Church Site Change Causes Controversy

"Save Our Neighborhood.  Protect From Rezoning", so say the signs sprinkling the lawns throughout the Sunset Village and Westmorland neighborhoods.  The signs began cropping up a few days ago as word spread that a developer was planning to develop the site of the former Mount Olive Lutheran Church on Mineral Point Rd. into high density senior housing.

The current proposal, put forth by Minnesota-based MSP Real Estate, LLC is requesting to amend the current zoning from Low Density Residential to High Density Residential to allow the company to redevelop the nearly 3 acre parcel as a senior housing campus to include independent senior housing, assisted living and memory care.  The proposed plan projects density would be about 44 units per acre.  Current Low Density Housing Residential zoning is 0-15 units per acre.  The zoning change is required before the development for the project can move forward.

MSP Real Estate, LLC is planning a similar senior housing project in Middleton.  Heritage Middleton Senior Housing Campus, a 135-unit development on the site of a former grocery store across from Marshall Park on Allen Blvd. is scheduled to begin this summer.  That campus is expected to include 56 units dedicated to independent living, 43 for assisted living, and 36 devoted to memory care.

In early 2010, another developer proposed a similar housing project for the Mt. Olive site.  That company later withdrew their proposal, due in part to neighborhood objections and concerns.

Clearly, the current proposal has again struck a nerve in Sunset Village and Westmorland.  Regardless of whether you agree or disagree to the zoning change and potential senior housing development, area residents should stay informed about changes to their neighborhood.  Voicing your opinion to neighborhood leaders, the Madison Planning Commission and political representatives is always a good use of time and energy.

As far as I can tell, most in Sunset Village and Westmorland are opposed to the idea.  I envision more signs popping up as this controversial proposal progresses.  Tell me what you think of the proposed project.