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Oconomowoc residents, businesses and aldermen spar over City Green bathroom plans as council seeks direction
Summary
After months of public input, Oconomowoc aldermen debated whether to pursue a larger public‑private bathroom and rooftop deck proposal for the City Green, a smaller two‑location restroom plan, or to use City Hall space. Council asked staff for alternate scaled drawings and cost estimates before deciding whether to issue RFPs.
Council and dozens of residents spent more than an hour on Oct. 21 debating where and how the city should add public restrooms as part of a multi‑year redesign of the City Green.
The largest proposal on the table — advanced earlier this year and developed in part with a private partner that occupies the adjacent etcetera building — would place a multi‑stall restroom on the green with a private rooftop seating area above. Supporters said the location matches foot traffic patterns; opponents and several aldermen said the public‑private relationship and final costs are not yet clear.
Why it matters: The City Green is Oconomowoc’s downtown waterfront gathering place; decisions affect tourism, downtown businesses and long‑term maintenance costs. Council members said any approved plan must be affordable, protect public space and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Public comments centered on three choices: keep a restroom tucked behind the etcetera building as the private owner proposed, build smaller public restrooms in two locations that spread facilities through downtown, or adapt existing space…
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