Rezoning Proposal Wins Approval

A proposal to rezone a 30-acre piece of land on 13th Street that had faced concerns from neighbors was unanimously approved Tuesday by the Oak Creek Common Council.

Capstone Quadrangle, the owner of the property at 9900 S. 13th St., requested the zoning change from agricultural to manufacturing so it can better attract businesses to the site.

Neighbors about what that would mean for the nearby subdivision, particularly because Capstone does not have any specific development plans lined up.

The city countered that its ordinance does not allow industrial buildings to be constructed within 100 feet of the residential zoning line, and requires a 20-foot landscaped buffer along the south property line.

In addition, any specific development plan has to come before the common council for separate approval.

"Our zoning ordinance does have protections in place to minimize the impact on that single-family residential neighborhood," said Doug Seymour, director of community development.

Capstone partner Mike Faber said they have lost business opportunities because of the agricultural zoning. He said the change to manufacturing will help Capstone recruit developers.