Plan commission clears Bridgeview Plaza rezoning for two‑phase multifamily development; local business owner voices support

The City Plan Commission unanimously approved a general rezoning for Bridgeview Plaza on June 29, setting the stage for a phased redevelopment that would replace an existing strip mall with two five‑story multifamily buildings.

Planning staff said Phase 1 would demolish the strip mall between Blue Zone and Harbor Freight and construct a five‑story building of about 101 units (mostly one‑ and two‑bedroom units) with underground parking; Phase 2 would place a similar building nearby with roughly 100 units. Staff recommended approval of the plan‑development general rezoning while noting outstanding utility and engineering issues that must be resolved before specific rezoning and final design review.

Council member Trost asked how developers plan phasing and the interaction with utilities. Staff replied that utilities cannot cross parcel lines and that developers typically phase construction to avoid competing with their own projects; staff compared this approach to other recent multifamily projects in La Crosse.

Tom O'Brien, owner of North Country Steak Buffet at Bridgeview Plaza, spoke in support of the redevelopment, saying the site suffered years of neglect under out‑of‑state property owners and that the current owners (Eagle Bay Properties) have shown greater care for the property and local businesses. "These are people of integrity, and generosity," O'Brien said, adding that renderings promise an improved entrance to the city.

Commissioner Yeager praised planning staff for their work on the project and the commission approved the general rezoning unanimously; the developers will return for specific rezoning, final design review and resolution of outstanding engineering issues before construction proceeds.