HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Director's Report TO: City of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Allen Davis, Community Development Director
DATE: May 9, 2019
SUBJECT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Update on Oshkosh Arena property:
The RDA still owns the land. Fox Valley Pro Basketball is working through the
environmental liability issues that have arisen with the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources and their new rules pertaining to Voluntary Party Liability
Exemption (VPLE) for the property. This has become a major issue for the RDA/City.
The RDA/City continues to work with Fox Valley Pro Basketball (FVPB) to determine
the path forward with the WisDNR to issue the VPLE which then enables the RDA to
convey the property to FVPB. Staff continues to work with WisDNR and FVPB
representatives to resolve these issues.
Update on Healthy Neighborhood Initiative:
Habitat for Humanity and GO-HNI completed the "Rock the Block" activities in the
Sacred Heart neighborhood in late April. The weather cooperated for Thursday and
Friday, and 23 properties were improved. This Rock the Block event is the first of a
series of events. City staff is working with Habitat, GO-HNI and the Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation to identify the next "Rock the Block" locations.
Staff continues to seek blighted, scattered sites in residential neighborhoods. Staff
continues to use the following factors for these possible blight removal or rehabilitation
projects:
1. Location in an LMI Neighborhood.
2. Condition of the structure.
3. Within a neighborhood association, an approved redevelopment area or area
plan.
4. Code Enforcement actions pending.
5. Acquisition cost is well below the assessed value.
6. Estimated rehabilitation cost and resale price.
7. The potential impact on the neighborhood as a result of the project.
8. Potential redevelopment in combination with adjoining properties.
Update in South Shore Redevelopment Area:
Sawdust District Planning—City staff continues to work with area stakeholders
on developing a more specific redevelopment plan for the District. Staff hopes to
have the redevelopment plan completed in 2019.
Morgan District—The contractor has installed all the concrete and boardwalk for
the Riverwalk. Minor electrical work is currently being completed.
Pioneer Area—Mr. Art Dumke continues to work with City staff to explore
multiple development options and funding scenarios. The site now qualifies for
New Market Tax Credits and was included in the recently approved
Opportunity Zones.
Pioneer Drive Riverwalk— CN Railroad signed the quit claim deed and the City
has submitted the WisDNR grant application for the riverwalk. Staff is hoping
the grant award is made in 2019 with construction beginning in 2020.
91h Avenue extension to CN Railroad—Staff has prepared the CIP request for the
street construction from Main Street east to the tracks at the current railroad
crossing. Land acquisition and remediation will likely be required.
Undergrounding the overhead utilities has also been submitted for a CIP request.
Boatworks Property—The Option with Chet Wesenberg has expired.
Update on Marion & Pearl Redevelopment Area:
Parcels H, I &J: Plan Commission has recommended General Development
Plan (GDP) approval and the Council should be taking action on May 14, 2019.
The RDA has the GDP on this agenda.
Sawyer Street/Oshkosh Avenue
Accu-Com building—The building was demolished in January, 2019
Repp's Bar—The building was demolished in March, 2019.
Multi-modal Trail—The Lakeshore trail from I-41 to Punhoqua will be
constructed in 2019, along with the Oshkosh Corporation Global Headquarters.
WisDNR has awarded the City$793,000 for the project. The section will be bid
and awarded in June, 2019. In addition, WisDOT awarded the City$253,000 for
extending the trail through Rainbow Memorial Park to the Sawyer
Street/Oshkosh Avenue intersection in 2021.