Tim Ryan tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
A development proposal to put a luxury apartment building and single-family condominiums on the former Shawano Medical Center property passed its first hurdles at the Shawano Common Council meeting Wednesday.
The council voted 4-2 to approve two resolutions, including a zone change that would allow for the development contingent on a developer’s agreement being reached and a letter of intent between the city and the developer that sets the guidelines for reaching such an agreement.
Council members Bob Kurkiewicz and Sandy Steinke voted against both resolutions.
Tadych Investment Partners of Green Bay is proposing a four-story, 39-unit luxury apartment building and 25 single-family condominiums.
The resolutions were recommended by the plan commission last week in spite of a public hearing at which a contingent of neighbors objected to a four-story apartment building in their residential neighborhood.
Only one neighbor, Paul Romberg, appeared before the council during public comment Wednesday to reiterate those concerns.
“My neighbors and I have learned that the city is not interested in our thoughts or our concerns,” he said.
Romberg said he expected approval of the project by the city because of the amount of debt the city has incurred and the need to grow its tax base.
“So this neighborhood will again take it on the chin,” he said. “I am totally disgusted with how poorly Shawano has been run. All those who vote for this zoning change should be ashamed of this situation.”
Council member Lisa Hoffman, who is also a member of the plan commission, said she understood the concerns of the neighborhood.
“I don’t want you to think I haven’t listened or considered those greatly because I have,” she said.
However, Hoffman said, there was a general consensus by the plan commission that there was a need for luxury apartments and condos that would attract young professional into the community.
“This is a really great development for this community,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity for the city.”