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Residents, Alderman Urge Grocery and Safety Investments in Uptown Redevelopment Feedback
Summary
Public comment and staff reports on the Uptown redevelopment public engagement stressed demand for a full-service grocery, concerns about property maintenance and crime, and support for housing and design objectives; staff said a 10,000-square-foot grocery and other interest are active.
Public comments and staff summaries at the Kenosha Redevelopment Authority’s Feb. 25 meeting emphasized demand for a full-service grocery in the Uptown area, concerns about property maintenance and property crimes, and community support for housing and design objectives in the draft Uptown redevelopment plan.
Alderman Yaya Miachowski (Third District) spoke during public comment and described the area as a food desert since the Pick ’n Save closed: "When they closed Pick n Save, they did a major disservice to that area and that neighborhood." She urged the city to pursue a full-service grocer when a lease becomes available.
Staff reported several active prospects and site-specific activity. Taylor, Redevelopment Authority staff, said KTEC High School is "actively looking at that site" and held a neighborhood meeting. Taylor also said developer Abel Alejo has a 10,000-square-foot grocery planned at the Uptown Lofts and that the project was supported through a "congressionally directed spending item from Senator Baldwin" of about $1.5 million; staff said contracts are signed and construction is expected to begin soon.
Taylor summarized feedback from open houses and a survey: respondents favored homeownership and better landlord maintenance, property inspections and repairs for structurally unsound buildings, and design objectives that reflect neighborhood character. Crime concerns (vandalism, trespassing and property crime) and requests for more lighting and police presence were also repeatedly noted.
Staff noted outreach efforts: two public meetings (one at Kila), door hangers in English and Spanish delivered to about 300 doors, mailings to landlords and businesses, social media and an online survey. Taylor said turnout was modest — about 10–12 participants at public meetings — but that the responses reinforced key plan elements.
Staff and members discussed barriers to grocery development: Kroger/ Pick ’n Save retained a lease on its former site and had contractual restrictions, limiting other grocers until Kroger signs off. Staff said other brokers and grocers have expressed interest in central-city locations, but large-format grocers typically seek 30,000 square feet and such buildings are scarce in the area.
The authority voted to receive the public-engagement report on file. Members asked staff to continue outreach to potential grocers and to report back through the Uptown East subcommittee on implementation options.
