Disputed apartment plan may still get more time for planning

The La Crosse city plan commission wants to give a developer one more chance to work out a new housing project at 11th and King streets.

Commission members Monday voted to delay action on Kevin Biondo’s housing plan for another 30 days. It’s already been on hold for three months, as Biondo has negotiated with neighbors who prefer single-family homes.

Biondo told the commission that he didn’t expect a long battle.

“Quite frankly, I never signed up to fight the city in any way, nor the neighborhood groups,” Biondo said. “I signed up to build what’s needed, quality housing.”

The plan has been reduced from 16 apartments to just four units, but even that has met with opposition.

City council member Chris Kahlow said the apartments Biondo wants to build are not what the neighborhood wants.

“He has worked very well with the neighborhood in attempting to come to a compromise, but the folks who have invested there did not want to see that project there,” Kahlow said. “And it’s not that we’re against you, and we appreciate all your work. We just think something better can go there.”

The city council judiciary committee debates the plan Tuesday night.