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Wausau council approves sale of long-vacant Wyatt Street lot for duplex after debate over transparency, 8-2
Summary
The council authorized sale of a city-owned parcel on Wyatt Street to a private buyer for redevelopment as a duplex, renewing calls for better marketing of city-owned land after objections about public notice to neighbors.
The Wausau Common Council on May 13 approved an economic development resolution to sell city-owned property at 208 Wyatt Street to 208 Wyatt Street, LLC for redevelopment; the resolution passed 8-2.
Supporters said the long-vacant parcel — in city ownership for more than 15 years and not producing property tax revenue — should return to the tax rolls. "Do we want to get this parcel out of city ownership and return it to the private sector to develop into something that will pay property tax?" Alder Rasmussen asked, urging approval so the site can generate revenue after years of being idle.
Opponents raised transparency concerns about how the property was marketed and whether the public and neighbors had adequate notice of the parcel's availability; Alder Killian said she was unaware the property was for sale and criticized the disposition process. "I feel there has been a lack of transparency to the public, and I felt that this was a poor business decision for the city," Killian said.
City Attorney Anne told council she had reviewed the property disposition process and found the applicable policy and ordinance requirements had been followed; she acknowledged the parcel did not go to the Infrastructure Committee first but had been considered by a standing committee prior to full council action. Alderman Lukens and others urged staff to adopt more active marketing of city-owned parcels; suggestions included posted signs, a point of contact in economic development and listing property with realtors.
The motion to approve the sale was made by Alderman Henke and seconded by Alder Lukens; the council passed the resolution 8-2. Supporters said the sale offers a path to productive reuse after prior redevelopment proposals failed or were abandoned, and they argued returning the parcel to private ownership will generate property tax revenue. Opponents said the city should improve transparency and the method for offering city property for sale.
Staff said they are discussing ways to improve marketing and disclosures for city-owned real estate and will bring recommendations to the relevant committee(s).
