side of North Van Buren Street, south of East Kilbourn Avenue, in the 4th Aldermanic District.REFERRED TOPass5:0 Action details Not available
     Zoning - Public Hearing 2:10 PM    Not available
251924 16.OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to a temporary pause in the establishment and development of data centers.

Minutes note: Appearing: Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, 14th Ald. Dist. David Gelting, Legislative Reference Bureau Joseph Dobbs, Assistant City Attorney Ald. Dimitrijevic said that the file would enable a set period to conduct necessary legislative, legal, and regulatory research to address the development of data centers in consideration of the public's health, safety, and welfare. Ms. Fonseca presented on details of the staff report, as contained in the file. This substitute ordinance would create a temporary pause in the establishment of new data centers or enlargement of existing data centers for one year, or until the Zoning Code is amended to formally define and regulate data centers. Staff recommended approval of the proposed pause in data center construction while a longer term set of zoning regulations for data centers are developed for local review and approval. Atty. Dobbs commented on a future substitute to include additional technical language changes that preserve the intent of the ordinance, while strengthening the implementing language with relevant City land use application processes and appeal processes required by State Statute. Public testimony in support (in-person): Julia Alberth Ald. Alex Brower, 3rd Ald. Dist. and co-sponsor Stacey Smiter, resident Ryan Brooks, Data Holdings employee Molly Collins, American Lung Association of Wisconsin Jamila Mitchell, Redress Movement Dr. Melita Tyler Garold Dalton, resident Michael Harper Jason Davenport Gretchen Mahkorn Carrie Elmore, resident Jeff Johnson, Potawatomi Ventures Erica Steib Rachael Marken, resident Public testimony in support (virtually): Christian Trunley, resident Melodoy McCurtis, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges Landon Zimmerman, resident Mabel Lamb, Sherman Park Community Association Rachel Stiles Shannon Simonet, resident Amy Donahue Public testimony in opposition (in-person): Joel Roberts, UWM student and entrepreneur Speakers in support of the proposed temporary pause raised concerns regarding the potential effects of large-scale data center development on energy demand, utility costs, employment, environmental conditions, and neighboring communities. Several speakers stated that a temporary pause would allow the City additional time to evaluate regulatory needs, consider potential safeguards, and review approaches adopted in other jurisdictions. Comments also addressed the allocation of City resources, community participation in future policy development, transparency, environmental review, potential community benefits agreements, and consideration of publicly owned facilities. Some speakers suggested that any future regulations distinguish among data centers based on factors such as energy use or facility scale. One or more speakers referenced their experiences and observations related to a data center in Port Washington. Representatives of Potawatomi stated their support of the pause and that they operate a small data center and described its operations. Speakers in opposition expressed support for advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, technology businesses, and small-scale data center development. They stated that the proposed temporary pause or related regulations could adversely affect small businesses, entrepreneurs, and technology-related uses. Questions and discussion addressed the legal review and purpose of the proposed temporary pause and other matters raised during testimony. Commissioner Washington moved approval conditionally, seconded by commissioner Smith. (Prevailed 5-0) Condition: 1. A future substitute to include additional technical language changes that preserve the intent of the ordinance, while strengthening the implementing language with relevant City land use application processes and appeal processes required by State Statute.
APPROVED CONDITIONALLYPass5:0 Action details Video Video
251924 1 OrdinanceA substitute ordinance relating to a temporary pause in the establishment and development of data centers.REFERRED TOPass5:0 Action details Not available
     Miscellaneous    Not available
260723 07.Plan Commission ResolutionResolution approving the 2027 City Plan Commission meeting dates.

Minutes note: Meeting dates (14) were proposed as follows: January 25, 2027 February 15, 2027 March 8, 2027 April 5, 2027 April 26, 2027 May 17, 2026 June 7, 2027 June 28, 2027 July 19, 2027 August 16, 2027 September 27, 2027 October 18, 2027 November 8, 2027 November 29, 2027 Commissioner Washington moved approval, seconded by commissioner Smith. (Prevailed 5-0)
APPROVEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
     Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Chris Lee, Staff Assistant Council Records Section City Clerk's Office    Not available
     This meeting can be viewed in its entirety through the City's Legislative Research Center at http://milwaukee.legistar.com/calendar.    Not available