Councilmember raises concern about RDA-owned 147 Sheboygan St.; asks for more public tracking of RDA properties

Councilmember Schisler asked the July 23 meeting to spotlight an RDA-owned property at 147 Sheboygan Street and to consider better public reporting on properties the Redevelopment Authority owns or controls.

Why it matters: Schisler said the vacant house at 147 Sheboygan Street has been neglected and that demolition-by-neglect is a concern for older neighborhoods. He asked for greater transparency about RDA inventories and for council and RDA to consider options that avoid unnecessary demolition.

Property background and RDA role: Schisler said the city's Redevelopment Authority acquired 147 Sheboygan Street in January 2022 with federal funds and that the structure dates to the late 1800s. He said the parcel remained on the tax rolls through 2021 with an assessed value of $186,000 and that the building now presents hazards such as large trees leaning on the structure. He stressed the RDA's role is to remediate blight and to pursue redevelopment when feasible.

Historic-designation clarification: Community Development Director Benson told council three separate historic designations exist (local, state, national). She explained that only locally designated properties in Fond du Lac are subject to the city's historic-preservation ordinance (chapter 374) and its certificate-of-appropriateness process; state and national listings do not by themselves impose local architectural controls unless the owner seeks related tax credits or the property is locally designated.

Requested follow-up: Schisler asked staff to make information about RDA-owned parcels (pictures, lot size, zoning, permits needed, asking price or incentives) more accessible to elected officials and the public, either through a council briefing, a joint meeting with RDA, or a prominent web posting. Benson and other staff said the RDA will continue to evaluate redevelopment options and that acquisitions are handled by the RDA body.