Wausau City Council considers suspending JCPenney ramp parking fees during construction

The Wausau Joint Finance and Human Resources Committee convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on the temporary suspension of hourly parking fees at the JCPenney parking ramp during the upcoming downtown street construction project.

The meeting began with a presentation from Callie Wilk, the executive director of the Wausau River District. Wilk advocated for the suspension of parking fees from April 14 to July 3, 2025, coinciding with the first three phases of the Foundry project, which involves significant underground utility work and street reconstruction on Washington Street and Third Street. She emphasized that these disruptions would severely limit vehicle access and on-street parking, which could negatively impact local businesses that rely on visibility and foot traffic.

Wilk argued that waiving the parking fees would not only support small businesses during this challenging period but also encourage visitors to continue coming downtown despite the construction. She noted that the JCPenney ramp is underutilized and strategically located near the construction zone, making it an ideal solution for maintaining access to downtown.

Committee members raised concerns about fairness for permit holders who pay for parking. Questions were posed regarding how the free parking would be implemented and whether permit holders would be compensated during the fee suspension. The committee discussed the possibility of allowing permit holders to apply for refunds for the duration of the free parking period, similar to arrangements made during previous holiday seasons when hourly parkers were exempt from fees.

After deliberation, the committee agreed to amend the resolution to include a mechanism for permit holders to apply for refunds during the free parking period. This decision aims to balance the needs of local businesses with the interests of permit holders, ensuring that all parties are considered during the construction phase.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses while also addressing the concerns of residents and permit holders. The resolution, along with the proposed amendments, will be forwarded to the city council for final approval, with construction set to begin shortly.