Wausau Economic Development Committee Meeting - 9/1/26

The City of Wausau Economic Development Committee met on September 1, 2026, to discuss several key development and redevelopment projects. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the future use and remediation of the 1300 Cleveland Avenue property, where public input favored non-industrial uses such as a community or senior center, with an emphasis on thorough environmental cleanup supported by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The committee discussed formalizing the property's non-industrial status through deed restrictions and comprehensive plan updates. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved a development agreement with Wangard for the River Life South project at 920 North First Street and 15 Fulton Street, involving a $100,000 land purchase and up to $4.84 million in public assistance tied to property tax increments. The meeting also included acceptance of a donated property at 313 North 1st Avenue, with considerations about potential cleanup costs. Finally, the Wausau Community Development Authority presented early plans for a new public housing development to address affordable housing needs, seeking partnership with the city for site selection and project implementation.