Common Council 8/5/26

The City of Racine Common Council meeting on August 5, 2026, approved a development agreement with the Community Development Authority and Newman Companies LLC for the former Geesy School property at 5120 Bird Avenue. The proposal would develop approximately 34 single-family homes. The fiscal note identified approximately $2.3 million for roads and utility infrastructure, $1.7 million for down-payment assistance at $50,000 per lot, and $300,000 for storm-sewer infrastructure from account 604-84-592-00. Council discussion included concerns about using Tax Incremental District (TID) funds outside the district and preserving intergovernmental revenue for future economic development; staff said the TID 31 homeowner repair-grant program would remain funded. The council also discussed its policy requiring intergovernmental funds to be used on a revolving-loan basis. A communication on removing existing parking meters and installing new signage was referred to the Public Works and Services Committee; no purchase or bid approval was reported.

The council unanimously enacted an immigration-enforcement ordinance. It also approved, 11–0, a conditional Class B liquor license for Pedasury Inc., doing business as Danny’s Grocery and Lounge at 1950 Taylor Avenue; the licensee must return to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee within six months under the cited ordinance provision. The committee’s recommendation to deny the application had failed. No competitive procurement, vendor selection, or bid award was identified.