Fitchburg’s “big moment” invites public input for 20-year Comprehensive Plan
FITCHBURG, Wisc. – The city of Fitchburg is updating its comprehensive plan for the future, which will guide growth and development decisions for the next 20 years. “We’re always trying to be looking 20 years ahead to get to the desired future, said Sonja Kruesel, city planner and zoning administrator. “In the most succinct terms, we like to say, ‘Where and how is growth going to happen?'” “This is a big moment for Fitchburg and anyone who cares how it develops in the future,” Robert Procter said, adding that now is the time to start...
Read MorePublic gets a preview of Comprehensive Plan for Jefferson
JEFFERSON, WISC. (Excerpts from dailyunion.com) – On Nov. 19, members of the public had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed City of Jefferson Comprehensive Plan that emphasizes, among other concepts, strengthening of economic development. For the past six months, Jefferson residents and officials, along with staff from the engineering firm of Vandewalle and Associates, have been working to update the Jefferson Comprehensive Plan. The open house was the latest step in a series of public-participation events. As part of the process, the City conducted a community workshop in...
Read MoreMadison’s Oscar Mayer Special Area plan opens up potential
MADISON, WISC. (Excerpts from madison.com and Wisconsin State Journal) – The proposed rebirth of the former Oscar Mayer site and surrounding area on the East and North sides of Madison could bring 4,000 new jobs, 4,000 residents, pedestrian-friendly streets to reconnect neighborhoods and $300 million in new property tax base, according to city plans. The draft plans – prepared with the assistance of Vandewalle & Associates – call for a mix of housing and commercial space, community gathering areas with food carts and restaurants at the intersection of two key...
Read MoreEau Claire considers redevelopment of Cannery District with “maker” theme
EAU CLAIRE, WISC. (Excerpts from VolumeOne.org) – Vandewalle & Associates recently presented a draft version of a new redevelopment plan for Eau Claire’s Cannery District on the near west side. The plan incorporates a “maker” theme and is expected to call for higher-density housing, a relocated neighborhood park, and a cluster of businesses that reflect and continue the neighborhood’s history of ingenuity. “The overall district is kind of seen as a ‘makers’ district,’ ” said Aaron White, economic development manager for the City of Eau...
Read MoreOttumwa Legacy Foundation explores “Electric Park” concept
OTTUMWA, IOWA (excerpts from kyoutv.com) – What should the city of Ottumwa do, if anything, to enhance its footprint along the Des Moines River? The Legacy Foundation has been looking at ways that a change might bring real benefits. The city-owned hydro-power dam and the power plant on the Des Moines River are key features in one of the four opportunities that were identified in an analysis done by Vandewalle & Associates for the riverfront. Ottumwa residents came together in late Oct. to discuss a concept known as the ‘Electric Park Venue’. The park would be located...
Read MoreV&A announces Scott Harrington as Interim Director of Milwaukee Office
Changes and new faces in the Milwaukee Office. Our capable and hard-working Milwaukee-based team is being joined in its work serving southeast Wisconsin by Scott Harrington AICP, V&A Principal Planner/Redevelopment. Scott replaces Jolena Presti as team leader for the Milwaukee Office, becoming Interim Managing Director. Scott has over 30 years of experience working in long-range planning and redevelopment all over the country—from Florida to Illinois; North Carolina to Colorado. In his past 15 years with Vandewalle & Associates, he has...
Read MoreSlinger announces priority projects and facade improvement program
SLINGER, WISC. (Excerpts from gmtoday.com) — Earlier this month the Village Board approved a recently completed report by Vandewalle and Associates about improvements that could be coming to the downtown. The report also included a list of priorities that village leaders and residents have agreed on should be top projects. For 2020, Village Administrator Margaret Wilber said focus will be on rehabilitation or restoration of existing buildings, in-fill development of vacated businesses and lots downtown, and Kettle Moraine Drive and Ice Age Trail improvements. Wilber said work on...
Read MoreEau Claire Redevelopment Authority looks at plans for Cannery District
EAU CLAIRE, WISC. (with excerpts from LeaderTelegram.com) — New apartment buildings, townhomes and commercial areas for “maker-type” businesses are envisioned for Eau Claire’s Cannery District. The Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority Board (RDA) met with Milwaukee-based consultant Vandewalle & Associates on plans for the district on the west bank of the Chippewa River. The RDA determined that the riverfront land just south of the High Bridge should include apartment buildings. Kessler Park should be redeveloped for housing, specifically townhomes. A new park would...
Read MoreHow to Be a Wizard of OZ: Making the Most of Your Opportunity Zone
EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN — On October 4, 2019 Scott Harrington AICP, V&A Principal/Redevelopment donned one of his many hats to lead a presentation on Opportunity Zone optimization at the APA Upper Midwest Conference in Eau Claire. Opportunity Zones are relatively new tools for economic development that can help attract transformational investment into low-income census tracts where it is needed most. (Click here for more Opportunity Zone information on our OZ page.) For the presentation, Scott organized a panel consisting of Gordon Crow, the Executive Director of Centergy,...
Read MoreBrew City Match awards first round of financial, planning assistance to Milwaukee businesses
MILWAUKEE, WISC. (With excerpts from www.biztimes.com) — The first cohort of Milwaukee businesses were selected as winners in the JPMorgan Chase-backed Brew City Match program, which supports entrepreneurship in Milwaukee’s historic commercial corridors. The program is focused on the Cesar Chavez Drive, Historic King Drive and North Avenue/Fond du Lac commercial corridors. Vandewalle & Associates worked with the City of Milwaukee and LISC to provide the market analysis for the Fond du Lac and North and Clarke Square areas. JMorgan Chase awarded a $3.5...
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