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Request by Caleb Johnson of JH Findorff for construction staging the public right-of-way adjacent to 8701 Watertown Plank Road
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Submitted by:
Jennifer Stilling
Department:
Public Works (Engineering Services Department)
A. Issue
Due to planned construction activities at the proposed development at 8701 Watertown Plank Road, the applicant has requested the following construction staging measures starting June 2026 through April 2028 within the public right-of-way due to insufficient setbacks for construction:
• A traffic lane closure on the south side of Watertown Plank Road
• Cranes that will swing within the Watertown Plank Road public right-of-way
• A sidewalk closure on the south side of Watertown Plank Road
B. Background/Options
Eastbound Watertown Plank Road between N. 86th Street and N. 85th Street adjacent to the proposed site consists of two eastbound vehicular travel lanes and one bike lane. As shown in the attached site logistics plan, an unloading zone is proposed in Watertown Plank Road adjacent to the site. Based on the existing space available within the eastbound lanes, the applicant is proposing to provide one eastbound travel lane, a bike lane, and the proposed unloading zone. The unloading zone will be separated from Watertown Plank Road bike traffic with jersey barriers and fencing. Jersey barriers are also proposed to separate the bike traffic from the eastbound vehicular travel lane.
According to the attached traffic control plan, the transition for Watertown Plank Road eastbound traffic from two lanes to one lane will start west of N. 87th Street. The Watertown Plank Road eastbound right turn lane to southbound N. 87th Street will remain open.
The applicant has also prepared the attached pedestrian traffic control plan for the proposed sidewalk closure on the south side of Watertown Plank Road. The pedestrian detour route via Robertson Street, Gridley Avenue, through the Medical College of Wisconsin parking lot and N. 87th Street must be ADA compliant. Due the long duration of the proposed sidewalk closure, Engineering will require that the pedestrian detour signs must be placed on poles installed in the grass near the back of existing sidewalk. Pedestrian signage must be placed in both directions of travel. The contractor will be held responsible for maintaining all sidewalk signage during the requested duration.
If safety concerns to the traveling public arise during construction, Engineering will work with the applicant to make reasonable adjustments to the traffic control plan, construction staging plan and/or pedestrian detour route.
The site logistics plan also shows the proposed crane swing radius. The crane will be used for the construction of the proposed 5-story, 266-unit multi-family building. Engineering recommends that the Contractor name the City as additional insured on the insurance policy for this project.
If any City trees are removed within the unloading zone, the applicant will be required to pay a tree replacement fee for each tree that is removed. City Forestry crews will then plant replacement trees after construction completion.
All construction staging drawings must be included in the application for a Storage in the Right-of-Way permit. This permit must be approved by Engineering prior to placing any construction staging in the City right-of-way.
Any public roadway pavement, sidewalk, curb and gutter, or other public street infrastructure damaged due to construction activities at the proposed development will be replaced by the contractor to the City’s satisfaction.
There are no existing bus stops within the proposed unloading zone.
Engineering provided the attached construction staging plans to the Police and Fire Departments for their review. No comments were received in time for agenda publication.
The applicant will be present at the Board meeting to answer any questions.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Economic Development and Financial Resilience
D. Fiscal Impact
No impact to the City of Wauwatosa.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board of Public Works grant the temporary construction staging measures within the public right-of-way starting June of 2026 through April of 2028. Approval is also recommended to be subject to the following:
• The Applicant naming the City as additional insured on the insurance policy for this project.
• The Applicant held responsible for snow removal within the unloading zone and bike lanes.
• The Applicant providing proof of notification to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus of proposed right-of-way impacts.
• Engineering approval of all construction staging and pedestrian detour plans prior to Storage in the Right-of-Way permit issuance.
• The Applicant working with Engineering to make reasonable adjustments to the traffic control plan, construction staging plan and/or pedestrian detour route if safety concerns to the traveling public arise during construction.