Old Kmart site, other development projects, get approval from La Crosse city committee

A city council committee approved the rezoning needed to develop the Copper Rocks complex at the former Kmart lot on La Crosse’s State Road.

The project would include a possible high-rise housing structure, which at least one neighbor has criticized because it might lead to lack of privacy for nearby homes.

Residents in the area also are concerned that the development would increase traffic at an already-busy intersection.

Jeremy Novak with Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions, which is developing the site, told the Judiciary and Finance Committee on Tuesday that he’s been working with neighbors on privacy concerns.

“We recognize that we intentionally mass those large mixed-use buildings as close to the intersection of Losey and State Road as we could,” Novak said, “to try to get away from the single-family residences.”

Novak hopes the housing would attract professionals such as teachers and police employees.

The committee also approved new townhouses for a block of Denton Street, near Gundersen Health System.

People living near the project site told city leaders they hope the units will be owner-occupied, instead of rentals.

Bill Harnden asked the committee to consider the wishes of homeowners who live in the area, to preserve the atmosphere of the neighborhood.