Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in development with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.