Public Speaks Out About Redevelopment Plan
Rothschild Redevelopment Plans
More than 50 families in Rothschild could soon see retailers, restaurants and apartments in place of their homes. That's if the Village goes through with its plans to redevelop the Pavilion Marketplace.
The area is located in the northernmost corner of the municipality. It includes the Shopko Plaza, all the way to the Pavilion Park. Among the 17 million dollars in projects, improvements to the park, a face lift for the plaza and commercial buildings on several residential roads, like Martha, Margie, Knauf and Alice Streets.
At a public meeting Wednesday, the board unveiled the 30-year plan to nearly 100 people, many of them residents or business owners within the redevelopment zone.
"I grew up in this neighborhood and many of these people are people I've known since I was a kid," Weston resident Jacquie Nourse said. "My question to you is, you have enough trouble filling the business properties that are in this area already. What is your plan to fill it when you make all of these improvements?"
Board President George Peterson says the plans are more of a vision than something that's set in stone. The board says these changes will help revitalize the area, improve transportation and infrastructure, and grow the local economy.
Still, many people were not sold on the idea yet. Those making improvement to their homes, wishing to sell, or retire where they're at, expressed concerns over their futures.
"That kinda, sorta goes right through my property," said local business owner Carol Kake.
"Is there going to be a referendum? Is there going to be a vote to the public?" asked Rothschild resident Doug Nibarger.
The board could not address for certain most of the questions and comments, but assured everyone that the point of Wednesday's meeting was to hear the public's concerns and take them into consideration.
The board did approve to create a TIF district--a move that could mean taxes will go up in the future.
"If you said one house could stop the whole project," said Rothschild resident Vicki Marg, "right now, I vote that it be mine."
The board will meet again at the end of January to adopt the proposal.
