Economic Development Commission
Regular MeetingGermantown, WI · July 14, 2026
Agenda
MEETING: REGULAR MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Germantown Village Hall Board Room
N112 W17001 Mequon Road
Any member of the body and/or citizen may attend the meeting virtually through the WebEx platform, Meeting #: 2553 499 7080 Password:
nBNrkwyj267 which can be accessed by phone at 408-418-9388 or by clicking the link
below: https://villageofgermantown.my.webex.com/villageofgermantown.my/j.php?MTID=m1666b64b10c3c10021fac1cb82ed04dd
NOTICE: Citizens not wishing to attend the meeting personally or virtually may submit any public comments by sending an email
to comments@germantownwi.gov by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting so that it can be provided to the members of the body for their
consideration.
Previously recorded meeting videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYp0EgELzTCa9X_iCohyhQ
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER: This meeting has been given public notice in accordance with
Section 19.83 and 19.84, Wis. Stats, in such form that will apprise the general public
and news media of subject matter that is intended for consideration and action.
II. ROLL CALL:
III. CITIZEN INPUT: (Please be advised per 19.84(2) that information and comment will
be received from the public. It is the policy of this municipality that public input be
limited to a four (4) minute period per person with a time extension granted at the
discretion of the Chairperson. Be advised that there may be limited discussion of the
information received but no action will be taken under public comments.) Comments
that may be injurious to village personnel or other individuals will not be allowed.
IV. MEETING MINUTES:
A. June 9, 2026, Meeting Minutes (ACTION)
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Review of the Germantown Business Survey (DISCUSSION AND ACTION)
B. Discussion of Creating a Village of Germantown Development Process Guide
(DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION)
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Village Center District Community Engagement Program - Review and
Discussion of Economic Development Potential of Village-Owned Properties
(Flowersource, Ascension, Grosenick and Main Street Recycling Center
Parcels). Presentation & Discussion with Mitch Brouse, SRF Consulting, and
Village Staff. (DISCUSSION)
VII. NEXT MEETING:
A. August 18, 2026
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA
July 14, 2026
Page 2
UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through
appropriate aids and services. For additional information or to request this service, please contact the Village
Clerk at (262)250-4745 at least 2 days prior to the meeting.
Notice is hereby given that a possible quorum of other boards, committees, and/or commissions may attend this
meeting to gather information about an item over which they have decision-making responsibility. This may
constitute a meeting of these bodies per State ex rel. Badke v Greendale Village Board, even though these
bodies will not take formal action at this meeting.
Packet
MEETING: REGULAR MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Germantown Village Hall Board Room
N112 W17001 Mequon Road
Any member of the body and/or citizen may attend the meeting virtually through the WebEx platform, Meeting #: 2553 499 7080 Password:
nBNrkwyj267 which can be accessed by phone at 408-418-9388 or by clicking the link
below: https://villageofgermantown.my.webex.com/villageofgermantown.my/j.php?MTID=m1666b64b10c3c10021fac1cb82ed04dd
NOTICE: Citizens not wishing to attend the meeting personally or virtually may submit any public comments by sending an email
to comments@germantownwi.gov by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting so that it can be provided to the members of the body for their
consideration.
Previously recorded meeting videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYp0EgELzTCa9X_iCohyhQ
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER: This meeting has been given public notice in accordance with
Section 19.83 and 19.84, Wis. Stats, in such form that will apprise the general public
and news media of subject matter that is intended for consideration and action.
II. ROLL CALL:
III. CITIZEN INPUT: (Please be advised per 19.84(2) that information and comment will
be received from the public. It is the policy of this municipality that public input be
limited to a four (4) minute period per person with a time extension granted at the
discretion of the Chairperson. Be advised that there may be limited discussion of the
information received but no action will be taken under public comments.) Comments
that may be injurious to village personnel or other individuals will not be allowed.
IV. MEETING MINUTES:
A. June 9, 2026, Meeting Minutes (ACTION)
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Review of the Germantown Business Survey (DISCUSSION AND ACTION)
B. Discussion of Creating a Village of Germantown Development Process Guide
(DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION)
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Village Center District Community Engagement Program - Review and
Discussion of Economic Development Potential of Village-Owned Properties
(Flowersource, Ascension, Grosenick and Main Street Recycling Center
Parcels). Presentation & Discussion with Mitch Brouse, SRF Consulting, and
Village Staff. (DISCUSSION)
VII. NEXT MEETING:
A. August 18, 2026
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Page 1 of 24
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA
July 14, 2026
Page 2
UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through
appropriate aids and services. For additional information or to request this service, please contact the Village
Clerk at (262)250-4745 at least 2 days prior to the meeting.
Notice is hereby given that a possible quorum of other boards, committees, and/or commissions may attend this
meeting to gather information about an item over which they have decision-making responsibility. This may
constitute a meeting of these bodies per State ex rel. Badke v Greendale Village Board, even though these
bodies will not take formal action at this meeting.
Page 2 of 24
MEETING: REGULAR MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Germantown Village Hall Board Room
N112 W17001 Mequon Road
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER: This meeting has been given public notice in accordance with
Section 19.83 and 19.84, Wis. Stats, in such form that will apprise the general public
and news media of subject matter that is intended for consideration and action.
II.
T
Chairperson Trustee Scott Hefle called the Economic Development Commission
meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
ROLL CALL:
III.
AF
Present: Trustee Scott Hefle, Trustee Patrick Kaiser, Member Jim Sedgwick, Member
Joletta Kerpan, Member Jeffrey Voyer, Member Derek Arnold
Excused: Member Melanie Smythe, Member Joey Carini
Also Present: Deputy Clerk Maddy Laufenberg
CITIZEN INPUT: (Please be advised per 19.84(2) that information and comment will
be received from the public. It is the policy of this municipality that public input be
limited to a four (4) minute period per person with a time extension granted at the
DR
IV.
discretion of the Chairperson. Be advised that there may be limited discussion of the
information received but no action will be taken under public comments.) Comments
that may be injurious to village personnel or other individuals will not be allowed.
No citizen input was given.
MEETING MINUTES:
A. May 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes (ACTION)
Motion: Approve as presented
Motioned By: Joletta Kerpan
Seconded By: Patrick Kaiser
Yes: Scott Hefle, Patrick Kaiser, Joletta Kerpan, Jeffrey Voyer, Derek Arnold
No: None
Abstain: Jim Sedgwick
Motion Carried by Voice Vote (Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 1)
Page 3 of 24
Page 2
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Foundational Document #1: Municipal Code 1.379 (DISCUSSION)
Commission members examined Germantown Municipal Code Chapter 1.379 (5)
"Economic Development Commission Powers and Duties," and discussed which
duties should be prioritized.
B. City of Eagan, MN, Business Survey Review (DISCUSSION)
T
Commissioners discussed the Business Survey from Eagan, MN, and began
formulating a similar business outreach survey for the Village of Germantown.
C. Business Survey Development (DISCUSSION)
AF
Commission members discussed the creation of surveys for Germantown business
owners to gather data on specific business needs as well as satisfaction with current
Germantown offerings (employee housing, schools, municipal services, etc.). A
timeline, follow-up mechanisms, distribution tactics, and implementation were also
discussed.
Member Voyer and Trustee Kaiser volunteered their time to start the survey process
and report back to the Commission at the next meeting.
DR
D. Prioritization of 2026 Goals and Initiatives (DISCUSSION AND ACTION)
Commissioners discussed the Strategic Platform provided by Economic Development
Washington County (EDWC) in March 2023. It was decided that the forthcoming
Business Survey falls into Pillar 4 — "Transparent Partnerships."
E. Development Process Guidelines (DISCUSSION)
At the request of Commissioner Smythe, Commissioners discussed the Village's
current development process and the Economic Development Commission's place
within that process.
VII. NEXT MEETING:
A. July 14, 2026
B. August 18, 2026
Page 4 of 24
Page 3
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Trustee Hefle adjourned the Economic Development Commission at 6:58
PM.
T
AF
DR
Page 5 of 24
BUSINESS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
PLACEMENT: Action Item
ITEM TITLE: Review of the Germantown Business Survey (DISCUSSION AND
ACTION)
SUBMITTED BY:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
ATTACHMENT:
1. EDC Survey Questions
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
ACTION BY COMMITTEE:
Page 6 of 24
EDC Survey Questions
1. What is your current business footprint in our community?
-We currently operate here and want to expand
-We operate elsewhere but are looking to relocate/expand
-We are brand new looking to open our first location
2. What are the primary barriers preventing you from
expanding/moving here? (select all that apply)
-Availability of suitable commercial/industrial real estate.
-Cost of land, rent, construct
-Difficulty finding qualified skilled labor
-Property taxes are too high
-Outdated or missing infrastructure (roads, utilities, internet,
cell reception)
-Too many hurdles with Zoning and Permitting
-Lack of access to Capitol, Grants, Incentives
-Other_________
3. If Germantown could offer one specific form of support, what
would be the most impactful for your business?
-Permitting and Zoning
-Financial assistance (TIF, Grants, Low interest loans)
-Infrastructure cost sharing, Property tax abatements
Page 7 of 24
-Workforce development or recruitment programs with local
schools
-Improved infrastructure (select all that apply)
-Cell service
-Utilities
-Roads
-Internet
4. What specific type of space or infrastructure does your
operation require?
-Lot size_______
And/or
-Building sq. ft. _____
-Property type
-Office
-Retail
-Light
-Industrial/Warehouse
-Mixed-Use
5. Contact information (optional)
Name:
Title:
Company:
Email:
Phone:
Page 8 of 24
BUSINESS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
PLACEMENT: Action Item
ITEM TITLE: Discussion of Creating a Village of Germantown Development
Process Guide (DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION)
SUBMITTED BY:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
ATTACHMENT:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
ACTION BY COMMITTEE:
Page 9 of 24
Community Development Department
Jeffrey W. Retzlaff, AICP, Director
N112 W17001 Mequon Road P.O. Box 337
Germantown, WI 53022-0337
(262) 250-4735 direct line
(262) 253-8255 fax
MEMORANDUM
TO: Scott Hefle, Chairperson
Economic Development Commissioners
FROM: Jeff Retzlaff, Community Development Director
DATE: July 7, 2026
RE: Village Center District – Community Engagement Program
Re-Development of Village-Owned Properties
On behalf of Mitch Brouse, SRF Consulting, I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity
to appear before the Commission to review and discuss the ongoing “Village Center District”
community engagement program initiated by the Village Board.
Specifically, the purpose for our appearance is to solicit feedback from the Commission
concerning re-development of the following four Village-owned properties located within the
Village Center District:
• Flowersource Property
• Ascension Property
• Grosenick Property
• Recycling Center Property
I’m attaching a brief “property profile” sheet for each that contains some general information
about each property that may prove useful to our discussion.
Since the Commission’s purpose is to stimulate and encourage economic development in
the Village, we feel it is important to ask what the Commission envisions for these properties
in terms of their economic (re)development potential. At this time, we would like the
Commission to consider itself a “focus group” with feedback from the commissioners
included in the overall engagement effort and basis for the consultant’s final report and
recommendations.
We are not asking the Commission to give directions, interpret survey results, or make
decisions. We are simply asking for the Commission to provide its own collective vision
about the re-development of these parcels given its advisory role to the Village Board. As
such, the Commission will likely have a more focused and unique economic development
perspective about these properties.
Additional attachments that may help frame our discussion include the following:
• 2050 Plan: “Village Center District” Future Land Use Table
• 2050 Plan: Economic Development Chapter Village Center “Opportunity Areas”
Summary
Page 10 of 24
VILLAGE CENTER DISTRICT – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
PROPERTY PROFILE
Name/Reference:
Flowersource Property
Owner:
Village of Germantown
Parcel(s):
GTVN 262-983 (15 acres)
GTVN 262-340 (1 acre)
Address:
W156 N1116 Pilgrim Road
Total Size/Area:
16 acres
Zoning District(s):
B-1: Neighborhood Business
A-2: Agricultural
Current/Past Uses(s):
Plant Nursery (retail)
Public Utilities:
Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric
Barriers to Development:
Wetland (approx. 8 acres)
2050 Plan Land Use:
“Village Center District” – see attached “Preferred Land Use Table” and “Opportunity Area” portion of 2050 Plan
Other Facts/Considerations:
Two (2) parcels purchased March 5, 2025, total cost of $2,641,160 ($1,870,580 for 15-ac & 770,580 for 1-ac) included in
June 2025, $8.6M General Obligation Bond issuance; 2027 annual debt service levy approximately $451K increasing
annually to $818K through 2045
Page 11 of 24
VILLAGE CENTER DISTRICT – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
PROPERTY PROFILE
Name/Reference:
Ascension Property
Owner:
Village of Germantown
Parcel(s):
GTVN 262-341
Address:
N112 W15415 Mequon Road
Total Size/Area:
3.6 acres
Zoning District(s):
B-1: Neighborhood Business
Current/Past Uses(s):
Medical Offices
Public Utilities:
Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric
Barriers to Development:
Wetland (unregulated storm basin)
2050 Plan Land Use:
“Village Center District” – see attached “Preferred Land Use Table” and “Opportunity Area” portion of 2050 Plan
Other Facts/Considerations:
Parcel purchased June 30, 2025, total cost of $5.0M; cost included in June 2025, $8.6M General Obligation Bond
issuance; 2027 annual debt service levy approximately $451K increasing annually to $818K through 2045;
Current lease with Ascension/Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital through July 2028 with annual rent payment of $434K in
2027 & $442K in 2028; Tenant option to extend lease in 3 or 5-year increments after July 2028.
Page 12 of 24
VILLAGE CENTER DISTRICT – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
PROPERTY PROFILE
Name/Reference:
Grosenick Property
Owner:
Village of Germantown
Parcel(s):
GTVN 224-965 (5.2 acres)
GTVN 224-009 (.42 acres)
Address:
N116 W15843 Main Street (5.2 acres)
W157 N11593 Fond du Lac Ave (.42 acres)
Total Size/Area:
5.62 acres
Zoning District(s):
B-3: General Business
Current/Past Uses(s):
Professional office
Auto repair, orchard
Public Utilities:
Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric
Barriers to Development:
Wetland (approx. .51 acres)
2050 Plan Land Use:
“Village Center District” – see attached “Preferred Land Use Table” and “Opportunity Area” portion of 2050 Plan
Other Facts/Considerations:
Two (2) parcels purchased June 7, 2024, total cost of $1.18M; cost paid in cash from General Fund
Page 13 of 24
VILLAGE CENTER DISTRICT – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
PROPERTY PROFILE
Name/Reference:
Recycling Center Property
Owner:
Village of Germantown
Parcel(s):
GTVN 221-999
Address:
N116 W17230 Main Street
Total Size/Area:
5.6 acres
Zoning District(s):
I: Institutional
Current/Past Uses(s):
Yard waste compost/recycling
Waste water treatment plant
Public Utilities:
Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric
Barriers to Development:
Wetland (approx. .3 acres)
Floodplain (approx. 1.9 acres)
2050 Plan Land Use:
“Village Center District” – see attached
“Preferred Land Use Table” and “Opportunity Area”
portion of 2050 Plan
Other Facts/Considerations:
None
Page 14 of 24
VILLAGE OF GERMANTOWN 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Village Center DISTRICT
GENERAL CHARACTER Freistadt Road to the north, Mequon Road to the
south, the Menomonee River to the west and Pilgrim
The Village Center District is a mixed-use commercial Road to the east (except for an area extending easterly
and residential district that is predominantly to the Canadian-National railroad). The district has
developed with banking and other financial uses,
access to all parts of the Village by the main east-
medical clinics and offices, churches, veterinary
west roadways, e.g., Mequon Road, Fond du Lac Ave
uses, grocery and other retail shopping uses, the
Germantown post office, other general office and Main Street, as well as the main north-south
uses, fast-food and sit-down dining restaurants, roadways, e.g., Division Road, and Pilgrim Road.
automobile service and convenience stores, the
Village Hall, Library and Police Department campus. Environmental, Natural & Agricultural The
Residential uses widely vary in type and density Menomonee River and associated environmental
throughout the district but include single-family lots corridor runs through the Blackstone Creek golf
north of Main Street with Rs-4 zoning (2.2 DU’s/ course on the west side of the district. The ponds in
acre with minimum 20,000 sqft lots), Rs-5 (2.9
the Lake Park residential area are also tributary to
DU’s/acre with min. 15,000 sqft lots), and Rs-6 (3.5
DU’s/acre with min. 12,500 sqft lots). Multi-family the Menomonee River.
condominiums and apartment-style rental units with
Rm-2 (8.0 DU’s/acre) and Rm-3 zoning (10.0 DU’s/ Public Park, Education, Safety & Utility The
acre) are located south of Main Street from Division historic Main Street area is in the Village Center
to Pilgrim Road. There are a few existing industrial district. Firemen’s Park, Fire Station No. 1, the
uses on the east end of the district along Mequon Village’s Senior Center and the Blackstone Creek
Road near the WSOR and CN railroads. golf course are in the district. The entire district is
served by Village sewer and water.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Village Center is intended to serve as the heart
Transportation The Village Center District is in the or central place within the community. The two
middle of the Village and is generally bounded by primary circulation routes, Main Street and Mequon
94
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5: Neighborhoods, Districts, & Corridors
PREFERRED FUTURE LAND USE
Village Center District
Enviro Preferred Maximum
Preferred Future Land Uses Corr. SSA Site Design Density
(residential uses)
Existing Uses ( + existing non-conforming zoning)
Commercial (includes "Activity Centers") Agricultural / Hobby Farming / Agribusiness
Residential: Multi-family / Senior Mixed-Use: Commercial / Residential Mixed-Use: Commercial / Industrial Contains an Environmental Corridor?
See NOTE 5 for details Residential: Two to Four Family Open Space & Recreational Conservation Subdivision**
Residential: Single Family Sewered? (Y/N/Partial) Traditional Neighborhood
Dwelling Units / Acre
Mineral Extraction Suburban Subdivision
Institutional Industrial See NOTE 4 for details
SF:2.9 units/ac
A A A D D u D A D u u u Yes Yes D A U 2-4F: 6 units/ac
25 units/acre
Road, are envisioned to be better connected through
Desirable – These uses should be encouraged because they
a combination of infrastructure improvements D= are consistent with, support, and enhance the desired character
and redevelopment. The Village Center District is of the area.
intended to continue as a mixed-use commercial
Allowable – These uses are generally considered appropriate
and residential district but reinvigorated with more for the area, but may require additional consideration and/or
A=
placed-based, pedestrian-friendly design elements. specific modification or developed features to be compatible
Improvements to Main Street and Pilgrim Road with other uses in the area.
should continue to emphasize the conversion of Undesirable – These uses should not be encouraged but may
existing buildings to entertainment, retail, and high- u=
still be acceptable for the area under special circumstances.
density residential uses that would service existing
residents as well as draw visitors from the region. of 25.0 DU’s/acre and is encouraged to be developed
Historic and architecturally significant buildings as part of an overall mixed-use development. Park and
should be preserved, and curb cuts and off-street open space uses are desirable, particularly those with
parking areas minimized or placed in the rear of a river-orientation abutting the Menomonee River
properties. corridor, including the area currently used for the
Blackstone Creek golf course.
Opportunities exist at major intersections along
Mequon Road for mixed-use redevelopment inclusive See the Economic Development Section of this Plan
of outdoor gathering spaces. This shift from auto- for more information on future land uses within the
dominant site design to “place-based” development Village Center District.
should be emphasized with existing and future The Village has intentions to adopt a new “Village
commercial property owners (see opportunity area Center” zoning district to guide development within
scenarios included for the Village Center District). the district consistent with the parameters in Section
Multi-family residential development is acceptable in 6, “Opportunity Areas”, and the 2018 “Saxony Village
a traditional pattern of development up to densities Connectivity Plan”. See all notes on page 42.
95
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VILLAGE OF GERMANTOWN 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Village Center District
Germantown’s Village Center has historically served Finally, residents and stakeholders have clearly
as the heart of the community - a central place for identified another overarching goal of development
gathering, shopping, and living close to amenities. and infrastructure improvements in the Village
Over the past years, development in this area has Center: to better connect to the Menomonee
separated the historic main street area from the River and the surrounding environmental
primary transportation corridors, and very little areas, and to ensure that the river remains
pedestrian infrastructure exists to connect residents accessible for recreation and education as well
to walkable destinations. The future vision for the as protected for long-term sustainability.
Village Center district is to better connect Main
Street with Mequon Road through pedestrian and The following pages include a summary of key
bicycle infrastructure improvements along roadways issues that exist within the Village Center as it
and the addition/enhancement of multi-use paths. exists today, as well as guiding principles that the
Village should apply to any future redevelopment
Village residents and stakeholders have also proposed for the area. To assist the Village
identified the need for new mixed-use, walkable in evaluating development proposals, two
development patterns in the Village Center redevelopment scenarios are included. These
District. Redevelopment at any of the intersections scenarios should be considered as illustrations,
along Mequon road could be designed with new not a mandated regulation. The scenarios have a
housing options and outdoor gathering spaces very clear illustration of a desired outcome, but the
in mind. Possible redevelopment nodes are Village must also allow changes to accommodate
identified for the area as well as more detail about the desires of specific developers and investors.
a public-private partnership that could bring
mixed use housing, retail, and active open space
development to Germantown’s Village Center.
Figure 6.2 – Village Center Planning Boundary
130
Page 17 of 24
6: Economic Development/
6: /Economic
OPPORTUNITY
Development
AREAS
Creating A Village Center
An analysis of the existing Village Center identified the following key issues:
The existing land uses are destination-driven uses and include little-to-no synergies with
adjacent uses.
Existing residential development is disconnected from Village Center destinations.
It is difficult or unpleasant to walk or bike from one business to the next, thus people who
use this area will generally only visit one business and leave.
There isn’t a sense of arrival or central identity to Village Center.
Main Street lacks connection to adjacent uses and is in need of streetscape enhancements.
A number of uses exist that are not typically present in “downtown” areas and do not
contribute to the attractiveness of the Village Center.
The Village Center recommendations focus on three guiding principles or elements to address
the above issues: Making a Neighborhood, Making a Place, and Making Connections.
Making a Neighborhood
While the Village Center primarily caters to auto-oriented commercial
uses today, the future vision looks to create a neighborhood: compact,
pedestrian-friendly, and mixed-use. Traffic and visits drive success of
commercial and retail centers, and providing high-density housing
offers additional market, visibility and dynamics to a neighborhood.
Making a Place
Public spaces must be flexible in their design. Placemaking is a collaborative
process where community members, business partners, property owners,
and the Village work together to reimagine public spaces through
urban design, events, and programs. The goal of placemaking projects
is to help people feel more connected to places: more excited to walk
to lunch, shop locally, and stay/play for extended periods of time.
Making Connections
Great Village Centers are walkable, drivable, and bike-able and include
a variety of civic spaces, such as complete streets, plazas, greens,
and parks. The future vision looks to better connect Main Street,
the Menomonee River, and Mequon Road through a combination
of private sector development and public realm improvements.
131
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VILLAGE OF GERMANTOWN 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Village Center Circulation: 6 Pilgrim Road
Future Vision Sidepath and sidewalks
(see map following page) to be added.
1 Division Road
Painted/striped bike
lanes and sidewalk
to be added.
7 Mequon Road
On-street, separated
2 Sylvan Cir (buffered) bike lanes
Shared lane markings, NOTE: Dimensions not
on street parking specific to Mequon Road
with differentiated
pavement, and
sidewalks to be added.
3 Main Street
(Downtown) 8 Allee
Highly designed Tree-lined multi-use trail that connects
street with mixed-use development on Mequon Road
pedestrian focus. to park and recreation uses to the north.
4 Western Ave
Sidepath and sidewalks
to be added.
9 Secondary Trails
Combination of paved and unpaved
paths that connect existing and new
residents to retail and recreation
destinations throughout Village Center.
5 Squire Drive
Sidepath and sidewalks
to be added.
Cross sections taken from the 2018 Village Master Plan: Connecting Saxony Village
132
Page 19 of 24
6: Economic Development/
6: /Economic
OPPORTUNITY
Development
AREAS
Figure 6.3 – Village Center - Circulation and Nodes
W
Fo
n dD
uL
ac
Av
e
Main Street
3
Squ
Division Road Western Ave
ire R
oad
8 9
6
1 4 5
Sylvan Cir
Pilgrim Road
2
Mequon Road
7
Sidepath Major Intersection Improvement/Enhancement
Separated Bike Lanes or Sidepath
Minor Intersection Improvement/Enhancement
Paved Shoulder with Sidewalk
W
Shared Lane Marking or Bike Lane
Redevelopment Node
Paved Multi-use Trail
NOTE: All streets shall include sidewalks
Secondary Trail (paved & unpaved) NOTE: Dimensions are for planning
purposed only
133
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VILLAGE OF GERMANTOWN 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Village Center - Blackstone Development Node
The Blackstone Development Node, named for critical site design element of this site is
the existing golf course, is a critical redevelopment connecting Mequon Road to Historic Main
opportunity site. The site has high visibility and Street. This can only be achieved through an
frontage on Mequon Road, it serves as the terminus intentional combination of built and natural
or western end cap to the Historic Main Street, environment.
and it is home to the incredible natural asset that Current Village recycling center site (to
is the Menomonee River. The physical size of this be relocated) serves as a terminus point to
area along with its location have made this site both Historic Main Street and the proposed
attractive for redevelopment proposals from the N-S pathway. The site should be designed
private sector. The Village understands the market to embrace this location and draw people
attractiveness of this site, and the development from both directions. Housing along with
illustration on the following page includes a desired community-focused retail/institutional
vision that balances private sector development, uses should be encouraged (nature center,
community enjoyment, conservation of natural community center, recreation equipment
environment, and access to the Menomonee River. rental, etc.).
A proposed Menomonee River Trail runs
Key design elements shown in Figure 6.4: through the site and includes multiple
A walkable, mixed-density development connections to existing roadways and new
with majority multi-family housing stock development
(apartments & townhomes). Additional active recreational activities
Active retail/hospitality uses with residential should be further examined depending on
above in the area visible from Mequon Road. supply of such features elsewhere in the
village.
Highly-design plaza (splashpad, ice rink, etc)
and outdoor seating areas adjacent to retail.
Transition from tall, mixed-use buildings 1 2
(south) to mid-rise townhomes (north).
Duplex or single-family lots to the west.
An intentional, linear path runs from south
to north with a variety of outdoor passive
and active recreation amenities. The
3 4
Community Voices
The current sidewalk network in this
area is discontinuous and requires
crossing Division multiple times and
using the neighborhood to access the 5 5
CTH Q sidewalk system. Would like
to see the remainder of the sidewalk
along Division connected in the future.
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OPPORTUNITY
Development
AREAS
Figure 6.4 – Village Center - Blackstone Development Node
Nature Center
& Additional
Housing 4
Outdoor playfields
/courts 3 Tree-lined pathway
Duplex
or Single Townhomes
Family 5
Lots
Community splashpad
2 & ice rink
1 Activated retail and
restaurant plaza
Mixed Use buildings / hotel
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VILLAGE OF GERMANTOWN 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Figure 6.5 – Village Center - Mequon & Pilgrim Development Node
Pedestrian connections
to Sendik’s
6 Pedestrian-oriented retail space
4
2 Corner Plaza space
Highly designed plaza 5
area with outdoor seating 1 Corner-oriented mixed use
development and plaza
3 Highly designed plaza area
with outdoor seating
Traditional suburban retail centers are
in need of a refresh. A reorientation 1 2 3
from “auto-only” to “place-based,
pedestrian-friendly” design is the
model that thriving retail centers
are embracing across the nation.
Every major intersection within the
Village Center along Mequon Road
should look for ways to strategically
place buildings that frame outdoor 4 5 6
spaces, introduce intentional green/
landscaping (vs. left-over 9’ wide parking
lot islands), and allow for mixed-use
buildings with residential above.
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Village Center: Next Steps
In order to realize the vision for
Germantown’s Village Center, the Village
should undertake the following:
1. Identify key “first project” parcels for 5. Describe what the Village wants in terms
development and describe/illustrate of both short-term and long-term missions:
multiple opportunities for each: The more The key point to emphasize with investors
opportunities that can be defined as starting is that the Village’s mission is broader
points for development, the more the Village and long-term. Consequently, any initial
can lower the risk for investors. Overly proposals will be evaluated in terms of how
ambitious plans and visions can discourage easily they support both initial success as
developers as unrealistic. Investors prefer well as future long-term options that can be
communities that show an interest in high adapted to fit the Village’s long-term vision.
quality development but, at the same time,
show flexibility and pragmatism in the types 6. Conduct one-on-one meetings with property
of projects they consider desirable. Put owners to determine interest in sale or
another way, investment proposals invariably redevelopment of their land: Create a
differ from predetermined community- simple, easy-to-review executive summary
based “visions”. When such differences that can be used in emails and hard copy
occur, the community must express a handouts. Staff/consultants conducting
willingness to negotiate in order to help the interview should have a portfolio of
investors maintain financial success and additional information concerning examples
still meet the Village’s long-term vision. and possibilities the Village would like to see.
2. List the key existing conditions (constraints 7. Evaluate existing regulations and design
and opportunities) for each parcel: Key guidelines: Amend existing zoning districts, or
parcel attributes might include traffic counts, develop an overlay zoning district, that provides
current zoning (and the ability to modify specific regulations and expectations for future
zoning), environmental conditions that may development in this area (ex. updated design
be problematic, utilities and access points, guidelines with an emphasis on pedestrian
transit, other proximity to other local features space design, prohibit uses such as gas stations
(both advantages and disadvantages). that are against desired vision for the area, etc.)
3. Create a phasing plan for infrastructure
improvements: Prioritize infrastructure
enhancements that will better connect
Main Street with the Menomonee
River and Mequon Road.
4. Document current available subsidies as
well as additional subsidies the Village
could pursue: Typically, this includes
current TIF districts and the willingness
to create new TIF districts as needed.
Additional programs and incentives should
be explored with an emphasis on mixed-use
redevelopment and active pedestrian spaces.
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