Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Surplus Property Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port Washington planning commission backs declaring downtown police/fire block surplus to start redevelopment
Summary
The Port Washington Planning Commission on June 19 recommended that the Common Council declare about 1.566 acres of city‑owned land around the current police and fire station surplus, a step staff said is needed to issue an RFP and pursue redevelopment consistent with the city’s downtown plan.
The Port Washington Planning Commission on June 19 voted to recommend that the Common Council declare roughly 1.566 acres of city‑owned property at 104 W. Washington St. and 365 N. Wisconsin St. surplus, a step staff said is required before the city can solicit redevelopment proposals.
Staff said the declaration starts a statutory process that leads to a council determination and then, if approved, a request for proposals (RFP) for redevelopment. Bob Harris, planning staff, told the commission that state statutes require a formal surplus declaration to begin at the planning commission before moving to the Common Council.
Harris said the city expects the police and fire departments to relocate when the new public safety facility is completed; staff described the surplus declaration as an initial step that would allow an immediate transfer of the vacated site to a developer or partner once the building is cleared and inspected. The downtown plan shows a residential redevelopment concept with low roof lines and parking solutions aimed at preserving nearby views, staff said.
Commissioners discussed the timeline and purpose: staff recommended the RFP process begin so the city could accept bids, negotiate developer agreements and be “shovel ready” soon after occupancy of the new public safety building. The recommendation to declare the property surplus was made as a motion and was moved by Commissioner Strom and seconded by Commissioner Ehrlich; the motion passed with all voting in favor.
If the council declares the property surplus, staff said the next steps would include issuing an RFP, evaluating proposals against the downtown plan’s redevelopment recommendations and negotiating any developer agreements. The commission materials and staff comments noted proceeds from the sale could be used to offset bonding costs related to the public safety project and that new tax revenue from redevelopment would begin once new properties are on the tax rolls.
Details provided at the meeting: the site area (1.566 acres) and the street addresses cited above; the planning commission’s role is advisory and the Common Council will make the formal surplus determination. Staff offered to provide the downtown plan and related materials to commissioners as the process advances.
