NEW BERLIN — A group of New Berlin residents, New Berlin Citizens United, can move forward with their appeal challenging a proposed substance use facility.
At a Thursday special Board of Appeals meeting, the board considered whether those challenging the project have legal standing to do so. In a 3-1 vote, the board determined that the appellants qualify as “aggrieved persons,” meaning they have the right to pursue the appeal.
Because the board is acting in a quasi-judicial role, it will issue a formal written decision outlining findings of fact and legal conclusions. That document will be reviewed and adopted at a future meeting and will serve as the official determination on standing.
The planned “New Journey” campus, operated by the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, would be located near the intersection of Interstate 43 and Moorland Road. The facility is designed to provide in-person treatment services for individuals recovering from substance use, and plans include a chapel, reflecting the organization’s religious affiliation.
According to project materials, participation in the program would be voluntary and part of a state-licensed treatment program. Individuals enrolled must be committed to recovery and are prohibited from using drugs or alcohol during their stay. Officials say participants who engage in ongoing substance use or drug sales would be removed from the program.
The facility would be staffed and supervised around the clock. Supporters of the project pointed to the organization’s existing location at 830 N. 19th St. in Milwaukee, which they say has had minimal impact on public safety.
Attorneys for New Berlin Citizens United (NBCU) filed a position statement on Feb.18, arguing that the city incorrectly approved a land-use determination for a project. The group said the proposed facility has been misclassified as a religious institution.
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According to NBCU, the facility does not meet the city’s definition of a church and instead functions more like a community living facility, which is not permitted in the area’s light industrial (M-1) zoning district. The group is asking the Board of Appeals to overturn the Plan Commission’s December 8, 2025 decision.
The filing also pushes back against claims from the applicant and city representatives that the appeal should not be considered. NBCU argues the Board of Appeals has clear authority to review Plan Commission decisions involving ordinance interpretation.
It was questioned whether the appeal filing was sufficiently detailed and whether NBCU has legal standing. In response, NBCU argues its filing clearly outlines the central issue and that nearby residents, some residents living close to the proposed site, qualify as “aggrieved parties” under Wisconsin law due to potential impacts on property values and neighborhood conditions.
Other residents voiced concerns about increased traffic, public safety, and potential impacts on property values.
No decision has yet been made on the merits of the proposed development, which remains under review.
Separately, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission filed a petition in Waukesha County Circuit Court on March 6, asking a judge to reject NBCU’s effort to block construction of the facility. The case will continue through both the appeals process and the court system.