GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – If a developer wants financial assistance for a building project in Green Bay, they now have to include a public arts project with their proposal.
The city’s Redevelopment Authority passed the policy this week as a way to bring more art to the community, without having taxpayers foot the bill.
“It feels so good to be appreciated as an artist in Green Bay now,” said Kent Hutchison, a Green Bay artist. “That hasn’t always been the case, but it’s happening.”
Green Bay Alderman Brian Johnson tells FOX 11 the policy requires any developer seeking tax incremental financing assistance to dedicate 1% of the project’s total value to a public arts project.
“We do feel if the developers are going to get the benefit of public assistance that they ought to contribute to the quality of life for all residents.”
As an example of the policy’s possibilities, Hutchison has a sculpture called Embark on the corner of Washington St. and Northland Avenue in downtown Green Bay. He says it cost $80,000. So, with an $8 million project, you could see a similar sculpture come with the development.
“Public art has demonstrated time and again to be a leading indicator of economic performance, on quality of life, beautification of neighborhoods, additional investment,” said Johnson.
Scott Smet, President, and CEO of Smet Construction tells FOX 11 he’s on board.
“I like it as a developer, especially if the enhancement or the art could be used either on the development we’re doing or close to it.”
The policy allows the developer to either put the art on their property, within a half-mile of their property, as part of a separate public arts project approved by the RDA or public arts commission, or money could be given to the city to design or maintain public art. A combination of the options could also be considered.
“I think the 1% could be looked at as maybe a sliding scale depending on the size of the development,” said Smet when asked what he thought of the new policy.
“As the development gets bigger, the margins get smaller. 1% could make a big difference in a financing package.”
The city says it will work with developers if the new policy threatens a potential deal.
The new policy will not affect development agreements that are currently being negotiated.
