Community Engagement Session - 1300 Cleveland Avenue - 1/29/26

The City of Wausau held a community engagement session focused on the redevelopment of the 1300 Cleveland Avenue site, a former industrial property now owned by the city and zoned for residential use. City officials, including representatives from economic development, community development, public works, and the mayor, presented information on the site's environmental status, zoning, and potential land uses. The site has known soil contamination requiring remediation to residential standards, with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) involved in oversight. Various redevelopment proposals, including residential components and community amenities like childcare and grocery stores, were discussed. The meeting included a survey to gather neighborhood preferences on land uses, ranging from different residential building types to community centers and recreational facilities. Residents expressed concerns about the extent and safety of contamination, remediation processes, and the pace of redevelopment. City officials emphasized ongoing collaboration with the DNR and the community to ensure appropriate cleanup and land use planning, acknowledging the complexity and duration of the process.