The shoreline at Bay Beach Amusement Park on August 2, 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The public had a chance to offer their thoughts on Green Bay’s waterfront restoration project near Bay Beach at a meeting Thursday afternoon.
The project has both environmental and user aspects, according to the city.
“Connect the Bay is a landmark initiative to strengthen our community’s natural defenses against flooding and coastal storms, while expanding public recreation and enhancing habitat for local wildlife. The project focuses on developing restoration designs that reduce wave impacts, mitigate the risk of flooding, create new habitats for freshwater mussels and fish species and improve public access along Lower Green Bay. An anticipated highlight is the creation of a boardwalk linking Bay Beach with a newly designed breakwater and gathering circle, enabling greater enjoyment of our waterfront for everyone,” the city’s summary of the meeting states.
“It’s kind of a win-win. People want to be able to fish more, they want to be able to get closer to the water, they want to be able to look at wildlife. This project will achieve all of those things,” said Melissa Schmitz, resiliency coordinator for the city of Green Bay.
“I think that’s a great opportunity for the area to just have a beautiful place to come and see what we have right in our backyard,” said Mary Pappas, a lifelong Green Bay resident.
However, that doesn’t mean it’ll be a beach for swimming.
“Part of this project is called beach nourishment, which is not necessarily a swimming beach, but it is a Great Lakes beach area that will be rehabilitated,” said Schmitz.
Conceptual designs are 60% completed, so feedback could still alter the final project.
“As the city faces increasing challenges posed by severe storms and flooding — potentially impacting up to one-third of Green Bay in a 100-year storm — projects like Connect the Bay are essential. The restoration will use nature-based infrastructure, such as wetlands and natural shoreline features, not only to absorb wave energy and diminish flood risks but also to nurture valuable freshwater habitats, improving ecological health throughout the region,” the city stated.
So far, the project design has been funded by grants. Right now, there’s no estimate for the construction cost. There is also no timeline for when the project may be completed.
“We’ve applied for another grant for next year, to be able to continue it to go from 60% to 100% design. Then after that, we’d be looking for grant funds for implementation and construction. So, it’s a long timeline,” said Schmitz.
In addition to attending Thursday’s event, residents may share their feedback through the Connect the Bay online survey, open through Oct. 11. Those interested can also subscribe to project updates via connectthebay.com or reach out to the project team at CONNECTtheBAY@geiconsultants.com for more information.
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