Middleton officials are weighing a land‑exchange proposal that could both preserve the Quarry Hill Conservancy and address resident concerns about a nearby apartment development. Under the alternative outlined by city staff, developer New Year Investments would transfer the wooded Midthun parcel to the city. In return, the city would convey a public parking lot west of the parcel to the developer, allowing construction on that site instead.
City staff say the swap protects the conservancy
Planning Director Abby Attoun emphasized that none of the existing conservancy land is slated for development under any of the options being considered. “No part of the City’s Quarry Hill Conservancy has ever been considered for development under any of the proposals,” Attoun wrote. She added that the exchange would actually enable the city to expand the protected area.
Neighbors voice concerns
Friends of Quarry Hill Conservancy president Anjie Harris‑Ostrem called the proposal a non‑compromise, noting that the new building would still butt up against the conservancy. “We do not feel that way,” she said, expressing worries about tree loss, construction impacts, traffic and the building’s scale.
Residents at a recent public hearing echoed similar concerns, questioning whether a 70‑unit apartment building would fit the neighborhood. Harris‑Ostrem said, “Conceptually, we find it difficult to imagine a 70‑unit apartment building going in here.”
Developer cites community input
Anne Neujahr Morrison, a principal with New Year Investments, said the alternative was shaped by feedback from multiple public hearings. “This idea of this alternate or land swap is something that was really suggested by neighbors in many of the public hearings,” she said.
Morrison pointed to an existing building across the street as a precedent, noting the developer’s willingness to “soften the edges” of the project and ensure it is welcomed by the neighborhood. She also highlighted the site’s history of commercial and industrial use and the opportunity to revitalize the area with walkable downtown amenities, local retail, housing options and green space.
Zoning and design details remain unsettled
The city’s parking lot is already zoned for multifamily housing up to five stories, but no specific building design has been approved. Attoun clarified that height, unit count and construction impacts have not been determined at this conceptual stage.
Staff recommendations for any eventual agreement include at least 17 dedicated public parking spaces for a minimum of 30 years, ground‑floor commercial space, and compliance with downtown zoning requirements.
Next steps
The land‑swap concept is a first draft from city staff and has not been adopted by any city committee. The Plan Commission is scheduled to discuss the proposal on Nov. 10, and if commissioners support it, the Common Council could review it as early as Nov. 17. Any final agreement would require council approval, with opportunities for public comment at council meetings.
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