Wausau committee looks to redevelop North 2nd Street parcels

Wausau is looking to redevelop land parcels on North 2nd Street.

The city’s Economic Development Committee re-opened their Request for Interest aimed at redeveloping the parcels during a meeting Tuesday.

The city released the Request for Interest in October. Originally, the city’s timeline slated considering proposals for this week.

However, after receiving only one proposal by the Dec. 19 deadline, Development Director Randy Fifrick said at Tuesday’s meeting the committee should open the request indefinitely.

“Given the limited interest we have received, so far, especially during this time period during the winter, it’s really not too common to see too much development interest happening,” he said.

District 4 Alder Tom Neal supported the recommendation. 

“Having these kind of artificial deadlines, there’s really no need for it,” Neal said. “But on top of that I think that some kind of marketing effort on our website and our social page would be good.”

According to the request for interest released last October, the eight parcels of city-owned land are within walking distance of the Wisconsin River.

The city is looking for proposals for land use that add value to the neighborhood and businesses, maximizes property tax value, and meets design guidelines.

One of the parcels was acquired by the city through a Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG.

According to a memo, the grant requires the development to provide some kind of benefit for income-qualified individuals. 

Fifrick told the committee timing isn’t a concern in getting these parcels developed. 

“As we move forward if there does come to be an issue we can work with the city and economic development committee,” Fifrick said. “There may be a scenario that makes sense where we appropriate some different funds to cover for that CDBG fund.”

For more information on the Request for Interest, visit the city of Wausau’s Development Division webpage.