Residents tell council Bay Street sidewalk plan risks parking, access and safety; staff to follow up

Two Bay Street property owners told the Oshkosh Common Council on May 13 they oppose planned sidewalks and related road work on Bay Street between Bay Shore and the river, saying the layout would interfere with building entrances, remove vegetation and an antenna pole, reduce parking and create hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

A public speaker who identified himself as Mike Morris and said he is a member of the Midnight Club at 7 Bay Street told the council the proposed sidewalk would lie inside electric poles, interfere with the apron and entrance to a corner business and could create a collision risk when business owners back out of garages. He said the sidewalk would abut the steps and overhang of his building so that part of the steps would fall within the new sidewalk area, and that trees and an antenna pole located about 2 feet from the building would have to be removed. He also said the sidewalk would “stop at the end of our steps,” creating an unfinished walking route that could be hazardous for cyclists and pedestrians.

Another speaker, Mike Shuttle of 62 Broad Street, said the small apron in front of a garage that he uses for parking would be eliminated and expressed concern that the city might impose “no parking” restrictions on both sides of Bay Street after construction. He said losing the permitted parking would harm his ability to work on-site and that creating a cul-de-sac could take part of an existing parking lot and leave only 10 to 16 feet of green space to the water.

Mayor and council members replied that state statutes limit council interaction with speakers on non-agenda items during the meeting, but they did not ignore the concerns. Mayor or presiding officer said staff would reach out to Public Works and Transportation staff and that the council has the speakers’ contact information. Public Works Director Robbie (introduced during proclamations) was later asked to have staff review the project and provide an update to the council; the manager said staff and the transportation department would provide more information to council members.

No formal action or vote occurred on the Bay Street remarks at the May 13 meeting; the matter remains a 2025 project and staff follow-up was requested by the council.