Redevelopment Authority hears update from Pangea Dimensions on 24-unit workforce housing; closed session authorized

The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority on Tuesday heard an update from Pangea Dimensions LLC on a proposed 24-unit workforce housing development and voted to go into closed session to discuss competitive bargaining.

City staff told the authority the developer has a draft developer agreement and has met with multiple city departments, the Development Review Committee and the Department of Public Works to discuss utilities and laterals. Pangea representatives said they have selected engineering and builder teams, have refined landscaping and site plans and are finalizing an application for rezoning and a GED application that they expect to submit this week.

“24 sustainable, livable, affordable homes. They’re workforce homes,” said Jabril, a Pangea representative, describing the planned units as two-bedroom townhomes with small backyard spaces. Jabril said the team has interviewed several engineers and builders, is securing financing commitments and has met with lenders and other financing sources to determine project gaps.

City staff said the timeline in the developer’s packet has been updated because earlier RDA deadlines were missed and that staff and the developer have discussed executing a development agreement. Staff also told the authority the planning commission held a workshop and provided design feedback that the developer incorporated, including reducing curb cuts on Ninth Avenue and changing some unit entries and stairs.

Pangea described a phased build, beginning with a small initial set of units followed by a larger phase. Jabril said the project team would start with two units within a couple of months and then proceed to the 10-unit phase; the developer said the current schedule targets project completion by July 2027 for the work discussed at the meeting.

The developer noted acquisition challenges on adjacent lots. The team said it had contacted owners of six neighboring parcels; only one owner expressed willingness to sell, and that owner’s price expectations were described as several times market value.

After the presentation the authority voted to enter closed session “pursuant to section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes,” citing competitive bargaining reasons. The roll call on that motion recorded ayes and the motion carried.

The authority also indicated it will continue to work with the developer on execution of a development agreement, financing coordination and neighborhood engagement prior to returning to open session.