Artist rendering of The Foundry on 3rd in Wausau
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau City Council has instructed the city’s Economic Development team and representatives from T Wall Enterprises to come back with a reworked amendment to the development agreement for the proposed Foundry on 3rd development.
Alder Lisa Rasmussen says they’re looking to acknowledge concerns from the council about the delay while also putting the developer’s commitment to the project in writing. “I hope this gets us where we need to go. I think there is room based on what we heard here tonight [to work on] the amendment and get it tailored a little more to where we are trying to get.”
Alder Doug Diny agreed saying that he doesn’t want to see the city allowing a developer to call “dibs on a prime piece of property for free.”
Monday’s decision came after an hour of presentations and public comment. That was followed by more than an hour of closed-session discussion.
During the presentation portion of the meeting officials from T Wall said they are working with contractors to finalize the building’s energy infrastructure. That includes measurements for the building’s necessary electrical load and natural gas needs. That will allow them to order a transformer, electrical switchgear, and meter stacks- all of which have long lead times. They’ve also finalized plans for the building’s sprinkler system and are working to secure green low-carbon certification.
Their electrical plans also include EV charging infrastructure for at least 30% of the building’s parking stalls.
RELATED: Wausau City Council Postpones Action on Amended Foundry Development Agreement
Most of the public comment came from supporters of the project including other Wausau-area developers who said the city shouldn’t let a delayed groundbreaking prevent the project from going forward. Others said more downtown housing would be good for local employers looking to attract workers.
The request means that T Wall will miss Friday’s groundbreaking deadline. But the amended motion prohibits the city from taking legal action while the sides work out a reworded amendment. Rasmussen said this path will get them a better-finished product.
“It is prudent for us to do a little reworking and come back [so we can be] in a better place,” added Rasmussen.
The motion instructs all sides to come back to the council in 60 days with the new amendment.
Comments