MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — For the first time in over ten years the City of Marshfield is moving forward with plans for a new housing subdivision.
The City Council approved a $1.5 million investment including a $900,000 investment from the Economic Development Board to offset the start-up costs of the development.
He knows there’s a degree of risk especially when you’re talking about housing, but he believes the potential return is worth it. “We’ll be providing jobs to local contractors and housing for the incoming workforce. AS we’ve heard [tonight,] that’s an issue,” said Miller. “If we don’t have these lots available for people coming in or people wanting to move up in their housing situation- yes this is an expensive project, but I think there is a good return and this is definitely a need.”
Miller told the council the new subdivision could hold up to 23 lots with homes valued at $400,000 or more. If those benchmarks are met it could mean an extra $9 million for the city’s tax base.
Alder Adam Fischer gave an enthusiastic yes to the plan. “We need to go big or we need to go home. In my opinion, you have to separate the forest from the trees here and go ‘what’s the big picture and how does this benefit the city?’
“Do I want my taxes to go up? Or do I want the tax base of the city to go up? I would prefer the tax base of the city to go up,” he added.
The council did pass the plan on a 9-1 vote with some contingencies. At least 12 of the available lots must be pre-sold within the next month. If that threshold is met within the next two weeks, Miller said that would allow for the project to be put out for bids by the end of May.
He said the goal from there would be to get the infrastructure built this year and open up lots for construction before winter. The City Council still needs to finalize the acquisition of property for the new subdivision as well.
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