Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in development
CDBG housing rehabilitation program partnership
The city is handing its long-running home repair program — around since 1981, with over 1,300 homes renovated — to a nonprofit partner to run with $250,000 a year in federal CDBG funds. Low-income homeowners get health and safety repairs like roofs, furnaces, and accessibility ramps.
Homelessness prevention funding
St. Clare Health Mission received $30,183.05 in leftover public service funds for its TNT program, which the director said is the main prevention arm keeping people from becoming homeless — housing 10-14 people in a typical month.
Redevelopment of former community policing center at 713 St. James St.
The city is preparing to seek redevelopment proposals for its vacant former community policing center, modeled on the recent library RFP. Commissioners flagged that the site could be rezoned for housing, and the mayor emphasized the city shouldn't let owned buildings sit vacant.
River Point District development momentum
Staff reported that five or six projects — including Cowboy Jack's, 18 War Eagle condos, the Unwind 42 townhomes, and a roughly $80 million senior housing development — could break ground next spring. Developers who finished this year leased up their buildings in about a month and praised the city's process.
Northside Floodplain Redevelopment
Final Letter of Map Revision work will get Lot 10 out of the floodplain, splitting up to $15,000 in Authority costs with War Eagle LSE — a step that clears the way for development there.
Reuse of North Community Library building
The commission was scheduled to consider issuing a Request for Proposals for the vacant former North Community Library. The RFP would invite developers to propose a new use for the city-owned building.
Featherstone Rise subdivision
A new 36-lot residential subdivision with a park outlot in the Town of Shelby moved forward with unanimous approval, adding future housing on the city's edge.
Childcare access funding shift
The Parenting Place will redirect $99,650 toward grants that help start and expand childcare programs, since businesses showed little interest in the original funding. This should help more childcare providers open or stay open in La Crosse.
Affordable homeownership flexibility
The commission let a first-time affordable-home buyer rent her city-assisted house while she's away at school, with HUD protections. It sets a precedent the commission acknowledged could make future requests trickier.
Homes for 100 rent-support fund
A new fund with the La Crosse Area Community Foundation lets residents and businesses privately fund leases for people leaving homelessness. Presenters urged attendees to consider a contribution.
Pathways Home mid-point progress and unit gaps
Overall homelessness is at its lowest since the plan launched, but the system lacks about 60 intensive-need and 70 moderate-need housing units — the people most visible downtown. Officials say a 'heavier lift' of grants and resources is needed for a few years before the system can sustain itself.
Development Project
La Crosse’s Copper Rocks development is moving forward, and a groundbreaking could happen as soon as October. That means new construction and possible changes in the surrounding area, though the update doesn’t say what will be built or how big it will be.
Copper Rocks TIF assistance on former KMart site
The city is locking in a deal with Copper Rocks LLCs to redevelop 2415 State Road with 214 apartments, 33 townhomes, commercial space and 12 affordable Pathways units for 10 years. Up to $1 million in TID 11 money will pay for public utilities at the site.
Trane plant site phase two development
The certified survey map clears the way for phase two of the former Trane plant redevelopment, including a new construction company office and shop and new street extensions. It speeds up a project already in design review.
Bridgeview Plaza redevelopment public assistance
Eagle Bay Properties asked for public assistance, in the form of a preliminary term sheet, to redevelop Bridgeview Plaza in Phases 1 and 2. Public money or incentives for a private redevelopment were on the table.
Temporary moratorium on data centers
The committee was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a temporary moratorium on data centers in La Crosse. A moratorium would pause data center development while the city studies how — or whether — to regulate the industry, which can bring large power and water demands.
East Avenue / Mormon Coulee Road rezone for mixed use
A strip of property at 4329 East Avenue S. and four Mormon Coulee Road addresses was rezoned to allow shops, offices, a recycling facility, about five apartments and a future retail or food building.
Bike Lanes and Riverfront Redevelopment
La Crosse’s City Council hit pause on a downtown bike lane plan for 3rd and 4th Streets, so that debate isn’t over yet. Meanwhile, it approved a riverfront redevelopment plan, meaning the city’s riverfront and possibly your commute could both be changing soon.