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According to a memo from City Administrator Paul Hensch, a site study done by Next Generation LLC that was verified by the Department of Natural Resources indicates an absence of state-authorized mitigation of wetlands, which is the basis of an overlay designation. Therefore, an environmental overlay designation is no longer supported, Hensch wrote.

The council approved removing the environmental overlay protection on portions of the property unanimously. The plan commission recommended approval on a 4-3 vote.

Residents told the plan commission during a public comment session that they had environmental and water concerns.

The land was identified as “environmentally sensitive and important to protect,� said Grace Stockman, a Serns Road resident.

She’s concerned about the environmental impact.

“Removing embraces serious legal and planning concerns,� Stockman said. “The city has a legal obligation to follow its long-term use plan. This decision affects an entire neighborhood. Residents have relied on these protections when purchasing and investing in their homes. This is not abstract.�

Serns Road is Wisconsin Rustic Road 35. The Wisconsin Rustic Roads program was created in 1973 to highlight “natural features,� such as rugged terrain, native vegetation, native wildlife or include open areas with agricultural vistas, according to the DOT website.

“This corridor currently provides natural drainage and stormwater control, wildlife habitat and a buffer that preserves the character of the area. Removing it means increased flooding risk, increased density and traffic on a Rustic Road not designed for it and permanent loss of green space that cannot be replaced. Rustic Roads are preserved for their natural beauty, limited development and quiet character. Increasiing density next to one directly conflicts with that purpose,� Stockman said.

Lukas Lane Resident William O’Connell lives next to the property where the complex would go.

“When we look at that field every morning, that is the perfect view to wake up to. I see animals, cranes, I had a nice buck out there about three days ago walking around the wetland area. If we develop that, we drop the DNR stuff, all that goes away,� O’Connell said.

The city is already eying redevelopment of the area. In an effort to improve safety at the intersection of Serns and John Paul roads, the city is working on extending Sunset Drive to the west and move the terminus of Serns Road a tenth of a mile to the north. It’s a part of a $3.7 million project that includes sidewalk and street reconstruction and sewer and water replacement along Northside Drive, Pheasant Ridge and Badger Lane. That project will include vacating Serns Road from John Paul Road to the extended Sunset Drive. A portion of Lukas Lane that curves to Serns will be relocated to the north.

The action Tuesday did not approve future development and did not preclude additional review when a site plan is submitted.