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Plan Commission adds Algoma Alleyway to municipal pedestrian mall rules after grant-funded activation plans
Summary
Oshkosh plan commissioners recommended amending municipal code to designate the Algoma Alleyway downtown as a pedestrian mall, enabling use of a $32,750 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant to activate the space; commissioners discussed delivery access, screenings and murals before approving the change, 7-0.
Oshkosh — The Oshkosh Plan Commission on May 6 voted to recommend a municipal code amendment to designate an alleyway on Algoma Boulevard as a pedestrian mall, a change staff said is needed to implement a downtown activation project supported by a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant.
City staff described a 2023 grant application submitted by the city’s Transportation Department and Community Development Department on behalf of the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District. Staff said Oshkosh was awarded $32,750 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Vibrant Spaces program, with additional matching funds from the BID, and that the money will be used to activate the Algoma Alleyway where recent murals have been installed.
Staff explained the proposed ordinance language would add that specific alley to the list of pedestrian malls in Chapter 27A section A 10.2 of the municipal code and set regulations for each pedestrian mall’s unique characteristics. The draft ordinance listed that the Elmwood Avenue pedestrian mall is closed to all vehicular traffic except for authorized maintenance and emergency vehicles and would add the Algoma Alleyway with similar provisions. The staff presentation noted delivery vehicles would be allowed to park or temporarily stop for the purpose of making deliveries when actually engaged in delivery of goods.
Council member Buell asked about deliveries and vehicle access; staff replied delivery vehicles would be allowed when engaged in deliveries, consistent with current practice. Commissioner Propp cautioned that the alleyway is a "work in progress," noting mechanical equipment may need screening and that murals should not damage historic buildings; she said she supported the motion while flagging those concerns.
The commission noted a redundant reference to emergency vehicles in the ordinance text that staff identified as a typographical duplication; staff confirmed it appears in the drafted ordinance and acknowledged the redundancy. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing.
After discussion, the commission moved to "adopt the findings and recommendations stated in the staff report." The motion passed on a recorded roll call, 7-0. The ordinance amendment adds the Algoma Alleyway to the pedestrian mall section and establishes operation rules described in the staff materials, including limited vehicular access for deliveries, maintenance and emergency response. Implementation will follow the conditions and language finalized in the ordinance amendment.
