Plan Commission hears downtown master plan quarterly report, streetscape updates

The West Bend Plan Commission received its downtown master plan quarterly report on March 3, with staff describing recent streetscape and business changes and commissioners asking follow-up questions about maintenance.

Planning staff said pedestrian enhancements at the Washington and 7th/Main intersection have been completed to improve traffic and pedestrian movements tied to downtown activity and adjacent northern development. The report also noted incremental improvements by the Business Improvement District south of Walnut, including additional seasonal decorations intended to boost the area.

Staff listed several downtown occupancy changes: the Shiny Ink Lounge relocation discussed earlier on the agenda, new tenants filling space in the BMO building, and the Hussar family’s retirement from a downtown business. "Those were really the highlights that we've had for this quarter for the downtown master plan," Jim said.

A commissioner asked whether the large seasonal planters performed well in their first year. Jim said he had heard no negative feedback and that the plantings were adjusted through the seasons, indicating the feature is functioning as intended to date.

The commission closed the meeting after announcing its next meeting on April 9.