ALGOMA, WI (WLUK-WTAQ) – A new report suggests the city of Algoma create a “recreational hub” on the site of the former Algoma Hardwoods plant.
Algoma Hardwoods closed Aug. 31, 2017, putting 180 people out of work. At one point, the plant employed 350 people. The commissioned a report to examine the site and options for moving forward.
The 81-page report details the status and challenged poised by the 30-acre complex. Among the findings:
- Changing standards for industrial space has rendered most of the building space unusable for modern industrial use
- The site’s location in the flood plain may offer redevelopment challenges
- Pollution on site would likely require investigation and remediation
- “There appears to be potential to establish a significant regional recreational hub that can attract visitors to Algoma. The site’s proximity to the downtown and harbor amenities such as fishing charters, marina and condos reinforces the potential of the site to serve a regional market”
The study also includes the results of a community survey about the site. Among the findings:
- A majority of respondents favor recreational use for the site
- Most people want the site to be privately owned
- 82% felt the site should sit idle for less than five years before the city considers taking action
- The city’s development focus should be on creating jobs, and on cleaning up run-down properties
There are several strategies the city should consider. Among the recommendations:
- “Encourage any new investment in the facility to be focused on the areas that would provide the biggest investment for the least investment”
- “The city should anticipate a change in use for the property over the medium term”
- “Investigate the concept of a regional recreational hub centered on the Algoma Hardwoods site.”
- “Establish a Redevelopment Authority to evaluate the blighted and under-utilized property in the City”
The Algoma City Council discuss the report at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 416 Fremont St.
