City Warms to Hanna Trailer Proposal, Approves Changes

The Oak Creek Common Council signed off on changes at Hanna Trailer, after the business earlier this year. 

Hanna, 7525 S. Howell Ave., will erect a permanent outdoor display of recreational vehicles and trailers. The business has been hit hard by the economy and owners say they are trying everything they can to bring customers to the store.

City officials and Oak Creek Plan Commission members hesitated at first, largely because of the precedent it would set and concerns about aesthetics on Oak Creek's busiest commercial corridor. 

But they were criticized by some for being un-friendly to businesses, especially in light of the tough economy.

The two sides . Hanna modified its proposal to feature a smaller display with landscaping and masonry wall and also agreed to remove two trailers from the sidewalk.

The council unanimously approved the modified request Tuesday. Aldermen said they appreciated Hanna's patience.

"The planning commission and Hanna Trailer came to a very good compromise," said Alderman Tom Michalski, who also sits on the Plan Commission. "The planning commission was looking to get some things done so the city can look good and encourage businesses to come here. Hanna, in their good spiritedness, followed through. 

"This was a compromise and I think it was a good exercise to go through."