Recently, the Oshkosh Common Council with little public input voted to allow a developer to construct a "mixed-use" office complex on the 100 block of North Main St. Despite the fact that the Council is facing an open meetings violation investigation in connection with the deal cut with the developer, and despite the fact that the developer has now requested that luxury apartments (the most attractive part of the deal) be removed from the mix, it appears as if there may be 4 councilors ready to acquiesce to the developer's demands and continue with the project.
Former councilor Kevin McGee, at the last council meeting, argued before his former peers that going on with the project at this point depends on "how desperate you are." Indeed, why are some members of the council so desperate to see this project through? Why are they resistant to any meaningful input from the public as regards what should occupy the block?
Hopefully, common sense and respect for democratic processes will prevail at the next council meeting. I have two suggestions that I hope the council considers seriously:
1. Hold a 100 block summit: Several months ago, UW Oshkosh Urban Affairs professor Michael Burayidi appeared on Commentary. He said that the city should hold a "downtown summit" to help mobilize the citizenry to support revitalization efforts and to solicit ideas as to what kinds of developments are desired for the area. I believe such a summit could be limited to discussion just of the 100 block. The summit could be held on an evening after a council meeting, or on a Saturday so as to maximize the opportunities for citizen involvement. At the summit, individuals could be given the opportunity to speak in favor of 100 block developments that they could support. Those not able to attend could be asked to fill out cards, made available at the public library and at city hall, asking for a brief description of what they would like to see on the block.
2. Hold an advisory referendum: After the results of the summit and the filled-out cards are tabulated, there should emerge at least 4 major suggestions for the 100 block. Let's say, for sake of argument, that they are (1) a new location for city hall, (2) an acquatic center, (3) an office complex, and (4) a retail store. In November of 2001, citizens would be asked on an advisory referendum ballot to indicate which of these projects they would support.
After the referendum results are received, city staff would then be directed to prepare a report providing information as to how other cities have managed to make such projects happen, and what would be the costs to taxpayers. The council would then hold public hearings on the top two projects selected by the voters. The council would ultimately decide whether to go forward with a project.
The process I've described is a democratic one that will allow all members of the public a chance to have input on this important development area for Oshkosh. I hope the council takes the suggestion seriously.