Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 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.