Plan commission backs rezoning for 36-lot west side subdivision

The City of Rhinelander Plan Commission voted unanimously Tuesday evening to recommend approval of a zoning change associated with a proposed 36-lot mixed-use subdivision on the city's west side, advancing the proposal to the Common Council for a final decision expected at its Tuesday, May 26 meeting.

The commission's 7-0 vote would rezone three parcels from Light Industrial to Mixed Residential, clearing the path for developer Alejandro Jacinto's "Legacy Preserve" project on roughly 37.8 acres near Highway 47. Jacinto, a West Wind Drive resident and local restaurant owner, is proposing 22 single-family homes, five duplexes, three townhomes, four apartment buildings, and two commercial lots, along with a community park.

Dozens of West Wind Drive residents packed the hearing in opposition, raising concerns about traffic, sewer capacity, wetlands, and road connectivity. A retired civil engineer argued the existing eight-inch sewer line serving the area is already near capacity, while many neighbors strongly opposed any extension of West Wind Drive, which currently ends in a dead end, to serve the new development.

Tony Pharo of Oneida County Economic Development spoke in support, calling housing the region's top economic constraint and noting that local employers — including manufacturers and Aspirus — are struggling to attract workers due to limited housing supply.

Mayor Kris Hanus, chairing the meeting, stressed that the vote was limited solely to the zoning question. City attorney Steve Sorenson advised that a 2021 citywide rezoning update superseded historical zoning arguments raised by residents.

If the Council approves the rezoning, Jacinto's detailed site plan — including road access and infrastructure solutions — would return to the commission for further review before construction could begin.

The council is meeting on Tuesday evening due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday.  A full story on the plan commission discussion will be published in our May 27 print edition, which hits newsstands on Tuesday, May 26. It will also appear on our website by Friday afternoon, May 22.