A 28-story tower in Wauwatosa is affirmed after multiple appeals; neighbors still aren't happy
Another chapter in Wauwatosa's Drew Tower saga was written when, after three appeals to the city, the Board of Zoning Appeals on June 7 again affirmed approval of the project — ostensibly securing its fate.
The project, which was approved Jan. 20, has been held up as it has drawn intense criticism from nearby residents who are averse to the height and density of the tower, as well as the possible traffic it could bring.
The 28-story tower is proposed at the southwest corner of West Blue Mound and North Mayfair roads.
A point of contention is that the decision to approve the building permit was largely up to the Design Review Board. The project doesn't need approval by the Plan Commission or Common Council as it is categorized as a “permitted use” in the C2 zoning district.
Why neighbors in Wauwatosa are worried
Neighbors have unified as Underwood Neighbors United to express qualms with the projects. The complaints primarily lie within the approval process for the tower, saying it has been rushed. The group even argues that the process for the Drew Tower sets a dangerous precedent for other similar projects proposed for the city.
Melissa Post is a nearby resident and member of the group. Post is among organizers of a GoFundMe that aims to fund the group's attorney expenses; $6,443 has been donated toward the fundraiser's goal of $10,000.
In addition to the GoFundMe, Post also echoed the complaints of her organization.
“The group all along was not trying to prevent the project from going through; the group is simply trying to get the project to be scaled down to something that we feel is more appropriate for the area,” she said.
As for the process of approval for the Drew Tower, Post stated that she was disappointed by the zoning board's decision, specifically in how it determined the project is fit for the neighborhood.
“For some reason, nobody wants to have an unbiased traffic study done on this corner to see how this project will actually affect flow, both on the busy intersection and on the residential backside of the block … we just don't feel fairly represented,” said Post.
While the board affirmed the project's approval, Post said her group and others are working to get the Wisconsin Department of Transportation involved to verify the area can handle the increased traffic. The group is also considering taking the grievance to court.
“If the DOT comes in and says 'no, you guys are being ridiculous, you can handle this,' I guess then we will know,” said Post. “but if they come in and do a study and determine we can't handle the traffic, then we need to work with the developer on something more appropriate.”
Tower is finally approved
After the Design Review Board approved the tower in January, it faced its first appeal in March where the board voted to reaffirm its earlier decision. However, after that decision, neighbors again filed an appeal through Underwood Neighbors United — this time to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
That body, through a 4-0 vote, sent the project back to the Design Review Board, where it faced a four-hour meeting on April 28.
Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman David Kern said it was concerning to him that the DRB didn't draft a written decision or findings of fact after its January approval.
Since then the design board sent the project back to the Board of Zoning Appeals, with new findings, and the board voted to affirm the project's original approval.
“BoZA permitted and received the submission of new information and materials from the Parties, including public comment, at its April 28, 2022, hearing … BoZA finds that the DRB was correct in determining that the Project would not cause a substantial depreciation in the property value of the neighborhood within the applicable zoning district,” said the zoning board's decision.
Beck Andrew Salgado can be reached at 512-568-4070 or Bsalgado@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Beck_Salgado