Council approves free JCPenney ramp parking during April–July downtown reconstruction

The Wausau Common Council unanimously approved a resolution on April 8 to suspend hourly parking fees in Ramp 3 (the former JCPenney parking ramp) during downtown street reconstruction beginning April 14. The resolution (file 25-0419) passed 10-0 following discussion about coordination with downtown businesses and marketing the temporary change to visitors.

Kelly Walk, executive director of the Wausau River District (Wausau’s Main Street America program), urged the council to open the JCPenney ramp for free public use during the first three phases of the Foundry construction, scheduled approximately April 14 through July 3, 2025. Walk said the construction will close primary corridors and that free ramp access would reduce confusion, keep foot traffic moving, and help downtown businesses avoid revenue loss during the most disruptive weeks.

Business owner Brian Fox of Magnolia’s Open Bath also told the council that parking challenges have kept some customers away from downtown since the mall demolition and that free access to the nearby ramp would help maintain customer visits during construction.

Council members and staff said the city will work with business leaders on simple directional materials and marketing to guide visitors from the ramp to Third Street businesses. Councilors noted a late amendment to the resolution that added a refund provision for existing permit holders affected by the temporary suspension.

The resolution was moved and seconded (motion from Watson, second from Lukens) and carried on a roll-call vote of 10-0.

Provenance: Public comments urging action and the subsequent finance committee recommendation and council vote are recorded in the meeting transcript; the item was described in committee as amended to add a refund mechanism for existing permit holders.