They were shooting for affordability.”

Stanley Mayor Ben Wald

The Stanley Plan Commission unanimously recommended rezoning parcel 281.01001.000 on Thursday, Aug. 13, in order to accommodate Cattail Crossing, a proposed 39-home development in east Stanley.
The commission recommended changing the properties from conservancy and R-4 multiple-family residential zoning to R-2 single-family residential zoning.
The recommendation will move to the Stanley City Council for final consideration after a public hearing on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in city hall.
As to the proposed development, S.C. Swiderski of Mosinee has proposed building the neighborhood on approximately 13.7 acres between Pine Street and County Highway X, east of the company’s existing apartment buildings. Swiderski owns a 2.37-acre parcel, while the city owns an adjoining 11.33-acre parcel.
Originally planned for 32 homes, the concept was revised by REI Engineering after wetlands were identified in the northwestern portion of the site. The revised plan now includes 39 single-family homes, two cul-de-sacs and proposed entrances from Pine Street and County Highway X. The access from Pine Street would be a controlled intersection, while County X would require county input or approval.
Discussion was had on whether the County Highway X entrance would be allowed. Commission member Jason Meyer said a similar access request was denied when the RESCO warehouse was built, and said the developer had been informed that county approval could present a challenge.
The homes meanwhile are expected to generally range from the low to mid-$300,000s through the low $400,000s. Options in the upper $400,000s and lower $500,000s could also be offered depending on buyer interest.
“They were shooting for affordability,” Stanley Mayor Ben Wald said Thursday.
S.C. Swiderski has said the development would be intended for entry-level buyers, families and retirees looking to downsize. Six proposed designs range from 1,352 to 1,639 square feet, with each including three bedrooms, at least two bathrooms and an attached two- or three-car garage.
The designs include the 1,639-square-foot Darren, the 1,605-square-foot two-story Grant, the 1,549-square-foot Charlotte, the 1,456-square-foot Darcy, the 1,352-square-foot Abigail and the 1,456-square-foot Chelsea. Most are single-level slab homes, although buyers could request basement and finishing options for an adjusted cost.
Commission members questioned what portion of the street and utility expenses would be paid by the city. Wald said negotiations had not progressed far enough to disclose those details.
“We’re still working on the developer’s agreement,” he said. “We’re negotiating.” Meyer said he was under the assumption that Swiderski would pay road and utilities cost.
One possibility for road construction would have the developer work directly with its contractors to install the streets, water, sewer, curb and gutter. An informal contractor estimate placed the overall infrastructure cost at approximately $1,000 per linear foot, although the figure was offered only as a general reference. Commission member and former mayor David Jankoski said the old rule was that the city was responsible for storm sewer. Jankoski said he supported the rezoning but wanted to ensure residents could purchase individual lots and hire their own builders.
“No concerns on zoning,” he said. “I only have a concern about lots being available in the community, which we have none, except the fill-in lots.”
It was shared that Swiderski may be willing to sell individual lots or combine adjoining lots, but those details remain under discussion. The preliminary lots range from approximately two-tenths to four-tenths of an acre, with a minimum width of about 60 feet.
“Is there a way that we can incorporate it better with the city?” Commission member Jim Ericksen asked. Potential ways to do so as discussed included walking or bicycle paths, playground space and other features that could better connect the neighborhood with the rest of Stanley.
The developer had been asked to consider recreational amenities and would be required to preserve green space.
The project is planned in six phases. Roads and utilities could begin in spring 2027, followed by seven homes in fall 2027. Later phases would add seven homes in spring 2028, six in fall 2028, seven in spring 2029, six in fall 2029 and the final six in spring 2030.
The schedule will depend on completing an offer to purchase the city land, surveying, due diligence and a developer’s agreement, as well as housing demand and market conditions. Following the discussion, the Stanley Plan Commission unanimously recommended the rezoning, with motion by Ericksen seconded by Jankoski.