By Dave Fidlin
A proposed small warehouse business could soon occupy land along South Janesville Street on Whitewater’s southern end. But a number of issues — including the potential widening of state Highway 59 — could impact the design of the property.
The city Plan and Architectural Review Commission on Aug. 11 discussed applicant Michael Sina’s request to subdivide a lot at 1002 S. Janesville St. The property is already zoned for commercial and light industrial use.
“The project, which contains multiple buildings on one lot, will require a conditional-use permit,” Consulting City Planner Mike Slavney said.
Coming before commissioners, Sina laid out his plans for the property. He said he wants to create a row of mini warehouses — totaling 18 units — that would run perpendicular to Highway 59.
In reviewing the plans, several commissioners, including council member Lynn Binnie, suggested the buildings be set further back from the roadway. While there have not been any concrete plans put in place, there has been talk of widening Highway 59 as vehicular traffic continues to increase.
Binnie said 17 additional feet within the right of way would accommodate one extra lane of traffic.
Slavney agreed the future of Highway 59 should be considered before a final determination is made on the property.
“At some point, there’s going to be a need for four lanes of traffic here,” he said.
Sina’s proposal will be discussed further at a future date and will ultimately go before the Common Council for action.
In other recent business, commissioners recommended rezoning a property at 288 S. Janesville St. to an overlay district.
The technical designation would allow applicants Dennis and Eva Stanton, owners of SOBO Properties LLC, to have up to four unrelated persons living within the residential property.
A first reading of the rezoning request went before the Common Council Aug. 19, and a second and final reading is anticipated next month.
