Green Bay Development News

[zinger423]

That's too bad. If the shadows casted off the original concept were even semi-accurately to scale, it looks as if the building would have rivaled that of the Flats on the Fox. In addition, the adequate green space on the corner of Washington and Main would have provided a pleasing sight to the downtown in which it needs. Even though this may not be the final developmental plan, I'm sure it will look much better that the previous abandoned mall!

[Tower Park]

RDA. Items on the agenda for this afternoon’s 4/3/2012 RDA meeting. 1. Discussion and action on a Development Agreement for TIF assistance of Parcel #11-117 [Associated Banc-Corp]. Recommendation: Approve Development Agreement of Parcel #11-117. 2. Review and possible action on facade design for Children’s Museum and WaterMark buildings. Recommendation: Report to be presented at meeting. http://www.ci.green-bay.wi.us/mins_agd/

Schreiber Foods. More updating. Demolition work expected to be completed in June. Press-Gazette photo from last week shows what used to be the Center Court area of Port Plaza Mall. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...r-headquarters



City Centre Marina. Green Bay is closing its City Centre Marina adjacent to the Clarion Hotel but will retain some docks at the location without services for transient boaters. City Centre began operations about 1990 just north of what's now the Nitschke bridge, had 66 slips last year and is said to have been in declining use since 2005. The city indicates the economy, fuel costs, a lack of amenities beyond water and electricity, maintenance costs and competition contributed to the decline and closure. The marina lost more than $30,000 last year. Additional options for downtown-area boaters include South Bay Marina and the Green Bay Yacht Club, seasonal docks at the Riverside Place condos and apartments, and transient docks coming this summer to CityDeck. South Bay has more than 150 slips inside a breakwater and provides a host of amenities. The Yacht Club says 10 of its 83 slips are available this season, with membership in the organization required. Riverside Place estimates its docks — with 22 large and 9 smaller spaces and no amenities— were about 75% full last year. ©Photo from marinas.com shows the City Centre Marina ca. 2006 without its seasonal docks in place. http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/a...-Center-Marina and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...arina-business



Port of Green Bay. A survey of Green Bay manufacturers to find if there’s sufficient cargo volume to warrant an intermodal facility here is expected to be completed by year’s end. The survey will then be expanded to include areas surrounding Brown County. It's been a about a decade since intermodal rail/truck/port service operated out of Green Bay. A new Brown County committee investigating the matter will meet for the first time next week. If feasible, some type of intermodal service could be reinstated within three years. Meanwhile, three business have contacted the Port of Green Bay with inquiries about expanding or diversifying port operations. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...unty-committee

Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge. Is expected to be out-of-service for a minimum 4 to 6 weeks this summer season because of corrosion causing metal plates in the bridge to shift out of alignment. The same problem caused the bridge to be closed for repairs twice last year and again in 2008 and 2010. The city says it’ll work around July 4th and other seasonal festivities downtown. The Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge carries an average 18,000 vehicles daily plus pedestrians. While repairs are being made, the bridge will be in its up position. Press-Gazette photo of the Nitschke bridge under construction in 1998. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...rring-problems



Downtown. More on the move of Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop to the Baylake Bank City Centre building across the street. The shop has been downtown for about two decades. The new restaurant will be 2,300 sf, compared with 900 sf in the existing location, and will have 53 seats indoors and 24 outdoors. It currently has 26 seats. The move is expected to be completed later this month. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...yssey=nav|head

Appleton FYI. Allegiant airlines is discontinuing at least its summer-season flights between Outagamie County Regional Airport and Orlando. The last day of flights listed on its online reservation system is May 14. It’s not clear if the airline will resume Appleton-Orlando service for next winter. Allegiant will continue service from Appleton to Las Vegas and Phoenix. On May 25, the new air service provider MetJet will begin direct flights to Orlando from Green Bay. http://www.orlandoairports.net/press...309_metjet.pdf

[jerkylips999]

something I've been thinking about lately.

With regard to the rendering & the previous descriptions of the Schreiber campus having "lots of green space"....I like the idea & I think that having well designed green/public space downtown will make it much more appealing. That said, it sort of raises the question in my mind...where does the responsibility fall for this?

Pretty much every "big" downtown I've been to, businesses/buildings are designed with zero setbacks, minimal surface parking, etc. The parks/green space/public space have been city property, not property of the businesses. I just hope this doesn't end up looking more like suburban development that will end up feeling out of place downtown.

What I don't want to see is every business that decides to move downtown following this plan so we end up with a bunch of small, random patches of grass when we could have a big public square..

[Tower Park]

Metro Area. More presidential candidate visits. Rick Santorum was at the National Railroad Museum on Sunday, and Mitt Romney was at a Howard company yesterday (Monday). Press-Gazette photo. Journal Sentinel graphic. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...|text|GPG-News and http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...xt|FRONTPAGE|s and http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/145700275.html



Green Bay. Only three incumbent City Council reps are running unopposed in today’s election. Nine of the 12 council seats are contested. Contested districts are: 3. Andy Nicholson (I) & Joseph Prosser. 4. Daniel Bins & Timothy DeWane. 5. Brad Hopp & Amy Kocha (I). 6. Richard Debroux & Joseph Moore. 7. David Boyce & Jeanine Hammes. 8. Jesse Brunette & Chris Wery (I). 9. James Warner & Guy Zima (I). 10. Steven Deneys (I) and Mark Steuer. 12. Patrick Buckley (I) & Tom Sladek. City map. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ection-Tuesday



Green Bay. The Press-Gazette editorializes that Mayor Schmitt's attempt to stop other Brown County municipalities from using the city's name in their business recruitment strategy is understandable but futile. “We believe his attempts to keep the Green Bay brand exclusively within city borders can only foster bad feelings with neighboring municipal officials,” the paper says. “Besides, it won't work.” PG cartoon by Joe Heller. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ay-name-futile



Lambeau Field. The Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District wants a Kenny Chesney-level special event at Lambeau Field at least once a year. "We want one nonfootball event in the bowl that's good for the community on the Kenney Chesney level," says the district's executive director. Chesney headlined a concert at Lambeau last June that drew 45,446 fans and had an estimated $5 million economic impact on the community. The district also wants to hold at least one special event annually not in the stadium bowl or atrium, provide bid fees and incentives for trade shows-conventions-sporting events, provide sponsorships for entertainment and exhibits at local tourism destinations, provide funds for selected capital projects, and use funds to match and leverage private investments, donations, and public and private grant funds. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...rgeted-Lambeau

Bay Beach Amusement Park. For the first time since 1999, the Ferris wheel at Bay Beach has been taken apart and its individual metal parts tested. A squeaking noise last summer had operators worried the ride was nearing its end. It turned out to be some bearings and a loose pin; there were no signs of structural problems. "We can safely get another decade out of it," says a city parks official. The Ferris wheel was built in the mid-1950s at Bay Beach by the Eli Bridge Co., an Illinois company that has built Ferris wheels since 1900. Crews are reassembling the ride in anticipation of Bay Beach opening for the season May 5. Photo by John M. Touscany, 1991. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...an-bill-health



Eastern Wisconsin. More on the new Wisconsin Ledge grape growers and winemaking district. The district encompasses 3,800 square miles of the Niagara Escarpment and includes 15 of Wisconsin’s 85 bonded wineries and nearly 320 acres of vineyards. Another 70 acres are planned in the next two years. The official federal designation for Wisconsin Ledge was pursued by Trout Springs Winery, which promotes itself as Brown County’s first winery and vineyard. It’s located east of Wayside at 8150 River Rd. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...riers-approval and http://www.troutspringswinery.com/

Just In. "Schneider National Dallas-Area Facility Hit by Apparent Tornado, Massive Equipment Loss Reported" http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE

[Jschmuck]

thanks for the update Tower.

And as he has mentioned my current employer Schneider National's equipment of tractors and trailers and other equipment has has been severely damaged in the Dallas area. As one of the drivers i have been to that area many times. We are thankfull no one is hurt or killed. Shocking video and images. we are lucky the tornado didn't hit the building (the place of the office workers man the phones and other stuff and drivers go to relax, eat and watch a little tv if have time and mechanics working on equipment)

[Tower Park]

Green Bay City Council. 100% vote in.

Jim Warner...739...54%
Guy Zima...631...46%

Zima will remain on the County Board, as he was unopposed.

[GBSurveyor]

Originally Posted by Tower Park

Green Bay City Council. 100% vote in.

Jim Warner...739...54%
Guy Zima...631...46%

Zima will remain on the County Board, as he was unopposed.

Also 3 other incumbents go down

GREEN BAY CITY ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 8

(WITH 5 OF 5 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
CHRISTOPHER WERY . . . . . . . . 785 43.83
JESSE BRUNETTE. . . . . . . . . 999 55.78
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 7 .39
Total . . . . . . . . . 1,791
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . 0
Under Votes . . . . . . . . . 57

GREEN BAY CITY ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 10

(WITH 4 OF 4 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
MARK STEUER. . . . . . . . . . 747 51.06
STEVEN DENEYS . . . . . . . . . 710 48.53
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 6 .41
Total . . . . . . . . . 1,463
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . 0
Under Votes . . . . . . . . . 126

GREEN BAY CITY ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 12

(WITH 3 OF 3 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
TOM SLADEK . . . . . . . . . . 973 58.19
PATRICK J. BUCKLEY . . . . . . . 696 41.63
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 3 .18

[Puant]

They're also going to re-bend Washington Street yet AGAIN?
This configuration also looks to take the "astor' lot along the river out of consideration for any future developments.
Looks like it's back to being a park.

[Jschmuck]

They're also going to re-bend Washington Street yet AGAIN?
This configuration also looks to take the "astor' lot along the river out of consideration for any future developments.
Looks like it's back to being a park

actually to quote Tower a little that rendering was Schreiber's original idea but the final is much different. (hopefully)

[GBSurveyor]

Originally Posted by Puant

They're also going to re-bend Washington Street yet AGAIN?
This configuration also looks to take the "astor' lot along the river out of consideration for any future developments.
Looks like it's back to being a park.

Well the angle of Washington on Main Street is "not a safe" configuration... I hope that there is no way the water front lot "Astor" is going to sit vacant as a park in the core district, pave that sucker and have some surface parking!!!

[Tower Park]

Other City Council Results

District 3
Andy Nicholson (I)...569...69%
Joseph Prosser...251...31%

District 4
Timothy DeWane...601...51%
Daniel Bins...587...49%

District 5
Amy Kocha (I)...689...72%
Brad Hopp...259...27%

District 6
Joseph Moore...314...51
Richard DeBroux...295...48

District 7
David Boyce...386...57%
Jeanine Hammes...293...43%


Some County Board Tweets from https://twitter.com/#!/pgdougschneider

Six of the #BrownCo Board members running in contested races lost tonight. Tumpach, Miller, Andrews, Van Vonderen, Fleck, Scray

Board member Carole Andrews of Allouez defeated by Patrick Williams in D-15.

Board result: Challenger John Van Dyck edges Vicky Van Vonderen of Rockland in D-17.

Board VP Mary Scray of Howard loses re-election bid by almost 2-1 margin to Dave Steffen.

Board incumbent falls. Mike Fleck of De Pere defeated by Dan Robinson in close vote.

And yet another #BrownCo Board incumbent falls: Mark Tumpach of Green Bay defeated by Tom Sieber in D-1.

Yet another #BrownCo Board member falls: Rob Miller, who was appointed to his seat, loses to Erik Hoyer in Green Bay.


Also.

At the national level, Romney projected to win Wisconsin - although Santorum leading him in Brown County 44-37 with 98% in.

De Pere Mayor Mike Walsh defeats challenger Donna Gilson. Walsh re-elected for his ninth term as mayor. https://twitter.com/#!/HannOBrien/st...66196612562945

Posting from Jim Warner's Facebook page tonight: "We are having an election results gathering at Las Fuentes restaurant at 7:30 at 1007 W.Mason (old Baskin Robbins). Everyone please feel free to come and share the results!!! See you there! Jim"

Zima tells the Press-Gazette: ""Nobody lives forever, and nobody wins forever." https://twitter.com/#!/PGscottwillia...55974019985409

[Danillo]

Well, it's certainly going to be a different city council! It will be interesting to see if/how this impacts how and what things get done downtown.

[Beargb]

Originally Posted by GBSurveyor

Well the angle of Washington on Main Street is "not a safe" configuration... I hope that there is no way the water front lot "Astor" is going to sit vacant as a park in the core district, pave that sucker and have some surface parking!!!

Not quite sure what you mean here? I'm pretty sure that current intersection angle is no less than 75 degrees or so, which is a relatively safe angle. The minimum angle for that type of intersection is 70 degrees I think. To me, the new plans for Washington would be a lot more concerning, as I can't believe that those curves in the alignment are above the minimum required radius. Maybe they are, but I'd be surprised.

I like the surface lot idea though!! We sure need more of them! Heck, why not just ask Schreiber to build underground so we can put another surface lot on top of them.

[GBSurveyor]

Originally Posted by Beargb

Not quite sure what you mean here? I'm pretty sure that current intersection angle is no less than 75 degrees or so, which is a relatively safe angle. The minimum angle for that type of intersection is 70 degrees I think. To me, the new plans for Washington would be a lot more concerning, as I can't believe that those curves in the alignment are above the minimum required radius. Maybe they are, but I'd be surprised.

I like the surface lot idea though!! We sure need more of them! Heck, why not just ask Schreiber to build underground so we can put another surface lot on top of them.

no real point - just poking more fun at the layout, I really think that the curve was added to make it "feel" more suburban along with with 90° intersection, something more standard in a "greenfield" development.

[Danillo]

My guess is that the curve is there because someone was working off an old map and didn't know it had been straightened. As for the greenspace, I see it as a good thing, but hope its being looked at as part of a broader greenspace plan for the downtown so that the site seems as well integrated as possible.

[Tower Park]

Originally Posted by Danillo

Well, it's certainly going to be a different city council! It will be interesting to see if/how this impacts how and what things get done downtown.

You'd think not having Guy Zima on the Council might tend to make meetings less hostile and less long-winded. This may be entirely unfair, but two Council candidates who were less impressive IMO in their candidate statements in the Press-Gazette were the two running for District 7. That's the one district that straddles both sides of the Fox River and includes the east side downtown. With all the action and new housing downtown, you'd think that would be a district attracting top-notch candidates. The winner was David Boyce, and he could be one new alderman to watch. By the way, I think one reason more incumbents may have lost this election for City Council and County Board was the redistricting that happens every 10 years. Incumbents lost some of their past supporters to new districts and picked up new voters who'd never voted for them before.

[jrpros]

Originally Posted by Tower Park

You'd think not having Guy Zima on the Council might tend to make meetings less hostile and less long-winded. This may be entirely unfair, but two Council candidates who were less impressive IMO in their candidate statements in the Press-Gazette were the two running for District 7. That's the one district that straddles both sides of the Fox River and includes the east side downtown. With all the action and new housing downtown, you'd think that would be a district attracting top-notch candidates. The winner was David Boyce, and he could be one new alderman to watch. By the way, I think one reason more incumbents may have lost this election for City Council and County Board was the redistricting that happens every 10 years. Incumbents lost some of their past supporters to new districts and picked up new voters who'd never voted for them before.

Along with the redistricting, the polling places were moved in many places. Take a look at vote totals from District 3, the numbers speak volumes.

[Tower Park]

Associated Banc-Corp. The RDA yesterday approved a development agreement with Associated Banc-Corp providing some TIF assistance to the company to move its headquarters from Ashwaubenon to downtown. The agreement also includes provisions for 200 parking spaces in the Main Street Ramp, the city consulting with Associated on a long-term downtown parking plan, agreeing to work out an option to purchase Associated's parking lot on Monroe Ave. where the farmers market is held, and assisting in the marketing of 112 N. Adams St., one of the buildings Associated will no longer need. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...yssey=nav|head

WaterMark & River Center. The RDA yesterday also resolved facade issues with WaterMark & River Center: a final agreement concerning vinyl screens for the exterior of River Center, approval of lighting for the tower on WaterMark and approval of two large cedar canopies on the river side of WaterMark. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...yssey=nav|head

Days Inn. The Days Inn site is now level. All of the hotel has been demolished and remaining materials removed.

Green Bay. More on the City Council election. Guy Zima had been on the council for 36 years, serving with four different mayors. Says Zima of his loss and opponent: "I picked up all my signs last night and stored them away. I haven't thrown them away. So, we'll just, we'll see how he does." With seven new members on the 12-member City Council effective April 17, Mayor Schmitt says it's "a new day" in city politics. The mayor Skypes from Tanzania, where he's visiting his oldest daughter studying abroad. Turnout yesterday of eligible voters was 25% statewide, 24% in Brown County. Press-Gazette photo of a younger Guy Zima. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...|GPG-Elections and http://www.wbay.com/story/17337450/2...sent-a-message and http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...xt|FRONTPAGE|s and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...nts-lose-seats and http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...|GPG-Elections and https://twitter.com/#!/PGDougSchneid...89294250442752



Wisconsin. The recall election for Gov. Scott Walker is set for Tuesday, June 5. Also expected on the recall ballot are the lieutenant governor and four state Republican senators, none in Northeast Wisconsin. The primary election will be Tuesday, May 8. Democrats running against Walker are Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Secretary of State Doug La Follette and state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...PG-Elections|s



Green Bay Packers. Preseason schedule announced. At San Diego, Thursday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m. (ESPN). Other games - dates to be determined - are Cleveland, at Cincinnati and Kansas City, all on the Packers regional TV network. http://packersnews.greenbaypressgaze...text|FRONTPAGE

UW-Green Bay. Former UWGB women's basketball coach Kevin Borseth has been rehired, replacing Matt Bollant. Borseth coached UWGB from 1998 to 2007, going 216-62 and leading the Phoenix to the NCAA tournament seven times. He's spent the last five years coaching Michigan and had a 87-73 record there. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE

Hobart. Launched in 2008, Centennial Centre at Hobart now has "60 new single-family homes, 24 rentals primed for future condominium sales, 104 rentals" and two major industries, according to the Press-Gazette. The two industries are Centerline Machining & Grinding, Inc. and EMT International. As metro Green Bay expands west, Hobart expects to capture some of that growth in an area eventually designed as its downtown district. Centennial covers 603 acres publicly and privately owned along the Highway 29 corridor. The mixed-use development has light industrial, retail and residential space. The center is gaining a $6 million, 53,000 sf assisted-living residence expected to open in July. Hobart's population grew from 5,090 in 2000 to 6,182 in 2010. Hobart rendering. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...pment-thriving and http://www.hobart-wi.org/index.asp?T...6A9CFAC6B03%7D



Schneider National. About 100 pieces of truck equipment were damaged at a Schneider National facility in Dallas hit by a tornado Tuesday. No one at the Dallas Operating Center was injured. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE

Appleton FYI. A $66.5 million referendum to expand and upgrade Fox Valley Technical College was approved Tuesday 68%-32%. Meanwhile, incumbent Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna was re-elected to a fifth term. http://www.postcrescent.com/article/...VTC-referendum and http://www.postcrescent.com/article/...-Curt-Konetzke

[Milley29]

Another business is moving from Ashwaubenon to downtown, and into Watermark! I was told about the move last night at our monthly meeting. I'm not sure why this hasn't been announced yet because the deal is done, just ironing out some details, (floor, floorplan, furnishings, parking). Here's the details I am willing to reveal; branch office, about 45-50 employees so likely taking up a floor or at least the majority of it, likely moving in late May or more likely June. The reason we are moving is because we are adding around 10 employees in the coming months and have outgrown our office. Because it hasn't been announced officially, I am not willing to say the name of the company, but I can't imagine an announcement being far off. But, I am very excited about the move; we were shown some pictures yesterday, huge windows, great views, plenty of space, high ceilings, looks great.

[Tower Park]

Green Bay MSA. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says the Green Bay MSA “is back in a growth pattern” for jobs. The unadjusted unemployment rate for February was 7.3%, compared with 7.1% in January and 8.1% a year ago February. The number of people employed, however, was up 1,000 from January. The rise in the unemployment rate from January is attributed to more people re-entering the work force looking for work. The Green Bay MSA includes Brown, Oconto and Kewaunee counties. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...rowth-pattern-

Metro Area. Press-Gazette food reporter Thomas Rozwadowski says Green Bay is in the midst of a “culinary evolution.” “For a city of 100,000 residents, our progress can be marked by not only the newly diverse options available, but the simple fact that some of the food you'll find here is just as good — if not better — than more expensive big-city fare,” he says. Downtown restaurants on his list of favorites are Hinterland (favorite dinner), Titletown Brewing Co. (favorite burger), Nukeo Thai Restaurant (favorite ethnic) and Kavarna/Parisi’s Delicatessen (favorite entrepreneurs). Press-Gazette photo of Linda & Alex Galt at Parisi’s Delicatessen. http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgaze...leriespic|life



Broadway District. Latest issue of Broadway Beat. It’s the seventh anniversary of Besselli women’s and men’s clothing store, 201 N. Broadway. http://myemail.constantcontact.com/N...id=Koxx3svO1gw and http://www.besselli.com/

Main Street. The Aurora Pharmacy at 1900 Main St. has closed, one of 11 around the state closed due to low volume. Aurora will continue operating more than 70 other pharmacy locations, including west Green Bay, De Pere and Aurora BayCare Medical Center. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ome-pharmacies

St. Norbert Abbey. St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere will host a “Spotlight Tour” each Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. between April 11 and May 16. The tours will focus on the architecture, history and symbolism of the religious complex and will be led by Rev. Stephen Rossey. Attendance at all tours is not required, registration is appreciated by April 9 and a donation of $5 per tour is suggested. The abbey church was dedicated in 1959, with additional construction at the site completed in 1962. The facility features limestone construction, landscaped grounds, a 75-foot bell tower and large stained-glass windows in the church and was designed by the Green Bay firm Berners-Schober. It was built for the Norbertine Order of priests as a replacement for a smaller abbey on the St. Norbert College campus and is located on a 130-acre site at 1016 N. Broadway. Vintage postcard from cardcow.com shows the abbey early on. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ts-local-haven and http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...storical-style



Brown County Fair. There’ll be no national music headliners at this year’s Brown County Fair, Aug. 15-19 in De Pere. Past acts have included Styx, Ted Nugent and a number of country performers. The fair lost money two years ago when its main concert was rained out. Featured this year will be the Bear Mountain Grizzly Show, and one of the rodeo performances will be moved from its usual Sunday afternoon slot to Friday night, which was a concert evening in the past. Also featured will be opening-night fireworks, a demo derby, truck and tractor pulls, an armed forces appreciation day and area bands nightly on the midway stage. The fair last year drew 37,200 attendees. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...usic-headliner and www.browncountyfair.com