By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT – Last-minute amendments to the city’s master plan, proposed by District 9 Alder Polly Dalton, were shot down at an Oct. 8 joint meeting and downtown and Division Street plan presentation, with the city’s redevelopment authority, plan commission, and common council present.

The change would have removed language from a section of the master plan concerning the area’s south riverfront, focused on the future possibility of removing the Edgewater Manor senior apartment complex, located at 1450 Water Street. The amendment would have Edgewater staying in its current location for the foreseeable future.

Mayor Mike Wiza noted that no action was set for the meeting, buy Dalton chose to continue to have her constituents vote on the proposed amendment.

“We are allowed to take action, and so this is within my role,” Dalton said.

The vote failed in common council by a 7-2 vote, with District 8 Alder Cathy Dugan and Dalton voting yes. The redevelopment authority and plan commission chose not to take action on Dalton’s proposed amendment.

District 1 Alder Tori Jennings noted the proposed amendment was “dangerous;” adding that Dalton may not be aware of the breadth of the project, noting some discussions took place in closed session over two years ago.

“With all due respect Alder Dalton, because of when you were elected, you’re not going to be privy to the considerable discussion that’s happened on this,” Jennings said. “So to insert this now without knowing the full scope of everything that has been discussed over two years or more is, I use the word ‘dangerous’ because there are huge things going on.

“I take a bit of offense to the insinuation that I haven’t done my homework as the newest. Because, I have met with the former director and treasurer about this particularly.”

Council President Meleesa Johnson noted that removing the language on Edgewater could put the city in financial jeopardy in the future due to infrastructural costs and worsening structural issues at the property. Several residents came to the meeting to speak out against the possibility of removing the Edgewater complex.

Mayor Mike Wiza noted the master plan is still in its early phases, and nothing is finalized.

Dalton’s amendment would have directly impacted the following segment on the master plan document: “DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT SOUTH RIVERFRONT – This target area is poised to accommodate new residential growth between the recently approved affordable senior apartment project on the corner of Third Street and Water Street and the potential redevelopment of the City-owned Edgewater Manor senior housing complex. Several lots on the former Weber Tackle block also have significant residential infill potential, and if Edgewater Manor is redeveloped, the riverfront site should be marketed for high-value residential or employment uses that capitalize on the water views, Main Street proximity, and Green Circle Trail connectivity.”

 Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.