MARATHON CITY, WI (WSAU) — New Marathon City Administrator Steve Cherek has settled into his office and identified areas of focus for the growing community.
Like everyone else, most of those challenges involve finding ways to grow the community and tax base responsibly. “We have around 1,700 people here with another 2,000 that come in to work. So the need for [housing] in the village is great.”
But they can’t just start building anywhere. Cherek notes that the infrastructure needs to be put in place first. Some of that work has already been done with the North Industrial Park expansion, which started at around the same time he did. “I walked right into it. It brought water, sewer, all of those services to the north of [Highway] 29 and opened the door for growth that way.”
Part of that growth also includes expanded capacity at the wastewater treatment plant, which was just completed.
He’s also looking to bring potential developers together with the school district to discuss new single-family homes, which can often mean growth for the schools. “[We need to see] if they can sustain that growth.”
Cherek adds that residents can expect to see signs of development near the site of a new Kwik Trip truck stop along Highway 29 this spring. It will be one of the chain’s largest locations and will fill more than just the need for gas and snacks while traveling between Eau Claire and Green Bay. They’ll also have a selection of convenience grocery items that residents currently need to drive to Wausau to get. “This one will have a big store-room area for residents to pick up bread, milk, all that stuff you need.
“As a Village, we’ve reached all avenues trying to get a grocery store. We’d still [entertain those] if the right person contacts us. We’re willing to get a grocery store. But [until then] Kwik Trip will definitely help residents [fill that gap,]” added Cherek.
Cherek came to the village last November after working in multiple local government roles in Indiana, Madison, and most recently for Marathon County in the treasurer’s department.
Other topics Cherek discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Cherek’s career path
5:20- Kwik Trip update
8:20- Parks projects
12:20- Residental projects
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