Farmhouse not worth higher density, alderman says
Concessions could create problems
June 23, 2009 | 0 comments
While some city officials have encouraged company 4S to rework Stonewood Village redevelopment plans to preserve a historic farmhouse on the site, at least one is now worried another pressing issue will arise: the density of use on the site.
The Brookfield Plan Commission recently asked developer 4S to seek a variance that would allow a drive aisle to be diverted around the farmhouse, known as the Siepmann home. The original plan for the site called for the building to be torn down or moved.
But 2nd District Alderman Bob Reddin, who represents the district where Stonewood Village is located, said if 4S changes its plans, the company might want something in return - such as larger buildings or more structures on the site - in future phases of the reinvestment plan.
"If we give the developer this variance, they will almost certainly come back with a higher-density proposal, which is exactly what the folks in our district don't want," he said.
Reddin said he ideally would like a low-density plan that saves the circa 1865 farmhouse, but he is willing to lose the farmhouse if it means the revamping of Stonewood Village has less impact on the area.
District 7 Alderwoman Lisa Mellone, who held the discussions with 4S president Michael Schutte and members of the Elmbrook Historical Society that led to the changed plan, said concessions are nothing new in Brookfield.
"We give exceptions all the time for developers," she said, citing extra density, reduced building setbacks and other tools the city has used.
Schutte has expressed interest in preserving the farmhouse if he can get a variance from the city, Mellone said.
"I think he sees this as an opportunity," she said.
Brookfield resident Joe Frigerio, who lives near Stonewood Village, said it is great if 4S wants to keep the historic building, but not if it means giving concessions to the developer.
"I'm more (concerned) about my taxpayer dollars and my quality of life here and the value of my property," he said.
He does not want extra density on the shopping center site, and he wants the mayor and aldermen to take a stand against allowing extra density or changes to developments just because a developer works to keep a historic building or dedicate parkland.
"It's not the developer's city," he said. "Why not be sticklers from the beginning?"
Frigerio said he wants to keep the charm of Stonewood Village - and his neighborhood - and would be upset if high-density developments like those along Bluemound Road started popping up in the area.
"I don't really want to see that happen to Capitol Drive," he said.
Approval of the variance would not guarantee the plan preserving the farmhouse would go forward. That plan still would need the approval of the Plan Commission and the Common Council.
4S is expected to seek the variance from the Board of Appeals next month.
NEXT STEP
WHAT: Board of Appeals discussion and vote on variance for Stonewood Village plan
WHEN: 7 p.m. July 9
WHERE: City Hall, 2000 N. Calhoun Road
INFORMATION: Dan Ertl, director of community development, (262) 796-6695
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