Plan Commission approves Merrill School memorial space as amended specific implementation plan

The Oshkosh City Plan Commission voted 8-0 on Feb. 4 to approve a specific implementation plan (SIP) amendment for a memorial space at the former Merrill School site, located at 108 West New York Avenue and the southwest corner of West Custer Avenue and Kentucky Street.

Planning staff said the subject area is one parcel totaling approximately 5.8 acres. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan recommends community facility at this location. A previously approved development plan for an athletic facility included a condition that the memorial space be reviewed by the plan commission; the applicant is returning to request an amendment that formalizes the memorial’s design.

The proposed memorial will include a concrete path, garden area, a flagpole, two memorial benches, three memorial piers and a carved memorial stone; the piers and the carved stone will incorporate features salvaged from the former Merrill School building. Staff said the plan received concurrence from the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and recommended approval with a condition to maintain the 2020 corner vision triangle. A neighborhood meeting held Jan. 14, 2025, had one neighbor in attendance who raised no objections.

Jim Fox, director of facilities for Oshkosh Area Schools, attended to answer questions. There was no public opposition during the hearing. The commission adopted the staff findings and recommendations by roll call, 8-0.