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Council holds rezoning decision for 500 Day Street after Georgia Pacific and rail operator raise concerns
Summary
The council agreed to hold action on a proposal to change the land-use designation for 500 Day Street from industrial to downtown to allow time for further discussions after Georgia Pacific asked for more time and the Fox Valley & Lake Superior rail system and other stakeholders raised operational concerns.
The Common Council unanimously voted to hold consideration of a proposed amendment to the Smart Growth 2022 comprehensive plan that would change the future land-use designation of 500 Day Street from industrial to downtown until the next regular meeting on March 18.
The item drew public comment from Georgia Pacific’s public affairs manager, who asked the city to postpone the zoning amendment to allow ongoing discussions with potential buyers. Chris Bridal told the council Georgia Pacific had engaged city economic-development staff and Council members "to discuss potential buyers and future uses of the property," and asked the council to delay action so the company and prospective purchasers would not be limited by new zoning rules.
Brad Piett, representing the Fox Valley & Lake Superior rail system ("Foxy"), spoke remotely and urged the council to vote no, saying the parcel is a rare industrial site that offers combined utilities and rail access. Piett said the city’s expedited rezone may have deterred interest since the property was first listed in October; he also raised concerns about safety, dust, noise and the challenges of replacing industrial capacity, noting Foxy faces significant bridge-replacement costs and needs industrial customers to support infrastructure investments.
Lisa Jasser of the Greater Green Bay Chamber urged continued dialogue among stakeholders, calling Georgia Pacific a long-standing local partner and asking the city and business community to work toward a mutually beneficial outcome.
Alder Johnson and others said the council remains open to industrial uses on the site and described the hold as a courtesy that allows further discussion. "We are open and continue to remain open to industrial uses on that site," Johnson said; the hold gives additional time for the city and stakeholders to collaborate on potential uses and protections while staff and council continue conversations.
The council will revisit the item at its next meeting, scheduled March 18, and encouraged parties to continue discussions in the interim.
