Council approves first reading to change 500 Day Street from industrial to downtown; owner requests further study

The Green Bay Common Council approved a first reading Tuesday to amend the Smart Growth 2022 comprehensive plan, changing the future land-use designation for 500 Day Street from industrial to downtown. The vote advances the amendment to a required second and final reading, scheduled for March 4.

Chris Bridal, public-affairs representative for Georgia-Pacific, told the council the company supports productive reuse of closed properties but asked the city to evaluate financial feasibility before finalizing a change that could limit industrial options and slow sale or redevelopment. Bridal said Georgia-Pacific has not evaluated the site for non-industrial uses and urged the council to continue collaborative conversations with the company and potential buyers.

Alder Proffitt moved to approve the plan amendment; Alder Galvin seconded. Several councilors, including Alder Johnson and Alder Hutchison, described ongoing staff and private conversations with Georgia-Pacific and expressed support for moving the item forward to allow continued negotiation and the scheduling of a March 4 final vote. Hutchison noted she had voted against the planning commission recommendation earlier to ensure the property owner had adequate notice; she later said follow-up communications had resolved many concerns and she would support the change at first reading.

Ending: The council advanced the amendment; the second and final reading will occur on March 4, 2025. City staff and Georgia-Pacific said they will continue talks on feasible redevelopment scenarios and potential conditions tied to rezoning.