[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6332984,"mediaKeyId","2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc","parentId",2304038,"title","Plan Commission reviews Heyday 114‑unit townhouse plan amid traffic, wetlands and communication concerns","audioSeconds",2440,"startMs",877000,"endMs",3317000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc&start=877&end=3317","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc/thumbnail_877000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6332984/Cottage-Grove/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Plan-Commission-reviews-Heyday-114unit-townhouse-plan-amid-traffic-wetlands-and-communication-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332984-38247f738a34390d7197321a2a197925/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174064&Signature=lOw3puV90q30aJSXDJUEikhpmKoIc3qAga1xF22I5JKSO4cFjOL5lzoJkjv~Oswc9WP~EsUCL9AhRph4VRduCIk4-txWv-62762QFZYiJUphnV-C8dEQOz8u3MrTq7sVYBdkUpw0iy2qJZomDZcbwtKHI4iF7O6aWo4kPp8mE9GbO33DaoC-qlrQmc4LHHojsH7-LKne596D6tCVxZtYQrR2Z7x2JQz16HbeEWZZaNjU-~3Kw4JmqMikpR521nPcHLool-a1AZRqTd~UgONcruW6~xGbIlkoD6jEzCAWqD9XTSM4lewY95tQurCnbmbDCW~ezLTZNdiNhrwjizmTpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-13T14:32:44Z","article","The Cottage Grove Plan Commission on an agenda item for CR DevCo (d/b/a Heyday) reviewed a precise implementation plan for a 114‑unit townhouse development at the northeast corner of West Cottage Grove Road and Bus Road. Staff recommended approval with multiple conditions; the developer described a reduced, lower‑density project and residents raised concerns about traffic, wetland and utility impacts.

The plan commission packet and staff memo outlined recommended conditions including: documenting the reasons for using a planned unit development instead of a standard district (green space, building/unit counts), provision of a small tot‑lot playground, retaining the access and library‑site conditions from the previously approved general development plan, an addressing plan reviewed by the village, visible address numbers on front and rear of buildings, public‑standard street signs on the portion of Fundamental Way to be public, park and sewer/water impact fees, driveway relocation coordination (cost to be borne by the developer), separate site plan review for any future commercial building, and a required vacation of a portion of Fundamental Way prior to recording the certified survey map (CSM).

Engineering comments from staff and the village’s consultant noted that a full traffic impact analysis (TIA) was not anticipated for this residential project but that a TIA could be completed and would likely reach similar conclusions. Staff and the developer agreed the site will include right‑turn lanes and two left‑turn basins into the development; the developer indicated willingness to build turn lanes. Staff also described plans for a pedestrian crossing at the Cottage Grove/Bus Road intersection, private internal streets with some public elements (Fundamental Way public in the cul‑de‑sac portion), 12‑inch water main and sewer mains positioned to allow future looping and capacity to the west, and that the sewers through the private streets would be maintained by the village via easements. Stormwater review is also in Dane County’s jurisdiction; staff noted proposed wet and dry stormwater basins and suggested consideration of fencing adjacent to residential units where wet ponds are proposed.

Residents who spoke during public appearances pushed for greater transparency and more environmental and traffic review before approvals proceed. Abby McDonald (homeowner, 208 Heather Drive) asked what “environmental due diligence” mentioned by public works would entail and how it would be funded, noting the developer offer and building plans had been “temporarily tabled.” Pamela Hanson (233 Taylor Street) said Alliant Energy contacted her about equipment on her property and asked why such utility work would be happening while approvals remain uncertain. Nick Euknes, a professional wetland scientist who lives at 245 Heather Drive, listed studies that typically accompany development — wetland delineation, cultural resources Phase I survey, threatened and endangered species review — and that a stormwater permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would be required if the project proceeds; he asked whether and how those studies would be made public and whether the public would be given an opportunity to comment before village decisions.

An opponent who addressed the commission at length urged rejection of the project based on density and impacts to public safety and property values, citing the village’s existing multi‑unit vacancies (the speaker referenced 28 vacant units at one complex and other local vacancies) and noting MR2 zoning can allow up to 12 units per acre and eight units per building as a conditional use. The speaker recommended a comprehensive traffic and public‑safety impact analysis, and said increasing multi‑unit approvals have strained volunteer fire and police resources.

Heyday representatives responded that the project had been reduced from an originally larger approved development to 114 units, that most units would be two‑ and three‑bedrooms with direct‑access two‑car garages and driveways (1,450–1,600 square feet per unit in the company’s materials), and that the product is intended to “feel like a single‑family home” with on‑site maintenance and snow removal provided by management. The developer said rents would range roughly from $2,400 to $2,700 per month and estimated the residential portion’s value at about $40,000,000. The firm also said it had conducted an internal traffic review (Snyder Associates), agreed to install left‑turn lanes the village expects, and has been coordinating with the adjacent school to provide pedestrian connectivity and a crossing to serve Shady Grove and the schools.

Commission discussion touched on several implementation points: utilities along Cottage Grove Road include overhead lines the developer may need to relocate; the village cannot unilaterally require relocation/burial of existing off‑site utilities except as part of negotiated funding (for example, through a TID/TIF). Staff asked the developer to confirm addressing and emergency service circulation; fire and EMS asked for visible rear address numbers and limited on‑street parking on private streets so apparatus can pass. The developer told commissioners trash service will operate like a single‑family home (resident bins stored in garages and rolled out on trash day), and that maintenance staff will access mechanical equipment placed adjacent to garages to reduce in‑unit service calls.

Procedurally, a motion was made to approve the precise implementation plan with the staff and Strand (consultant) conditions in the packet. A separate motion to add a condition requiring stone veneer on the Cottage Grove Road‑facing units was proposed and seconded; that amendment failed on roll call. The transcript does not record an explicit final roll‑call tally for the primary PIP approval in the excerpted record (see actions array for motion text and recorded amendment outcome). The related certified survey map splitting the overall site into a residential lot, a commercial lot and an outlot for stormwater was considered separately and later carried (see separate article on the CSM).

Why it matters: The project would add substantial new rental housing on a primary corridor in the village, with consequences for traffic, stormwater, utility capacity, emergency response and school pedestrian access. Commissioners conditioned review on detailed addressing, accessibility for emergency services, stormwater coordination with Dane County, and coordination of driveway relocations and park/sewer impact fees.

Votes at a glance: the transcript records a failed amendment to add stone veneer (amendment failed on roll call); the final approval status of the precise implementation plan is not recorded in the excerpted transcript and is therefore listed as not specified. The related certified survey map to split the parcels was approved (see separate article).

Ending: Staff will return finalized plans and the CSM recording to the village with required revisions and conditions; several outstanding technical items — stormwater details, final traffic documentation as needed, addressing, and easement language for utilities and sewer ownership/maintenance — must be resolved before final permits are issued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2/12/2025 Plan Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The Cottage Grove Plan Commission reviewed a precise implementation plan for a 114‑unit townhouse development proposed by CR DevCo (d/b/a Heyday) at the northeast corner of West Cottage Grove Road and Bus Road; staff recommended approval with conditions while residents and a wetland scientist urged additional traffic, environmental and utility review.","taxTitle","Cottage Grove, Dane County, Wisconsin","taxId",72712,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6332963,"Planning Commission recommends 1 parking space per 400 sq ft for library zoning standard",484,5311000,5795000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc&start=5311&end=5795","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc/thumbnail_5311000.jpg","/articles/6332963/Cottage-Grove/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Planning-Commission-recommends-1-parking-space-per-400-sq-ft-for-library-zoning-standard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332963-b0f7fe478deb59fedcf0c26c57a7580d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174064&Signature=Xx5R8GfDkQ6m2RRAii6RPrbavaZXer~DPLaVRvIhegtMyKbQPMJN1sDMCducpV1EA2z~Y7N4B0~sD9Jd3fYhtHAjiWfLNUh5emZceUqCe-2b5HXN4B8F84wfiUMGTiQvpZya8lXzf5mq1mG0JeFamNT8~-Uw9OZYRrs0FfG1EnmPKkJmiqyWPY3ann00u--mtZEaXAPwwXifG7uyY8uZzydUirby3V-wR6wENEEtU~0Zlj03i6yhQns7Vtyw1KKPt9OiDzWyqIya1hJzy75xfExCtZZDMlOu0nrx~lVvm4Xv0hhEI8bbKqJ9SXkn-bV~L8WkQTfEvMdjjOOMWRGsXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cottage Grove Plan Commission opened and closed a public hearing on potential changes to the zoning ordinance’s library parking requirement and voted to recommend that the Village Board adopt a parking minimum of one space per 400 square feet. Staff had provided comparisons of neighboring communities and suggested options including applying a ratio to net square footage (excluding mechanical and non‑usable circulation areas) rather than gross building area.

Public comment included a resident (Mark) who said his calculation of local comparisons yielded about 30 required spaces under some approaches; staff and commissioners exchanged views on whether 1:250 (the existing standard cited in discussions) or 1:400 is more appropriate. One commissioner suggested applying 1:400 to net square footage as a compromise. Commissioners also discussed the practical parking availability around the municipal site, including adjacent Municipal Service Building stalls and on‑street parking during events.

A motion to recommend the zoning ordinance change setting library parking at 1:400 passed on voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Village Board; staff noted that the commission’s recommendation is advisory and the board will make the final ordinance decision.

Why it matters: Library parking ratios influence the required parking footprint for any proposed library building and affect site design, adjacent road impacts and how the village evaluates future library locations and programming needs.

Ending: The commission’s recommendation (1:400) will be forwarded to the Village Board for final action.","After a public hearing and internal debate, the Plan Commission moved to recommend the Village Board amend the zoning ordinance so library parking minimums equal one space per 400 square feet (commission suggested applying the ratio to net rather than gross square footage).",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6332968,"Commission discusses draft beekeeping rules for single‑family yards; settles on setbacks and rear‑yard requirement",410,4830000,5240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc&start=4830&end=5240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc/thumbnail_4830000.jpg","/articles/6332968/Cottage-Grove/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Commission-discusses-draft-beekeeping-rules-for-singlefamily-yards-settles-on-setbacks-and-rearyard-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332968-3e9095157ac41d68cfa637c4c8a7c907/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174064&Signature=Tm6d2RSkq7WW91PIcCJlCtf20XagfCvv4GT6pNjMTWh-IxA3BnEVQ0q4BOyK5mpIZ5H~t--htPH~CuEb1WNJQT3kEkM9xTX1K4sOlGt-wlSgjupXhQ~zWHWKURKxLFy~-Kgct31drY~N6gxitDdEDARei2GuntMO5jJgOdE~-a7Sr6Hbv3l45jiQMYcsIKWU3RATjHs4Qt8T~Pn2tLycyzCIJVxuhD0Ssr1aPGN0YCCtu4Lgaso7YOFevjLybj~oYBc6R4Y6WlZqKhxk913aYXEJ3mnn8v1jRcTRYv-jGta0WeSwq2mOPzXoVHlct6atzom~PaDgUT1wFOpfQ0NexA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cottage Grove Plan Commission reopened discussion on a proposed zoning amendment to allow beekeeping in single‑family residential yards and reviewed ordinance approaches used by nearby municipalities. Staff described commonly adopted components: limits on the number of hives, setback requirements, hive size limits, a requirement for a water source on the property so bees do not seek neighbor pools or birdbaths, removable frames inside hive boxes, and a “flyway barrier” (fence or vegetation) to force bees to rise above pedestrian level before leaving the property.

Commissioners voiced personal concerns about allergies and neighbor safety while also noting the value of beekeeping for pollinators. Several members signaled support for these specific draft parameters: 20‑foot setbacks from property lines, rear‑yard placement only, a flyway barrier when hives are within 50 feet of a property line, and a constant supply of fresh water on the hive owner’s property. Commissioners opposed creating a new license or routine conditional‑use hearing as part of the ordinance but asked staff to add a scalable limit on hive counts tied to lot size (for example, fewer hives on smaller lots and more on larger lots), following models such as Stoughton and Middleton.

Commissioners asked staff to return with a draft ordinance that defines “hive,” sets setbacks and flyway/barrier language, specifies acceptable water‑source approaches, and includes a straightforward, lot‑size‑based table for permitted hive counts. Staff confirmed they will include a definition section and a cross‑check of examples from surrounding communities.

Why it matters: The proposed ordinance balances residents’ safety and property rights with agricultural/hobbyist beekeeping and pollinator protection. Clear setbacks and lot‑size limits aim to reduce neighbor conflicts while allowing small‑scale beekeeping.

Ending: Staff will draft ordinance language reflecting the commission’s direction and return it for the commission’s review and a future public hearing.","The Plan Commission reviewed model ordinances and tentatively supported a 20‑foot setback from property lines, rear‑yard placement only, a flyway barrier and a constant onsite water source; commissioners declined to require licenses or conditional‑use permits but asked staff to draft lot‑size‑based hive limits and definitions.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6332974,"Plan Commission approves site plan for new Cottage Grove police station with conditions",1293,3520000,4813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc&start=3520&end=4813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc/thumbnail_3520000.jpg","/articles/6332974/Cottage-Grove/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Plan-Commission-approves-site-plan-for-new-Cottage-Grove-police-station-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332974-5157acabf2480b9ff5c4e13b083b3d03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174064&Signature=DJZRHNhQqwrMNnJw0hMnzBhkcTkZsJArHiudTCAwyGVhHRh7w~EddGJtrp2EsEzFm-kv08rRAJwiUwxGybSpeaXqfEStt9Tc2423NZy2uLoynrwy57U8e-OJEIf~Wv0Pj9yKtAhlfJ7vs77E3DYuO5bpAtovlbTgoyro8uxMNFMMmrjlP88~Vw5e~IHj98jRl6v6cD-l-KjLvFqdPOGUqpklxUoezAKY6b7b2V1donOCJcC-fWIFVrmAieqWuna0ZqmREirYm6Upm-moFjurzGX1wJFK0Wp6Yfrbu4c1A~sTJEf2adhlQ-~xKp8V7WXLImEWGVSDZjsRMUnQ8USqBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cottage Grove Plan Commission approved a site plan for a new police station proposed at the northeast corner of Progress Drive and Bonney Road. The one‑story building is approximately 27,789 square feet and includes public parking in front, a secure 31‑space parking yard in back with gated access for police vehicles, vehicle storage/indoor parking, a community room sized to hold about 100 people, and associated site landscaping and lighting.

Design and site details presented by staff and the project architect included split‑face CMU, brick and metal panel materials on primary facades, a “calling card” entry feature, rooftop mechanical screening, and limited rooftop solar panels proposed as an optional bid alternates. Stormwater is proposed in two dry basins, one at the west side and a smaller basin integrated with the rear parking area. A trash enclosure sits outside the secure gate; a generator enclosure is located close to the building. The landscaping plan includes a native prairie buffer between the sidewalk and the building and additional plantings to soften the adjacent municipal building.

Staff conditions noted in the approval included obtaining sign permits, providing bike racks near the front entry, and verifying plant species and counts on the landscape plan. Fire and EMS reviewed circulation and access in pre‑design meetings and asked for visible rear addressing and controls on street parking within the private internal drive so equipment can circulate; the design team reported the fire department had no unresolved objections to the proposed layout and that a yard fire department connection location was discussed.

Commissioners raised practical concerns about event parking for the community room and the long‑term maintenance cost of building finishes and optional sustainability measures. The applicant and staff described approximately a dozen public parking spaces in front of the building and noted adjacent Municipal Service Building (MSB) parking and curbside space along Progress Drive and Bonnie Road could serve additional visitors when events occur. Commissioners asked about optional solar and geothermal measures; staff said solar was included as an add alternate in bid documents and that prior local public‑building solar reviews showed long payback periods for the inverter and components.

A motion to approve the site plan as presented was made, seconded and carried on voice vote. Conditions, including the sign permits, bike rack placement and landscape verification, are to be satisfied before land‑disturbance permits and final approvals are issued.

Why it matters: The new station consolidates municipal public safety functions and provides a community room while raising questions about event parking, landscape and long‑term maintenance costs. The secure vehicle yard, addressing and circulation were key operational points for firefighters, EMS and police.

Ending: Staff will track the required conditions (sign permits, bike racks, landscape counts) and coordinate final engineering and building permit reviews with Public Works before construction.","Commission approved a site plan for a new roughly 27,789‑square‑foot police station at Progress Drive and Bonney Road, including a secured vehicle yard, a community room sized for about 100 people and landscape and signage conditions; staff noted parking will rely in part on adjacent Municipal Service Building stalls and on‑street capacity.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6332979,"Commission approves certified survey map splitting Heyday site into residential, commercial and stormwater outlot",2459,1022000,3481000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc&start=1022&end=3481","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2304038-4907567a092ccad975d84c5e1b8ac8cc/thumbnail_1022000.jpg","/articles/6332979/Cottage-Grove/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Commission-approves-certified-survey-map-splitting-Heyday-site-into-residential-commercial-and-stormwater-outlot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332979-c26278c6d6f4a3041f6c65079572a93d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174064&Signature=Keqt1QbLGTiF1BmNblhG577hkam-Ff~ZJ8q-IMBSWTfILnA1E1FT~S3WPzOW4wOFKdGPT-17oQumc-zI0-M8fKvisZLDmmSXvNd0RkncFxFJ8Ig7FMStd~dPeafZkS16mbwidjkrkRcNsU4WzsI34c7qU8CiG3mfpVricdfaENIIEPGwDZwJiJevK5zuOYyBJTLXLc18gEECCBIlc5UCOsRnthydACWs~cjNgbjfnDwCJQ1e9GKmeLCFNOyp8QA0asIMfu0W0EcCIRAqjXELjvQLmVSJV5vAQAZyTUKTXjhk0e1x~w2X7SX0T7l0XdoIAQjqUzX1h9tEIxhL77QkFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cottage Grove Plan Commission approved a certified survey map (CSM) to subdivide the parcel associated with the proposed Heyday development into three components: a residential lot, a commercial lot and an outlot for stormwater management. The CSM approval carried by voice and roll‑call vote with four members in favor and three opposed.

Staff described CSM‑specific conditions including the formal request (and approval) required to vacate the portion of Fundamental Way north of the cul‑de‑sac prior to recording the CSM, and other parcel‑split technical conditions included in the staff memo. The CSM was presented as a separate ministerial land‑division action distinct from zoning and use approvals (the packet shows the PUD zoning was previously adopted and the PIP is a subsequent step).

Motion and vote: A commissioner moved approval of the CSM with conditions; the motion was seconded. A roll‑call vote returned four ayes and three nays, and the motion carried.

Why it matters: Recording the CSM is necessary for official parcel creation and for enabling separate sale or future development of the commercial parcel. The CSM approval triggers the requirement that the vacation of the right‑of‑way (Fundamental Way) be completed before the map is recorded. That vacation and the CSM conditions must be resolved before final platting and building permits for the separate parcels.

Ending: Staff will track the vacation request and confirm the CSM conditions are met before recording the map with Dane County.","The Plan Commission approved a certified survey map to divide the development parcel into a residential lot, a commercial lot and an outlot for stormwater; the approval carried on a narrow 4‑3 vote and includes conditions about vacating part of Fundamental Way before recording.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Plan Commission reviews Heyday 114‑unit townhouse plan amid traffic, wetlands and communication concerns

Planning Commission recommends 1 parking space per 400 sq ft for library zoning standard

Commission discusses draft beekeeping rules for single‑family yards; settles on setbacks and rear‑yard requirement

Plan Commission approves site plan for new Cottage Grove police station with conditions

Commission approves certified survey map splitting Heyday site into residential, commercial and stormwater outlot