Common Council Approves New Subdivision Project In Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, WI—The city of Brookfield Common Council approved on Tuesday, in a 12-2 vote, a project that would create 16 homes.

The consenting votes were from Alderman Bill Carnell and Ald. Chris Blackburn.

The proposal comes from Hillcrest Builders and Construction to develop a 10.18-acre site located to the north of Carpenter Road and Franklin Dr. The site would be developed into a family subdivision, according to online city documents.

The homes are expected to cost between $500,000 and $1 million.

Carnell questioned if it was fair and equitable to hold people to certain zoning standards such as how far the setback and lot size is, but then develop something like the proposed subdivision.

Ald. Mike Hallquist supported the development.

"When we make these decisions, we have to look at each site and each site is going to be unique in this case it's an infill site that abuts Interstate-94, Hallquist said.

He said the zoning standards would be different than what the city would apply to a green space development.

"If we don't approve it as is or we make this project less economically desirable. I think we're sending the wrong kind of message about how we as a city proceed on the desirability of these infill sites," Hallquist said.

Ald. Brad Blumer agreed with Carnell that it isn't fair for many residents who could subdivide their homes or could subdivide larger lots.

"That's not really what we are voting on today. I'd like to support this. I think it matches the characteristics of the neighborhood," Blumer said.

Ald. Chris Blackburn shared Carnell's concerns about standards.

"When we do these rezonings and never quite sure whether you gave away too much in terms of density in exchange for a development." Blackburn said.

Blackburn wondered if the project could be tweaked a bit especially from a lot size and setback standpoint.

Ald. Bob Reddin said during the public hearing it "became obvious the developer was more or less sat at 16 [houses] and indicating it wasn't viable without."