Plan Commission approves amendment to TID No. 17 to add quarry parcels, updates project list

The Fitchburg Plan Commission voted to approve Amendment No. 1 to Tax Incremental Financing District No. 17, adding four parcels that include the Jamestown Quarry site and updating the district's list of eligible project costs.

Consultant Greg Johnson of Ellers summarized the amendment, saying it would add parcels 42–45 (former quarry land), update eligible expenditures to about $25.4 million, and reaffirm that the combined original and amended territory meets the statutory rehabilitation-area threshold (the staff summary showed 83% of gross acreage meeting rehabilitation criteria). Johnson told commissioners the amendment keeps the city's total incremental-valuation exposure well under the 12% statutory cap — roughly 6.29% using valuations certified as of Jan. 1, 2025.

The city’s financial analysis included two development assumptions inside the amended area: a multifamily project (estimated taxable value about $50 million) and a retail component (about $17.2 million). Using those assumptions over the 27-year life of the district, staff projected the district could generate just over $30.1 million in tax-increment revenue and could support many of the identified infrastructure and incentive costs with appropriate phasing. Johnson noted the project list in the plan represents legally eligible expenditures; the city council would separately approve any specific projects or development incentives and any developer agreements.

The amendment drew a public comment from resident David Haight, who urged commissioners to ensure the amendment’s findings and compatibility determinations are clearly tied to the city’s comprehensive plan and to present criteria and evidence before voting. City planner Dana Schmidt responded that plan commission had previously approved related development plans and zoning in the area and that staff finds the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan; staff recommended approval of Plan Commission Resolution PCR-03-26 and the associated council resolution R-108-26.

Commissioners also discussed whether bicycle-share stations or other bike-related amenities should be listed explicitly in the project plan. Johnson said adding such items to the project plan would make them TID-eligible expenditures but would not obligate the city to carry them out; any actual investment would require council action and likely a development agreement. Several commissioners noted bicycle facilities could alternatively be funded from the levy or requested from developers.

After discussion, the commission approved PCR-03-26 and forwarded R-108-26 with the commission’s recommendation; both motions carried by voice vote.

What happens next: the amendment and associated council resolution proceed to the common council for final decisions on specific projects and any development agreements. The project’s subdivision-improvement agreement and phasing items tied to Jamestown Quarry were discussed separately and also advanced by the commission.