Plan commission approves TID 19 project plan amendment to support Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood build‑out
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Summary
The commission approved an amendment to Tax Increment District 19 to add funding for finishing the Innovation Center build‑out, reconstructing 30th Avenue, remediation and potential housing assistance; staff said construction costs rose and the Innovation Center needs additional financing to finish tenant build‑outs.
The City Plan Commission voted Nov. 6 to adopt a project plan amendment for Tax Increment District (TID) 19 to provide additional funds for ongoing work in the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. Staff and the mayor described the amendment as a phase‑2 action that does not change TID boundaries or the master plan but allocates additional TIF funds for final Innovation Center build‑out, reconstruction of 30th Avenue, small remediation costs, potential housing assistance for prospective developers and limited land acquisition to support future development.
Staff said the Innovation Center building is substantially complete and open with tenants but that higher construction costs since the project began increased the funding need for tenant build‑outs and final finishes. The staff presentation noted the building cost is roughly $23.5 million and that state neighborhood improvement grant funding contributed the majority of the grant funds; staff explained that additional TIF funds would support completion and potential tenant‑specific build‑outs.
The joint review board met and unanimously recommended the amendment; commissioners and staff said several housing developers and prospective tenants are evaluating sites in the TID and that reconstruction of 30th Avenue is a needed infrastructure step. A motion to approve the project plan amendment carried on a voice vote.
