Middleton plan commission approves future land-use change for 7617 Terrace despite neighborhood opposition

The Middleton Plan Commission voted 5–2 to recommend changing the city’s future land-use map for 7617 Terrace Avenue from "established neighborhood" to "downtown mixed use," moving the developer’s proposal for a 70-unit apartment building forward in the review process.

The vote followed an extended public hearing in which residents urged the commission to reject the change, citing blasting risks, traffic and loss of a nearby environmental corridor. Karen Meinholtz, who identified herself as co-owner of Little Red Preschool on North High Point and Terrace, told the commission: "We are definitely opposed to changing the residential properties and lots to be multi use" and asked how 200 children would be protected during any blasting.

Neighbors emphasized three recurring concerns: damage to historic homes and foundations from blasting, removal of woodland that serves as a wildlife corridor, and the scale and setbacks of a five-story building next to single-family yards. Todd Ostrom described the proposal as "a 5 story behemoth" and warned that "once you blast off tons of rock to make room for this apartment, you could never get that back." Several speakers also challenged the developer’s "mixed use" label, saying the team has proposed apartments, not ground-floor commercial uses.

The applicant, New Year Investments, said it is a local, woman-owned team and pledged to work with neighbors on design and mitigation. "We are committed to high quality design and construction," said Anne Neujar Morrison, the developer’s presenter, adding the team will provide setbacks, a buried parking/green-roof area, and work with neighbors on fencing and landscaping. Staff noted that any future approvals would require additional specific studies — including a certified survey map, a traffic impact analysis, a tree-removal and planting plan, stormwater compliance and a detailed blasting plan required under Wisconsin statutes.

Commission discussion focused on the environmental-corridor mapping and process. Several commissioners asked staff to confirm whether the parcel’s inclusion on CARPC’s environmental corridor map is current and whether staking and an administrative adjustment are required. Commissioner comments noted the commission must follow a stepped review — first the comprehensive-plan amendment, then rezoning, then site-plan review with technical studies.

The motion to approve the FLU (future land-use) change, moved by Commissioner Mitchell Bruce and seconded by Alder Henairo, passed on a roll call with five in favor and two opposed. The minutes record the result as "Motion passes 5 to 2." The commission then voted to delay the related rezoning item to the March 26 agenda so staff can follow up with CARPC and address outstanding mapping and process questions.

Next steps: the developer will need to submit a formal rezoning application (to be considered after the March 26 meeting if the applicant proceeds), a certified survey map combining parcels, and the required technical studies before any site-plan approval or building permits could be issued.