OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A controversial housing project in Oshkosh received unanimous approval Tuesday evening, despite residents saying the common council betrayed their trust with the project.
A multi-family housing complex, which would have over 500 units, is intended to address Oshkosh’s growing population. But residents have expressed great concerns about the complex near Lake Butte des Morts on the city’s northwest side.
Some of those issues were about the planning process — while others were environmental, about traffic or about aesthetics. Other issues were also raised, such as the potential discovery of Native American artifacts.
One resident even said concerns about this project weren’t just from Oshkosh residents but, also, people from all around the world who come to the city for EAA.
Another resident said the way the manner was handled was “concerning at a minimum” but potentially “incompetent.”
Council member Michael Ford said it was a mistake not to have a neighborhood meeting about the project before it was proposed, but he said it was a mistake that wouldn’t be repeated.
Ultimately, the council voted to approve the general development plan for the Lake Butte des Morts Drive complex, which would have over 500 units.
When it got down to specifics of phase one, though, the council was no longer in agreement.
Phase one consists of two four-story, 40-unit apartment buildings.
Council member Courtney Hansen proposed an amendment, saying that the four-story plan doesn’t work for the community. “I want this to happen,” she said, “but I want this to happen on the right terms.”
The amendment changed the plan for the two buildings to three stories. It did not address any of the other five phases of the complex, which include several other four-story buildings.
Council member Bill Miller said the amendment felt “punitive” because it made the project no longer cost effective for the developer. Red Earth, LLC said it might lose money with the proposed change, as the buildings would likely go from 40-unit buildings to 30-unit.
“We didn’t get into this to throw money away,” said Jake Buswell, owner/partner of Red Earth.
Despite concern from some council members and the developers, the amendment — and ultimately the resolution — passed.
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