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RDA approves $1 option for NeighborWorks Green Bay on 302 Merritt Avenue, developer to buy later for $10,000
Summary
The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved an option allowing NeighborWorks Green Bay to secure 302 Merritt Avenue for an infill duplex project, with an eventual purchase price of $10,000 and the option fee credited toward that amount.
The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority on a unanimous roll call approved an option letting NeighborWorks Green Bay secure 302 Merritt Avenue as the prospective site for a duplex, with a $1 option fee and an eventual purchase price set at $10,000.
The decision advances the authority's effort to promote infill housing on RDA-owned lots identified in the city's recent housing study. City staff said NeighborWorks has been working through concept designs and will finalize plans, bid construction and then market units once built.
Mark Lyons, planning manager, said the city has been marketing RDA-owned infill lots to increase workforce housing and that NeighborWorks has developed capacity in the last decade to undertake projects in Oshkosh. “So the city, after adopting the housing study, had been really starting to dig into and look at options and ways to increase kinda infill development within the city,” Lyons said.
City staff described the property as a long-vacant corner lot near the downtown YMCA. Officials said the proposal envisions a two-story duplex to keep a smaller footprint and preserve green space, and that code will require on-site parking — roughly four spaces — to be provided.
A NeighborWorks representative confirmed the action is an option only at this stage. “Correct. Today, it is just an option. Once they can kinda get their plans finalized, they would be buying the property for 10,000,” the representative said.
Meeting discussion covered logistics: the parcel has not been assigned a specific address, staff will work with the city on driveway and final addresses, and the developer does not yet have an identified end buyer; the plan is to build and then market the completed structure. Board members also asked about yard space for children and neighborhood character; staff noted nearby properties include duplexes and a triplex and said the proposed building would be compatible.
The motion was moved by Panick and seconded by Hutchinson. Clerk roll call recorded Bella Corelli, Hutchinson, Monique, Belter and others voting aye; the motion carried unanimously.
Staff said the option is a first step; NeighborWorks and city staff will return with final designs and any requests for gap funding after bids are received. The option document uses the common form that credits the option fee against the $10,000 purchase price when and if the purchase completes.
Votes at a glance
- Option to purchase 302 Merritt Avenue by NeighborWorks Green Bay (option fee $1; purchase price upon closing $10,000 with option fee credited): Moved by Panick; second Hutchinson; outcome approved (unanimous roll call: Bella Corelli — Aye; Hutchinson — Aye; Monique — Aye; Belter — Aye; others recorded as aye).
