Plan Commission Meeting Agenda and Packet Update

CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE Plan Commission Meeting Agenda City Administration Building 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Tuesday, September 22, 2026 6:30 PM Common Council Chambers 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of the July 28, 2026 and September 15, 2026 meeting minutes. 4. Presentation/discussion of development proposal from Sawall Development, regarding city-owned property at 2318 10th Ave. South Milwaukee, WI 53172. 5. Discussion/Possible motion to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85 (1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchase of public properties, investing of public funds, or conducting other business when competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Specifically, to discuss the potential acquisition of properties within the city for redevelopment purposes. 6. Schedule next meeting (October 27, 2026). 7. Adjournment. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTE: Upon reasonable notice, a good faith effort will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible, preferably a minimum of 48 hours. For additional information contact the City Clerk’s office at 414-762-2222. CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE PLAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 28, 2026 1. Call meeting to order/roll call. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.by Mayor Brett Briesemeister. Members present: Patrick Brever, Chris Haslam, Nick Gates, Ald. David Bartoshevich, and Kevin Worm. Ald. Michal Olechowski was absent and excused. Also present Economic Development Manager Ericka Lang and City Administrator Travis Wells. 2. Approval of the May 26, 2026 meeting minutes. Gates motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Haslam. All in favor. 3. Meeting 3, Discussion/possible consideration of an Ordinance to amend municipal zoning code chapter 15 regulations pertaining to: a. §15.16 Lot and building regulations b. §15.21 Signs c. §15.22 Parking and loading areas d. §15.23 Landscaping and screening e. §15.26 Construction site erosion and sediment control f. §15.27 Post-construction storm water management g. §15.28 Definitions Lang reviewed each proposed revision, noting any changes from previous drafts. Sam Schultz from Von Briesen was present, commenting on changes to accessory structure heights to accommodate a living unit above a detached garage. There was no discussion on the proposed amendments. Haslam motioned to recommend that the Common Council adopt an ordinance amending sections of Chapter 15, Zoning Regulations, relating to lot and building setbacks and heights, driveways and improved parking spaces, landscaping and screening, signage, stormwater management, and other miscellaneous text amendments for code clarification, as shown in Exhibit A, seconded by Brever. All in favor, motion carries. 4. Discussion/possible consideration of an Ordinance to impose zoning limitations on new tax-exempt uses within open Tax Incremental Financing Districts. The city attorney provided a draft ordinance that prohibits new non-taxable uses to operate within an active Tax Incremental Districts. The ordinance applies to existing TIDs. Schultz stated tax exempt uses can be harmful to TIDs, compounded by the decline of storefront businesses. As written, uses may not be singled-out unless council approves an exception. City of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2 Gates motioned to recommend that the Common Council adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 15 Zoning Section 15.18 imposing new tax-exempt uses within open tax incremental financing districts, seconded by Haslam. All in favor, motion carries. 5. Economic Development Staff Quarterly Report, updating on Bucyrus grants, businesses, commercial vacancies, development projects, and plan commission activities. Lang reviewed the economic development report for the first half of 2026. Commissioners inquired about the two Renewtowns business pitch contest winners from April. Lang noted the restaurant going into 1009 Milwaukee Ave and the record listening lounge going into 1003 Milwaukee are both progressing with nearly completed construction plans and façade renderings. Both anticipate opening mid-year 2027. 6. Schedule next meeting. (August 25, 2026 at 6:30 pm) 7. Adjourn. Brever motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m., seconded by Bartoshevich. Vote unanimous. Recorded by Heidi Eichner Recording Secretary CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE Plan Commission Meeting Minutes - UNAPPROVED City Administration Building 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 6:00 PM Common Council Chambers Special Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Briesemeister called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Bartoshevich, Brever, Gates, Halam, Worm, Briesemeister Commissioner excused: Olechowski 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS Discussion/possible action on the following items A. Economic Development 1) *Consideration of the negotiation strategies related to the second amendment to the development agreement with Scott Crawford, Inc. 2) *Consideration of a proposed agreement related to contributing funds to the relocation of the Kelly Senior Center. *The Commission may convene into closed session regarding the following items pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(e) to consider the purchasing of public properties, investing of public funds, or to conduct other specified public business whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The Commission may reconvene into open session to consider the balance of the agenda. RESULT: Motion to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(e) to consider the purchasing of public properties, investing of public funds, or to conduct other specified public business whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The Common Council may reconvene into open session to consider the balance of the agenda. MOVER: Brever SECONDER: Haslam VOTE RESULT: Passed 7-0 RESULT: Motion to reconvene into open session to consider the balance of the agenda. MOVER: Haslam SECONDER: Brever VOTE RESULT: Passed 7-0 RESULT: No action taken on items 4.A.1) or 2). 5. ADJOURNMENT RESULT: Motion to adjourn at 6:42 PM. MOVER: Gates SECONDER: Worm VOTE RESULT: Passed 7-0 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 Respectfully Submitted, Steven A. Braatz, Jr. City Clerk Developing Locations. Building Communities. THE TRIPTYCH Proposal for the City of South Milwaukee Development Proposal for the City of South Milwaukee 1. Developer Information Sawall Development is an award-winning family-owned business specializing in real estate projects throughout Wisconsin. With decades of experience in multifamily, townhomes, commercial, and retail developments, Sawall Development has become a trusted name in real estate. Arthur Sawall President Arthur Sawall immigrated to Milwaukee in 1967 at the age of nine, fleeing Stalin’s regime with his family. Despite arriving with few resources and no English skills, Arthur embraced the values of hard work and opportunity. He earned a BSEE from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and began his career at Square D Milwaukee, quickly advancing to manage European operations due to his language skills. After a decade, he founded ECT International Inc., a software company that grew globally before being sold to Bentley Systems (NASDAQ: BSY). Arthur then transitioned into real estate development, applying his business acumen to projects across Southeastern Wisconsin. Under his leadership, Sawall Development has delivered multifamily housing, single-family lots, and commercial spaces. Kevin Sawall Executive Vice President Kevin Sawall serves as the Executive Vice President of Sawall Development, where he focuses on asset management and development operations. Since joining the company in 2018, Kevin has accumulated over five years of hands-on development experience. He oversees the day-to-day operations of current projects and serves as the primary point of contact for clients and partners. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Arts from Xavier University. A resident of Waukesha, Kevin is deeply involved in his community. He enjoys reading, hiking, and writing, and is an avid skier. He actively supports several local charitable organizations focusing on education and animal welfare. Additionally, Kevin served on the Loan Advisory Committee for Business Lending Partners, a branch of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, where he helps provide low-interest loans to small businesses, fostering economic growth in the region. Mike Smith Vice President of Construction Mike Smith serves as Vice President of Construction at Sawall Development, where he oversees construction operations across the company’s development portfolio. With prior experience at Moore Construction and Greenfire Management Services, Mike brings extensive expertise in managing large-scale residential and commercial projects from preconstruction through completion. Mike played a key role in the construction of Rowe MKE Apartments, formerly known as River House Phase 2, a two-building multifamily development located on Water Street along the Milwaukee River in downtown Milwaukee. The project includes 222 residential units and represents approximately $60 million in development value. Because the site was formerly occupied by a tannery, the development required significant environmental coordination. Contaminated soils were monitored throughout all earthwork phases, and the completed project required an 18-inch clay cap across the site, along with vapor mitigation systems beneath both buildings. Mike’s oversight helped ensure the project was completed in compliance with environmental requirements while delivering a major residential development in Milwaukee’s downtown riverfront district. 2. Development Team Qualifications & Experience The development team for The Triptych includes Sawall Development as developer, Engberg Anderson Architects as architect, and Trio Engineering as civil engineer. ARCHITECT Founded in 1987, Engberg Anderson is a Milwaukee-based architecture, planning, and interior design firm with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. The firm works across multifamily housing, mixed-use development, urban design, and historic preservation. Engberg Anderson brings experience integrating residential development into existing neighborhoods and reusing urban properties. Its services include site analysis, feasibility, architectural design, interior design, and construction administration. Relevant Multifamily and Redevelopment Experience The Standard at East Library is a 99-apartment mixed-use development on Milwaukee's East Side, combining housing with a new public library and commercial space. Engberg Anderson designed the residential building. Timber Lofts is a 60-unit Milwaukee housing redevelopment that pairs a restored historic Cream City brick building with a mass-timber addition; the project received a 2022 AIA Wisconsin Merit Award. Engberg Anderson also worked on ThriveOn King, the adaptive reuse of the former Schuster's/Gimbels building for housing and community-serving uses, alongside other design partners. Project Architect: Tim Wolosz Partner Tim is a Partner at Engberg Anderson Architects with extensive experience in multifamily housing, mixed-use development, commercial architecture, and adaptive reuse. He leads projects from conceptual design through construction, emphasizing thoughtful architecture that responds to community, culture, and place. Tim also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin– Milwaukee’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Miami. CIVIL ENGINEER Founded in 2011 and based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Trio Engineering proudly serves Southeastern Wisconsin with a comprehensive suite of services, including land planning, civil engineering, stormwater management, and surveying. Specializing in land development, they have cultivated a robust client base and earned industry accolades for our innovative designs and practical solutions. Their diverse list of clientele consists of municipalities, private landowners, developers, and nonprofit organizations. By working closely with clients to understand their true goals, they deliver tailored, quality solutions backed by exceptional service to ensure that each project is both efficient and successful. From small, thoughtfully planned neighborhoods to large-scale developments, their portfolio reflects the breadth of their expertise. Highlights include low-density conservation developments to high-density multi- family communities, commercial and business developments, schools, churches, hospitals, and dynamic redevelopment ventures. Key Personnel: Joshua Pudelko Owner/President Joshua Pudelko, Owner and President of Trio, will be a leader and Professional Engineer for the project. With over 26 years of expertise in land planning and civil engineering design, he has an extensive background in developing innovative solutions for residential, commercial, and institutional projects. His specialties include land planning and site design visualization, public infrastructure, municipal developments, highway projects, and watershed analysis. Matthew Bailey, P.E. Sr. Project Manager Matthew Bailey has been a dedicated civil engineer in southeastern Wisconsin and neighboring regions since joining Trio Engineering in 2015. With over 16 years of expertise in site and civil design, he serves as a Senior Project Manager and Professional Engineer, excelling in planning, design, and comprehensive plan preparation. 3. Relevant Development Experience Sawall Development has an extensive portfolio of successful projects, demonstrating our commitment to quality and community enhancement. We offer unique and unequivocal options to our valued customers and take pride in delivering the best property experiences. Our interior and exterior designs are thoughtful as we place emphasis on creating comfortable yet exciting environments. Mammoth Springs Apartments and Townhomes (Sussex, WI) Mammoth Springs is a luxury development offering a variety of residential options, including apartments, townhomes, and lofts. Located in downtown Sussex, this development provides modern living spaces with top-quality construction and amenities. Residents enjoy proximity to retail shopping, restaurants, and the Waukesha County Bugline Trail, combining suburban charm with urban convenience. Rock Pointe Village (Lannon, WI) Rock Pointe Village is a thoughtfully designed apartment complex featuring 279 units with private entrances and attached garages. Situated on the border of Lannon and Menomonee Falls, this development offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two- bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a clubhouse with a gym, internal walking trails, and direct access to the Bugline Trail. The project emphasizes affordability without compromising on quality, with rents approximately $200 below market rates. The Granary Townhomes (Union Grove, WI) The Granary is a $13 million luxury housing project located in downtown Union Grove. This development comprises 73 high-end apartment units across five buildings, each featuring vinyl plank flooring, granite and quartz countertops, high-end appliances, and private patios or balconies. The project also includes a commercial building housing a management office, community room, fitness center, and a coffee shop with drive-thru capability. The Granary revitalized the former grain mill site, contributing approximately $10 million to the local property tax roll. The Granary was awarded the 2020 RCEDC development project of the year. These projects exemplify how we are creating high-quality, community-focused residential developments across Southeastern Wisconsin. 4. Narrative Description of the Proposed Project The Triptych — Marquette Avenue Project Overview The Triptych is a proposed residential infill development on a former gas station site at Marquette Avenue and 10th Avenue in South Milwaukee. The project depicts an L-shaped building with an internal open area, a lobby and amenity space, and lower-level and surface parking. The current study shows 60 concept residential units across four residential levels. It also identifies 98 total parking spaces: 80 spaces on the lower level and 18 surface spaces. These figures describe the preliminary design and remain subject to further review and refinement. Unit Configuration and Living Spaces  Level one: 12 residential units  Levels two through four: 15 residential units on each level  Total: 60 concept residential units  Parking: 80 lower-level spaces plus 18 surface spaces (98 total)  Unit types, dimensions, and final interior features: to be determined The study includes a street-oriented lobby and amenity space on the first level. Individual unit layouts and the final amenity program will be established through subsequent architectural design. Community Design and Vision The design intent is to introduce new housing on the Marquette Avenue site while establishing a clear frontage along 10th Avenue. The preliminary L-shaped configuration creates space for an internal landscaped area and places the residential building along the street edges. Sawall Development and Engberg Anderson will refine the scale, facade materials, streetscape, landscaping, and relationship to neighboring properties through discussion with the City of South Milwaukee. The drawings provided are a planning concept, not final building elevations or an approved site plan. Economic and Environmental Impact The Triptych would replace the former gas station with 60 proposed homes and could generate additional taxable value, subject to completion and assessment. The construction budget, projected value, and any public-assistance request remain under feasibility review. Sawall Development, Engberg Anderson, Konicek Environmental, and Trio Engineering will refine circulation, utilities, stormwater, and landscaping with City feedback. The former gas station use calls for environmental due diligence; any investigation or remediation found necessary will be addressed before redevelopment. 5. Site Plan and Concept Layouts — The Triptych 6. Disposition of the Completed Development Sawall Development anticipates retaining ownership of The Triptych and managing the completed property, subject to final project approvals and financing arrangements.