HomeMy WebLinkAbout18. 13-465
OCTOBER 8, 2013 13-465 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED___7-0___LOST _______LAID OVER ______WITHDRAWN _______)
AS AMENDED
PURPOSE: URGE CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILROAD TO IMPROVE AESTHETIC
QUALITIES OF RAILROAD BRIDGE OVER FOX RIVER IN THE CITY
OF OSHKOSH
INITIATED BY: DEPUTY MAYOR STEVE HERMAN
WHEREAS, the Canadian National Railroad has recently installed a new railroad lift
bridge over the Fox River in downtown Oshkosh which is visible from properties along the
riverfront as well as other areas within the City due to its height and increased profile as
compared with the prior bridge; and
WHEREAS, the main bridge span has an appearance of being unfinished and
Canadian National has indicated that this finish is designed to patina or oxidize in place; and
WHEREAS, various parts of the painted portions of the bridge have been painted with
different colors; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh has spent millions of dollars reinvesting in its
riverfront area, including development of a riverwalk, the Leach Amphitheater, the Oshkosh
Convention Center, and the creation of TIF districts along the riverfront for redevelopment;
and
WHEREAS, the Oshkosh Community Foundation has partnered with the City in
redevelopment along the riverfront, including working with the City and private investors
toward the redevelopment of the Best Western Premier Hotel, providing funding and support
for the renovation of the Oshkosh Convention Center and the Leach Amphitheater; and
WHEREAS, private investors, the University of Wisconsin and the University of
Wisconsin Foundation have similarly invested in development including the renovation of the
Best Western Premier Hotel and Ground Round Restaurant, the UW Alumni Welcome Center
and other private properties along the south shore of the Fox River; and
WHEREAS, the appearance of the Canadian National railroad bridge is not compatible
with the surrounding properties and redevelopment along the riverfront.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that Canadian National Railroad be strongly urged to review the aesthetic qualities
of the replacement bridge over the Fox River within the City of Oshkosh and to take such