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Neenah council approves demolition contracts for 135 Millview Drive after debate
Summary
Council approved a $164,104 demolition contract and a $7,520 asbestos‑abatement contract for 135 Millview Drive despite objections from some aldermen who called the approach favoritist and questioned grant and budget timing.
The Neenah Common Council approved demolition and asbestos‑abatement contracts for 135 Millview Drive following debate about the city’s role in acquiring and preparing property for redevelopment.
Chairman Weber reported the Public Services and Safety Committee recommended awarding a $164,104 contract to Best Enterprises LLC for demolition and a $7,520 contract to Advanced Asbestos Removal Inc. for asbestos abatement. The motion to accept the committee recommendations was moved by Alderman Weber and seconded; after discussion the council approved the contracts.
Alderman Defferting said he voted against the recommendation at the committee level because he believes city government should not pick winners in the marketplace and objected to the city choosing one property for demolition rather than leaving redevelopment to the private market. Alderman Palma and others raised questions about grant policy and the sufficiency of budgeted funds, noting the project was contingent on receiving a grant and that there is limited borrowing available for demolition work.
Director Nyforth (community development staff) said some parcels the city owns are too small to redevelop individually and staff often acquires adjacent properties to assemble a larger developable site; the city’s South Commercial Street master plan and recent road reconstruction have increased the city’s focus on facilitating redevelopment in the corridor.
Council members divided on the policy questions but the motion to approve the demolition and related abatement contracts carried on the council floor.
Provenance: Committee recommendation and debate on the demolition contracts were reported by the public services and safety committee and discussed in council.
