FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The city of Fond du Lac is moving forward with plans to develop its downtown riverfront area.
The city says the changes will improve land that is underutilized, but some residents believe flooding is the bigger concern.
“I think it’s underdeveloped and underutilized,” said Community Development Director Dyann Benson. “Like many communities, we kind of turned our back on the river. Could we do something a little more consistent to make it more aesthetically pleasing?”
Benson says there’s potential to do more.
But some residents say there’s a bigger issue plaguing Fond du Lac; areas with a history of flooding remain a concern for locals.
“We have had multiple floods within my lifetime, so I think anything that’s built needs to take into consideration flood damage,” Fond du Lac resident Andrew Tier said.
Tier said his biggest concern is how susceptible the low elevation areas are.
The city agrees that is a priority, but options are limited. That’s why they’re also focused on aesthetic improvements.
“What kind of amenities could we offer to our community whether it’s seating, public art, places to congregate? Those types of areas,” Benson said.
Last year, the city looked at ways to develop new amenities and improve existing ones.
A survey was sent out to residents who voiced their opinions on the best way to do this. An initial design was created based on the input.
“Anything that will help mitigate the floods in general will help, it all adds up,” Tier said.
Tier said he is happy with what was proposed, like a stormwater pond.
“I’m glad they took into consideration in their modeling where the floods are most common and hard on our town,” Tier said.
There are also other factors that the city needs to consider before moving forward with the project.
“Some of these projects are going to take time, you know we’ve got to play the long game,” Benson said. “But also we have to plan for budget.”
Benson will present her budget proposal to the city council this summer.
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