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RDA staff outlines central-city redevelopment study and multiple riverfront projects in update to members
Summary
City staff told the Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority they are working with local partners on a targeted central-city redevelopment study and provided updates on Riverwalk segments, a planned fixed flyover bridge, Boatworks and Merge projects, and other downtown redevelopment efforts.
City staff updated the Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority on a coordinated central-city redevelopment study and a string of downtown and riverfront projects, saying the work aims to identify redevelopment-ready blocks and support additional housing and commercial investment.
Kelly, a city staff member, said the city is partnering with the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the downtown BID, the Oshkosh Chamber and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to pursue a deeper master plan for a study area previously included in the Imagine Oshkosh downtown plan. The city has contracted Halsiel Levine and Associates — the consultant that worked on Imagine Oshkosh and the Sawdust District master plan — to lead the study.
"They probably met with I'd say at least 30 to 40 stakeholders in the community," Kelly said, describing December stakeholder meetings. Staff said an initial set of focus areas will be reviewed with the RDA and that Jefferson Street RDA properties are included in the study area.
Staff also briefed the authority on several projects in or near the study area:
- Riverwalk and North Pioneer Drive segment: The city is working with AECOM on design for the next Riverwalk segment along Pioneer Drive east of the railroad tracks.
- T Well/T wall and East Ninth Avenue: Work with the DNR is progressing and the city awarded a contract to advance the East Ninth Avenue reconstruction and extension; staff said a spring construction start for portions of the riverfront work is anticipated.
- Boatworks option and environmental review: Developers Chet Wiesenberg and Tim Hess hold an option on the eastern parcel; the western sanitation garage parcel is city-owned. Staff said plan-submittal formatting issues are being resolved and plan commission review could occur as soon as March. City staff noted increased coordination with the DNR because of recent changes in the VPLE program and related remediation and liability discussions.
- Merge and Morgan District: The Merge project is nearing completion on its multifamily phase, with mixed-use commercial delayed while the city and Wisconsin Department of Transportation coordinated alignment for a new fixed flyover bridge. Staff said DOT has recommended a fixed flyover that will not need to open and will allow the Riverwalk to continue under the structure; environmental review is underway with design expected to start in 2024–25 and construction currently estimated for the 2027–29 time frame.
- Marina/island ("dump key" project) and Boatworks area activation: Staff said they continue to work with AART on marina-side improvements and island activation to increase public use.
Kelly said staff will return to the RDA if the central-city study leads to creation of a redevelopment plan or redevelopment district, and that the study will help prioritize which properties the RDA might consider for acquisition or other action.
Board members asked clarifying questions about study-area boundaries, existing city-owned properties, and how proposed projects would integrate with pedestrian access to a taller fixed bridge. Staff emphasized coordination with DOT and developers to preserve pedestrian amenities and business access.
No formal RDA action was taken on the study itself during the meeting; the update was informational and staff will present specific proposals to the RDA for consideration if the plan advances.
