Mayor Doug Diny Vetoes Further Development of the Riverfront North of Bridge Street

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – After the City Council approved a resolution to hire an external consulting firm, Wausau’s new Mayor says no.

Wausau Mayor Doug Diny overrode the plans of hiring a consulting firm to further develop the riverfront north of Bridge Street.

Last week, the Wausau City Council approved a resolution by a 7 to 4 vote to spend up to $100,000 on an external consulting firm. It was supposed to help the city make plans for what could be developed on city-owned lots.

The spots in the sights for redevelopment are the former Wausau Chemical, Great Lakes Cheese and County Materials storage properties.

Mayor Doug Diny cited the need for more careful spending in light of a “double-digit property tax increase for many residents” that resulted from a city-wide revaluation. The revaluation meant property values spiking and sending shock waves of concern through a community already worried about rising water and sewer bills alongside city debt.

Mayor Diny says there are 4 major reasons for his decision: spending, priorities, budget and commitments.

One centers on costs coming up for Tax Increment District 3, which encompasses the north riverfront.

The other referred to the city’s commitment to addresses parking for Athletic Park and the Wausau Woodchucks.

“In 2011 the city purchased 16 acres along the east riverfront from MCDEVCO, only about half of that land has been developed, we have no shortage of clean-and-green land.” said Diny. “Filling those spaces, should be the city’s priority.”

The veto is subject to council override at the group’s next meeting, said Council President Rasmussen, who called the action an “odd choice.”