Two major downtown redevelopments have continued to remain controversial among community members, as well as the city's Common Council.
Alds. Judy Compton, District 16, and Michael Schumacher, District 18, are proposing a public referendum to the new Central Library project. However, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, the Common Council should make these decisions because that is what they were elected to do.
Verveer also said the referendum would be unnecessary and costly. He said construction costs are at an all-time low, making the project a good deal for the city.
Alds. Satya Rhodes-Conway, District 12, and Jed Sanborn, District 1, want the proposed $16 million in tax incremental financing for the Edgewater hotel out of the capital budget, but according to Ald. Bryon Eagon, District 8, removing funding would not stop the project.
According to Verveer, for the project to pass with the TIF dollars, only 11 common council votes would be needed. Without the money, the project would then need 15 votes to pass.
