Council backs Lakeshore Drive Concept 1, updates stormwater code and funds I‑41 pedestrian bridge

At the Nov. 25 meeting the Oshkosh Common Council directed staff to advance Concept 1 for the Lakeshore Drive reimagination project after staff presented two 3‑D concepts and the parks advisory board and survey respondents recommended Concept 1.

Council members noted Concept 1 opens more of the lakefront to the public, improves pedestrian and trail connections and provides slightly better long‑term access to clear‑well infrastructure. Staff said the design stage is approximately 40–50% complete and that details such as tree placement, impervious surface and exact path alignments will be refined as the design advances.

Separately, the council unanimously approved Ordinance 25‑617 to update chapter 14 (post‑construction stormwater management requirements). The roll‑call was recorded 7–0 in favor.

The council also amended the capital improvement plan to include funding for the I‑41 Pedestrian Bridge (Resolution 25‑618). One member said they would vote 'present' because of the federal discretionary nature of the funding; the roll‑call recorded the resolution as approved.

Next steps: Staff will focus design work on Lakeshore Concept 1 and return with refined design details; public engagement and technical design milestones were discussed for subsequent meetings.