A nearly 180-unit mixed-use subdivision proposed in Howard is on hold for now.
Meacham Realty & Development, under the subsidiary DML Properties LLC, hopes to redevelop the 37-acre Red Leaf subdivision at 4183 Shawano Ave. in Howard. Under the original proposal, the project would include single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartments.
The village’s Plan Commission approved a request for a preliminary Planned Development District designation to develop the property, but the Village Board voted to table the plan — instead of rejecting it — after hearing concerns at its June 23 meeting.
Meacham Realty & Development will have to adjust its plan and bring it back to the village for further consideration.
What were some concerns about the subdivision?
Around 35 people attended the Village Board meeting, with speakers expressing concerns around the lack of green space, amount of sidewalks, density of the subdivision, the apartment buildings included in the plan, and road conditions in the area.
“If we continue to do this high density, we will turn into a downtown of Green Bay,” Whitney Barnes said.
Barnes and other speakers said they worry about the number of apartments included in the plan, preferring houses and wider lots to keep the “value of the community.”
Kathleen McAllister said the multifamily units and high density of the subdivision are the opposite of the space and green lawns that attract people to Howard.
“This is a rural section of the village of Howard,” McAllister said. “Multifamily units do not foster and encourage roots. There will be a continuous revolving door of people coming and going.”
Village Board asks for adjustments to the plan
Several board members, including Chris Nielsen, Maria Lasecki and Cathy Hughes, said they agreed with concerns about the density of the lots and inclusion of apartments in the subdivision. Board President Burt McIntyre agreed with the need for more green spaces and opposed multifamily units in the plan.
Board member Adam Lemorande said a need for more apartments exists in Howard since other apartment buildings, such as Howard Commons, are filling up quickly. John Muraski said there needs to be distinction between the lots’ density and number of apartments because there’s a need for housing, adding he is struggling to find a house to buy in Howard.
Craig McAllister, who was the lone vote against tabling the plan, said it would be “irresponsible to let it continue” for all parties because of the costs and emotions around the project. He said stormwater management is a major concern because it would be off-site across Shawano Avenue on a landowner’s field.
Developer says a need exists for the subdivision
Nicole Meacham Ahlborg, chief operating officer of Meacham Realty, said the subdivision is a sign of the current need for housing.
“There are other communities and other areas that have those type of densities,” Ahlborg said. “Times are changing. We are trying to attain attainable housing.”
Jennifer Sunstrom, director of public relations and government affairs of the Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin, said the area is “significantly underproducing” housing options for the region, and the supply is hovering at about two to three months.
What’s included in the original subdivision plan?
Plans submitted to the village call for 179 total units, nearly half of which would be single-family home lots of varying widths. Here’s the proposed residential mix:
Jeff Bollier of the Press-Gazette contributed to this report.
Contact Benita Mathew at bmathew@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Howard Village Board puts new subdivision on Shawano Avenue on hold; concerns raised about apartments
Reporting by Benita Mathew, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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