City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  June 21, 2005

Item No.:        

 3

Recommendation:  That the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2351, creating Section 17.0316 of the Municipal Code creating the South 27^th Street Urban Village zoning district.

Background:  On March 15, 2005 the Council adopted Resolution No. 10493 adopting the South 27^th Street Sub Area Plan.  The key element of that plan was the creation of an “urban village” for the area between Rawson and Drexel Avenues.  The concept behind the urban village is further explained in the attached excerpt from the adopted plan.

Also on February 1, 2005 the Council authorized a contract with Ruekert & Mielke to draft the language of overlay districts and design standards for the entire corridor.  This contract was later amended to include the drafting of language specifically for the urban village zoning, which was the subject of a public hearing on May 17, 2005.

Planning staff has reviewed the draft ordinance, and has made some changes with respect to formatting.  Hotels were also added to the list of permitted uses in the Mixed Commercial and Neighborhood Center sections of the ordinance.  Minimum area requirements for planned unit developments within the urban village were also eliminated.

A valid protest petition has been filed in opposition to this ordinance.  Its passage by the Common Council will require a ¾ majority, or 5 of 6 votes.

If the Council were to adopt this ordinance, and make the Urban Village zoning district part of the Municipal Code, there would be additional public hearing(s) needed to rezone the properties in this area.

The Plan Commission has reviewed the initial version of the draft ordinance, and has recommended its approval.

Fiscal Impact:  Proper planning for the 27^th Street corridor will create long-term, sustainable tax base for the City.  There currently exists a moratorium upon development in this area (between Rawson and Drexel) until on or before July 6, 2005.

Prepared by: Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development

Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk