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Oak Creek Buc-ee's proposal approved
The Oak Creek Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan and architectural review for Buc-ee's to build at 27th and Elm on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
OAK CREEK, Wis. - The Oak Creek Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan and architectural review for Buc-ee's to build at 27th and Elm on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
What we know:
The motion requires a development agreement for public infrastructure/improvements between the developer and city be approved before any building permits can be issued.
Buc-ee's rendering
The approval expires within 12 months if no building permit is issued.
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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation signed off on the project after requiring road changes to handle the expected traffic surge, including four new traffic lights on Elm Road and added turn lanes on Elm and 27th.
"We’ve been waiting for the DOT to sign off on a traffic impact analysis study that Buc-ee’s submitted to them," said Kristi Laine, Oak Creek’s community development director.
Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz stressed the city will not pay for the improvements.
"All I know is the City of Oak Creek ain’t paying for any of it, so we’re ok with that," Bukiewicz said.
What they're saying:
Still, neighbors just north of the site continued to urge the city to slow down, voicing concerns about traffic and transparency.
"Look me in the eye and say that you are going to do the right thing for all of Oak Creek, that we’re not doing this because Buc-ee’s is asking you to do it," resident Mary Ellen Malcolm said. "I’m counting on you to restore my faith and to slow this down and allow accurate exchange of information."
Despite opposition, the Oak Creek Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan and architectural review Tuesday.
"Neighbors, all I can say is change is pain, but it’s gonna work out in the end," Bukiewicz said.
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Buc-ee’s Director of Real Estate and Development Stan Beard said he is committed to talking with neighbors, but only after it is built.
"I’m not saying this lightly, we’ve got neighbors all over the country who live right next door to us, and they didn’t want us there to begin with. either," Beard said.
The backstory:
The proposed Buc-ee's travel center would be home to a 73,370-square-foot convenience store/fueling plaza and feature 120 gas pumps. The goal is to open the location in early 2027.
This would be the Texas-based gas station giant's first Wisconsin location. The company brands it more as a tourist destination than a gas station.
The Source: FOX6 News attended the Oak Creek Plan Commission meeting and used prior coverage.