STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The Stevens Point common council approved the 30% design phase for the proposed Business 51 reconstruction project, paving the way for further discussion on the project.
The project has been in the works for nearly a decade, and it’s massive. When completed there would be new medians, removal of driveways and even taking four lanes down to two along some stretches of the road.
Some business owners along the Division and Church Street corridor have spoken out against the project, saying it could be detrimental and even fatal to their businesses. “Any business relies on traffic to survive. You’ll be taking this traffic away from my business if you pass this,” said one business owner.
Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza says he understands the public’s concerns but says there’s no way everyone will agree.
“There are aspects of it that I don’t like, and I can definitely tell you no matter which person you ask, they’re going to find something they don’t like with it. It’s a huge project and everyone has different needs,” he said.
Wiza said the city has done everything it can to get the word out on the project and allow people to voice their opinions.
Monday’s vote does not set the terms of the project in stone. Further discussions and input sessions will be scheduled as the project moves to the 60% design phase, which will include more detailed discussions.
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