MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — Plans to build a proposed $5.2 million dollar Hampton Inn Hotel on West Upham Street in Marshfield ran into an unexpected road block Tuesday night. That’s following the Common Council’s failure to approve the creation of a ‘Tax Increment Financing district to help facilitate the project.
Alderperson Rebecca Spiros said the change of direction on the hotel project was due in large part to feedback from constituents, including other hotel owners. According to Spiros, “The public now has had an opportunity to weigh in on this also, and we’ve gotten emails, we’ve seen messages, we’ve gotten phone calls, and that’s why you see me changing my opinion.”
Alderman Mike Feirer was one of those supporting creation of the TIF District whether it’s used for another hotel, or not. “I think that we should form this Tax Incremental District, no matter if we do a hotel or not. At least we have it ready to go. If it’s not a hotel, it’ll be something.”
As part of the project, the city would have provided around $1.5 million in incentives, including a $750,000 developer incentive, and around another $780,000 in street improvements that would’ve been recouped through taxes in about 20 years.
The proposed site of the TIF district is a 3.5 acre parcel that’s currently home to a vacant Knights of Columbus hall that’s been sitting empty for about the last year, and is currently not on the city’s tax roles.
The final vote was five to four in favor of the TIF District, but six votes were needed for passage so the measure failed. Alderman Pete Hendler was absent.
