Neenah council approves rezoning, master-plan amendment for ThetaCare multifamily project at 215 East Forest Avenue

The City of Neenah Common Council voted 9-0 Wednesday to rezone land at 215 East Forest Avenue and approve a master‑plan amendment to allow construction of a multifamily housing development associated with the ThetaCare Medical Center Community Health District.

The approvals included ordinance 2025-13 (rezoning 215 East Forest Avenue to the CH Community Health District), ordinance 2025-14 (master plan amendment number 1-25 and project plan approval number 1-25 for the ThetaCare district), and ordinance 2025-12 to amend the city’s official street map. The council also approved, by unanimous consent, a one‑lot certified survey map for 215 East Forest Avenue and accepted dedication of public right of way along First Street for that property.

The measures move forward after public hearings and a Plan Commission recommendation. Alderman Mark Steiner, reporting the Plan Commission action, moved approval of the ordinances; Alderman Ellis seconded the motions. Each motion passed 9-0 on the council’s voting devices.

Two members of the public spoke in favor during the public hearing. Scott Becker, of 1061 Green Acres Lane, said the project “will help revitalize Doty Island” and called it “a very good development” for the community. Lisa Strandberg, who leads Pillars, a housing and homelessness nonprofit, said she was “very excited” to see the housing project and expressed support, saying the region needs more housing.

The street‑map amendment was presented in the public hearing as aligning the north right‑of‑way line of East North Water Street between the vacated portion of Second Street and Third Street. The Plan Commission report described the change as narrowing the East North Water Street right of way from 82 feet to 70 feet between First Street and the vacated portion of Second Street; both descriptions were part of the meeting record. The master plan amendment adds 215 East Forest Street (the former Roosevelt School site) to the ThetaCare district to allow the multifamily development.

City staff placed the plan and ordinance items on the consent track after a Plan Commission recommendation on Sept. 23, 2025; the council’s unanimous votes complete the local approvals recorded at this meeting. The council did not record any public opposition during the hearing.

Next steps for the project — permits, construction timeline and any external approvals required — were not specified during the meeting.