07/11/2019- Plans to construct 4-story condominium buildings along Pierce Avenue in Marinette are moving forward, but not all nearby residents are sold on the development. The proposed project at the site of the former Marinette Knitting Mills property required rezoning, as well as amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for the area, which were granted by Common Council Tuesday night. The project will be completed in phases, beginning with one condo building, then adding another, and finally, constructing a third building which could house both condos and commercial space. Several homeowners spoke at a public hearing prior to the council meeting, including Pat DeWitt, and while most agree something should be done with the vacant property, they have some concerns about the plans presented, namely, the 50-foot height of the buildings.
Brian Peters with Bayland Buildings says the building would need to be at least 4 stories high for the developer to see any return on investment.
Both the amendments to Marinette’s Comprehensive plan and the rezoning request converting the tax parcels to a mixed use commercial/residential designation were approved 6-2. The developer will need to secure a conditional use permit and receive site plan approval before breaking ground.