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RDA designates four Oshkosh Avenue properties as blighted to clear asbestos and prepare for redevelopment
Summary
The Redevelopment Authority approved resolution 25-03 declaring several properties along Oshkosh Avenue blighted to allow CDBG-funded asbestos removal and demolition; officials estimated inspection and cleanup costs and said the sites will be marketed for redevelopment after Oshkosh Avenue expansion.
The Oshkosh City Redevelopment Authority approved Resolution 25-03 on Wednesday to designate multiple parcels along Oshkosh Avenue as spot blight so the city can use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for asbestos inspection, removal and demolition.
City staff explained the designation covers properties at 1226 and 1236 Oshkosh Avenue and two adjacent vacant lots previously known as 1232 and 1240 Oshkosh Avenue. Sarah Hussain told the RDA the properties include a former bar with residential space above and a former secondhand shop with living space behind it; two small vacant parcels sit between the buildings.
Why it matters: Declaring the parcels blighted is a prerequisite for using certain federal CDBG funds to remove asbestos and perform demolition. Staff said asbestos inspection has a received quote "a little over $5,000" and estimated asbestos removal at roughly $20,000–$30,000; demolition could run an estimated $50,000–$75,000, though staff said they plan to do as much work in-house as possible to reduce costs.
The authority heard that the parcels sit in the footprint of the planned Oshkosh Avenue expansion and that coordinating demolition with Wisconsin Department of Transportation work and a planned bridge reconstruction could reduce disruption. The city intends to clear structures and then market the parcels for redevelopment after the Oshkosh Avenue project completes.
Public hearing and vote: The meeting record shows no members of the public attended the advertised public hearing. The RDA closed the hearing and took a motion to approve Resolution 25-03. Roll-call votes were recorded and the chair announced "motion carries." Commissioners recorded on the roll call included Belkrel/Belcarello, Lasky, Hutchinson, Panic and McGuire (Ayes); the resolution passed.
What was not decided: Staff described cost estimates and said final costs will depend on bids and department capacity; the RDA did not approve a specific demolition contract or final funding allocation during the meeting. City staff said they will seek to use in-house departments where possible and will continue to identify funding to cover asbestos removal and demolition.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate asbestos removal and demolition work as funding allows, pursue CDBG funds for remediation, and then prepare the cleared parcels for marketing in support of future development tied to the Oshkosh Avenue expansion.
