Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Disposition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves sale of 208 Wyeth Street to private buyer, 8-2; neighbors and alder express transparency concerns
Summary
The Common Council authorized the sale of city‑owned property at 208 Wyeth Street to a private buyer, passing 8-2. Council discussion praised the chance to return the parcel to the tax rolls while some members raised concerns about transparency in how the sale was marketed.
The Wausau Common Council voted 8-2 on May 13 to authorize the sale of city‑owned property at 208 Wyeth Street to 208 Wyeth Street, LLC for redevelopment, clearing the way for the buyer to build a duplex on the long‑vacant lot.
Supporters said the city has carried the parcel for more than 15 years without generating property tax revenue and that the sale returns the lot to private ownership and tax rolls. “Do we want to get this parcel out of city ownership and return it to the private sector to develop into something that will pay property tax?” Alder Rasmussen asked, urging approval.
Alder Lukens also supported the sale and referenced earlier efforts to use the site for low‑income housing that failed; she said the current opportunity was preferable to continued city ownership.
Some alderpersons said they were uncomfortable with the process used to offer the parcel for sale. Alder Killian said she was not aware the property was on the market and cited a perceived lack of transparency. “I feel there has been a lack of transparency to the public,” Killian said, and she said she could not support the transaction for that reason. Alder Gisselman urged staff to develop more active marketing and clearer procedures for future city land sales.
City Attorney Anne (last name given in staff materials) reviewed the process for disposing of city property and told council the review found the process was acceptable; she said the parcel was reviewed under the adopted property disposition policy and brought to a standing committee. Council discussion referenced that the parcel had been difficult to market and had not produced tax revenue while city staff and committee members worked on several proposals over the years.
The vote on the resolution authorizing the sale was 8 in favor and 2 opposed. With the council's authorization, staff and the buyer may proceed with the redevelopment steps required by the sale agreement and local permitting. Council members asked staff to consider better public notice and active marketing for future city land sales, including signage and a point of contact for each parcel.
