Joint zoning commission orders GIP amendment review after residents and commissioners object to proposed Bishops Bay path

The joint zoning commission directed staff on a voice vote to treat a proposed 10-foot paved, multimodal path through the Bishops Bay development as a change substantial enough to require a General Implementation Plan amendment, following a lengthy public-comment period and detailed questioning by commissioners.

The applicant, Jake Buns of the Community of Bishops Bay, told the committee the path would connect the Westport Phase 7 neighborhood to Middletons Back 9 neighborhood and provide golf-cart, bicycle and pedestrian access to the Bishops Bay clubhouse, future Sam Jacobson Park and regional amenities. "We're really just wanna connect the 2 communities," Buns said, calling the path a temporary, efficient way to provide that connectivity while larger roadway links are completed.

Why it matters: Commissioners and multiple residents said the paved route would be a notable change from the developments master plan and raises practical concerns about ownership, public access and safety. Opponents said the path would run near private yards, could substantially increase HOA maintenance obligations, and is too steep in places to meet ADA standards. Supporters told the commission they had received constituent requests for better neighborhood connectivity and that the developer would pay construction costs.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on alternatives, asking whether the country club or other landowners supported routing, whether the portion that later becomes parkland would remain private until dedication, and how maintenance and policing of a private path through public parkland would be handled. Buns said the developer would fund construction and that portions of the underlying land would remain private until dedicated as Woodland Park during a later phase; he also said the club had expressed support at board or committee levels.

Multiple residents spoke by Zoom and in person. Steve Wisniewski, who said he lives "near the end of the proposed cart path," said many buyers relied on the original master plan and opposed a paved golf-cart road through their neighborhood. Other speakers warned a 10-foot paved route on a 12–15% slope would be hazardous for mixed users, including children and bicyclists.

After discussion the commission member Mary Mannering moved and Chris Harp seconded a motion finding the proposal not sufficiently consistent with the General Implementation Plan and directing staff to process a GIP amendment if the applicant wishes to proceed. The motion carried on a voice vote; the chair clarified that the determination does not obligate the applicant to pursue the GIP amendment and that staff and the applicant could explore alternatives consistent with the master plan.

Next steps: Staff advised the applicant to return with more detail, documentation of property agreements (club or private landowner support), alternatives that reduce slopes or avoid private yards, and evidence of community support if the applicant seeks a GIP amendment that would trigger public hearings before the joint zoning committee and common council.