Plan commission approves Farnsworth Middle School expansion; proposes traffic separation and underground stormwater storage

The Sheboygan City Plan Commission approved conditional‑use and architectural applications for an addition and renovation at Farnsworth Middle School, 1017 Union Avenue, that will reorient parts of the campus, modestly increase capacity and formalize parent and bus circulation.

Planning staff described the project as a significant addition that will modernize the facility and shift the primary campus orientation to the south. Architects said buses would be staged on the west side of the site while parent drop‑off will be directed to the east; a fence along Union Avenue is proposed to discourage informal drop‑offs. The main entrance on the Farnsworth site was described by applicants as facing east.

Due to limited on‑site space and drainage patterns, applicants proposed two underground stormwater storage systems rather than surface retention. A staff member confirmed the underground systems are proposed for this project.

Commissioners discussed expected capacity increases: applicants estimated the addition could accommodate roughly 40–60 additional students as built, with a theoretical possibility of up to 100 student capacity as further build‑outs occur. The district said there is no rezoning or reboundering associated with the project; the addition is intended to serve the existing student body at the site.

After questions and discussion — including clarifications about bus and parent circulation and site fencing — the commission moved and approved the conditional‑use permit and the architectural review as submitted.