The Port Washington Plan Commission voted to approve a site and operation plan for an eight‑bed community‑based residential facility at the northeast corner of Woodridge Lane and East Sauk Road.

The application from Red Granite Development Company, with Welton Development LLC as the property owner and IGS as the operator, drew questions about parking, circulation and exterior materials. Staff recommended approval contingent on design review board input; the design review board had recommended approval with a gray color palette.

Staff member Bob Harris presented the site and elevations and said the intent was to “mimic that single family residence” character along Woodridge. Jeff Lake of Red Granite Development Company told the commission the design team had worked to match the neighborhood and that the developer preferred a gray palette. Lake also said the parcel became available after other lots were scarce and that the project is a relocation of an existing Highland CBRF.

Residents and commissioners pressed the applicant on parking. Jeff Lake said the facility will provide six on‑site parking stalls, noting that other eight‑bed facilities in the area have had six spaces. He described typical staffing as “there is always one person on staff over the night hours and during daytime shifts there’s usually two with potential of a third and a manager.” Lake said the design includes a circular drive to allow a van to pick up residents without backing into Sauk Road and to provide overflow parking on paved areas when needed.

Commissioners and the applicant discussed screening and headlights; Lake said landscaping, a mix of oaks and evergreens and low plantings, was intended to reduce visual and light impacts to adjoining homes. City staff noted civil engineering review had not been completed and that additional civil comments could follow; the commission was told the driveway layout was unlikely to change.

Alderman Neumeier moved to accept staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The commission’s action approves the site and operation plan as presented, with the design review board’s endorsement of the gray palette and staff concurrence. Civil review and any required building or utility permits remain outstanding, and the applicant said they will continue coordination with the Woodridge homeowners association.