LETTER: Rental development doesn’t fit with Belgium’s character 

To Ozaukee Press:

As a resident of the Village of Belgium, I feel compelled to alert fellow citizens to a current proposal that could significantly change the character of our community.

The proposal calls for the construction of an apartment complex at Jer-Mar Road and Middle Road (Highway KW), with its only access point on that site. 

The development would consist of five two-story buildings containing approximately 120 units, along with about 200 outdoor parking spaces, all on 8.47 acres. This property is currently zoned for light manufacturing (M-2), but a new zoning classification, RM-3 large multifamily residential district, was created specifically for this project.

This development would sit adjacent to the Ardennes subdivision, a neighborhood of 147 dwellings on 63 acres. Many Ardennes residents have already signed a protest letter because of serious concerns about how this project would affect nearby homeowners and the broader village.

Among those concerns are increased noise from vehicle traffic, air conditioners, dogs and general activity associated with a dense multifamily complex. Residents are also worried about the impact on local schools, including possible enrollment increases that could place greater demands on taxpayers. For homeowners on North Redding Circle, where most houses are one-story dwellings, the scale and intensity of this development would be especially disruptive.

Another major concern is lighting. Vehicle headlights shining into homes as cars turn into parking spaces opposite existing residences, along with parking lot and sidewalk lighting, would create an ongoing intrusion into the quiet enjoyment of nearby properties.

More broadly, this project represents a fundamental change to the Village of Belgium’s character. Many of us chose to live here because of its small-town feel, its thoughtful development pattern and its sense of community. A development of this size and density does not reflect the kind of village we embraced when we moved here.

I encourage fellow residents to learn more about this proposal and to speak up before an irreversible decision is made.

The meeting will be at Village Hall on April 13,2026 at 6:30 p.m. to determine the outcome of this proposed large multifamily residential project.

Thomas Geckler

Belgium