Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council holds proposed 500 Day Street rezoning after public comments from Georgia Pacific, rail operator and chamber
Summary
The council paused action on a proposed 2022 comprehensive-plan amendment for 500 Day Street from industrial to downtown, taking a two-week hold to continue talks with Georgia Pacific, potential buyers and neighborhood stakeholders.
The Common Council held (tabled) action on a proposal to amend the Smart Growth 2022 comprehensive plan for 500 Day Street from future industrial land use to downtown land use, following public comments from Georgia Pacific, regional rail interests and the Greater Green Bay Chamber.
At a March 4 public hearing, Chris Brennan (public affairs manager for Georgia Pacific’s Green Bay operations) asked the council to postpone the zoning change to allow Georgia Pacific ongoing discussions with potential buyers without a zoning change constraining the sale. An online speaker (representing the Fox Valley & Lake Superior Rail System) raised concerns that the rezoning would remove a rare industrial parcel offering combined utilities, rail and potential water access, and argued the change could discourage industrial buyers and hamper rail investment projects. Lisa Jasser of the Greater Green Bay Chamber recommended continued collaborative discussion among the city, the company and potential buyers.
The nut graf: Councilors said the hold is intended to preserve flexibility while staff, the developer and stakeholders continue negotiations. Alder Brian Johnson — who moved to hold the item — told colleagues the city remains open to industrial uses and that the zoning change was intended to give the city more leverage to protect riverfront and gateway redevelopment. The council voted to hold both related ordinance items until the next council meeting, March 18.
Quotes and context: ‘‘Georgia Pacific is asking the common council to postpone this zoning action to allow further collaboration on future use...’’ Chris Brennan said during public comment. Alder Johnson said the hold “allows us a little bit of extra time to continue those conversations” and emphasized the city remains open to industrial uses on the site.
Ending: The council voted to hold the ordinance items for two weeks to allow additional staff and stakeholder work; the items are scheduled to return to the March 18 council meeting.
