Committee forwards North Fourth/Franklin/MacKendoes parking project and TID amendment to council after YMCA commits to cost share

The Wausau Finance Committee voted Feb. 11 to forward a proposed TID 3 amendment that would fund parking improvements on North Fourth Street, Franklin Street and MacKendoes to the city council for separate consideration.

Staff described the project as tied to a separate YMCA property plan: the YMCA agreed to dedicate right‑of‑way at 404 Franklin Street as part of its redevelopment, and the city’s proposed parking and sidewalk realignment would support that project. Eric summarized the project history and said the infrastructure committee had approved moving the project forward and the design was ready to bid.

Brian Bailey, representing the YMCA, gave a verbal commitment in the meeting and said he would provide a written letter the next day confirming the YMCA’s board has agreed to pay half the project cost. "I can start with a verbal commitment and get you in writing right away tomorrow, that our board is committed to the fees for it," Bailey said.

Several alder members expressed concerns about the project’s impact on the adjacent park (referred to in the record as Yauke/Yockey Park). Alder Gisselman asked why the park committee had not reviewed the plan given the project’s effect on park trees and park edge; staff replied the work is within the city right‑of‑way and the new sidewalk would follow the edge of the park, but that the sidewalk and fence would become part of the park in the reconfigured layout. Alders noted the park forester had warned of a significant tree impact.

Alder Cooney said she had observed the YMCA parking lots at various times and did not find them full, and she questioned whether immediate parking expansion was necessary. Alder Henke and other members said the committee could forward the project and the cost‑sharing letter to council, and the TID amendment would return in full in March with the broader amendment package.

The committee voted to move the amendment to the council agenda so the council can consider the project separately from the rest of the TID amendments. Staff said the YMCA’s written commitment would be included when the amendment goes to council. Alder Tierney was recorded voting against the measure at the committee level; the amendment otherwise passed.

The committee did not vote on construction contracts. The project remains subject to council approval and to the statutory process for TID amendment, which staff said will be followed during the March TID plan review.