PCM20050419 PH GEORGE ALEX
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES APPROVED
7:15 PM Tuesday April 19, 2005
Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
PUBLIC HEARING Upon petition of George Alex and Robert Jacob be granted an amendment to the
existing Conditional Use in accordance with section 6.03 of the Muskego Zoning Ordinance for the
purpose of operating an auto-repair building, the continued operation of mini-warehouse storage facilities,
and to remove the allowance of the sale of motor vehicles at the property located in the NE ¼ of Section
25 (Tax Key No. 2257.973.001).
PRESENT
Mayor Damaske, Alderman Buckmaster, Commissioners Hulbert, Schaumberg, Simpson,
Stinebaugh, Michalski, Interim Plan Director Muenkel and Recording Secretary Asti.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Damaske declared the Public Hearing open at 7:50 p.m.
Interim Plan Director Muenkel stated that this property has had a number of Conditional Use
Grants on it for some time to allow vehicles for sale and mini-storage. Recently the petitioner
combined properties on the corner of USH 45 and Loomis Court to incorporate one Conditional
Use Grant. This new amendment is for the purpose of operating an auto-repair building, the
continued operation of mini-warehouse storage facilities, and to remove the allowance of the
sale of motor vehicles.
The property has two previously approved Building Site and Operation plans due to combining
the property. The first Building Site and Operation Plan was for a mini-storage facility that has
one office space which is currently being used by Creative Karting. The second Building Site
and Operation Plan was approved late in 2004 for another storage facility that will include one
large for an office/warehouse. The amendments to the Building Site and Operation Plan and
resolution amending the Conditional Use Grant will be discussed later in the Plan Commission
meeting. All those wishing to speak on the Conditional Use Grant amendments may be heard
at the public hearing.
Commissioner Stinebaugh questioned that he did not hear anything relating to the U-Haul
business. From his perspective, that will be a major aspect and what is the impact on the
neighborhood? Interim Plan Director Muenkel stated that this item will be discussed during the
Building Site and Operation Plan. This Conditional Use Grant is for allowing auto-repair
business.
Mayor Damaske asked for members in the audience to address the Commission with their input
of concerns, questions, comments, etc.
Mr. Roger Andrews, S98 W12532 Loomis Court, we are neutral on this. We heard there was a
Public Hearing and because there was so much interest and discussion in the neighborhood we
thought we would come down to hear the issues. We are here to listen, like I say, we are
neutral. Does the City allow two businesses that are the same to be on adjacent corners?
Interim Plan Director Muenkel answered that uses can be allowed depending on the zoning
district. However, auto-repair is allowed through a Conditional Use Grant.
Plan Commission Public Hearing Minutes, continued
April 19, 2005
Mr. Skip Bartes, S98 W12878 Loomis Drive, happy to see this going through. This will clean up
the intersection. Previously we had U-Hauls on both sides of the road. With new auto-repair
business going across the street, the delivery truck traffic will have a place to park. This is a
great asset to the neighborhood.
Ms. Margaret Wertz, S100 W13449 Loomis Drive, I am not happy with it. It seems to me that
by granting this you are putting one place out of business. By allowing this new business to do
the same type of business. The new owners should be given a chance to get their business
going without having the same type of business on the other corner.
Mr. P. J. Theys, W125 S9839 North Cape Road, about two years ago, I was approached by
Skip Bartes that he did not want to have any storage units put in this area. We had someone
wanting to build a storage unit with all plans in order. She was denied. I am not opposed to the
business across the street. I am opposed to businesses wanting to stay in Muskego, how do
we stay in Muskego? By other businesses picking on other businesses. I feel this is going to
be a problem in this neighborhood.
Mr. Brian Holtz, S98 W12578 Loomis Drive, I am the new owner of Durham Hill Auto. I do not
approve of another repair shop in this area. We just bought the business which has been there
since 1920. How many repair shops do we need in this area? We lost the U-Haul business to
this new person. How many other businesses are we going to lose? When you build a storage
facility how many businesses can you run out of it?
Al from Dad’s Auto Service, S98 W12578 Loomis Drive, I rented the back part of Erdman
Motors, which is now Durham Hill Auto, and will now be located in new building which is being
discussed. I feel there will be no competition between the two shops. I started this business
six years ago. I am State approved to do emission testing, auto transmission rebuilding, and
complete automotive repair. I am not able to expand my business but seem to be getting
different feedback from different people. When I started this business the owners sold used
cars and rented U-Hauls. I want to see a lot of business brought into the City. I have clientele
from Burlington, Franklin, Milwaukee, Union Grove. Again, there is no competition between our
business as I specialize in transmissions and emission.
Ms. Nancy Meinerz, 4721 Gunderson Road, I think what P.J. would like me to explain is when I
came forward for my storage unit, some of the neighbors came forward and said we don’t need
another storage unit in this area, including the man putting in another business I think that is
the unfairness that works in this neighborhood. If you are part of the “click” you get the
signatures and if you are not, you don’t. I am pro-business for this area that is why I bought the
property. I am looking to you people as to what is going to be business, when it is going to be
business and how it is going to be business is your decision. The fairness of the neighborhood
tends to swing if you are in the right “click”.
Mr. George Alex, S98 W12712 Loomis Drive, just a point of information, this meeting is not
about whether this is for a mini-warehouse, that is an existing Conditional Use. Tonight I
believe the issue is about the auto repair business going in that building. Regarding the U-Haul
business, there have been U-Hauls in that area for over fifteen years. Prior to Erdmann’s
taking over the business, it was in a building that I presently own. At that time I did not want to
run the U-Haul business. Now that I am getting the business back, there are some hard
feelings. I am hoping that when things clear, we will have a beautiful building, good
prosperous businesses and the Community will be improved.
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Plan Commission Public Hearing Minutes, continued
April 19, 2005
Mayor Damaske stated this matter would be heard through a resolution under New Business
later this evening. There being no further questions or comments, the Public Hearing was
adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra S. Asti
Recording Secretary
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