WHEATLAND — The main highway used by residents in the far western reaches of Kenosha County to get to Burlington will be reduced to a single lane beginning next week.
A two-mile stretch of Highway 83 will be resurfaced between Highway 50 and Highway JB.
The $598,700 project was awarded to Payne and Dolan Inc. Work is expected to begin Monday and be completed by the beginning of October.
Project improvements include:
n Resurfacing two miles of roadway;
n Traffic signal modifications at the intersection of highways 83 and 50;
n Signage updates;
n Installation of reflective backplates to traffic signal heads.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, bi-directional traffic will be maintained in a single open lane controlled by flaggers.
The last time that portion of Highway 83 was reconstructed was in 2004, DOT project manager Justin Suydam said. It sustained a severe amount of joint heaving in 2015, resulting in uneven pavement.
While various heaved areas have since been milled to improve safety, the effects of weather and traffic wear on the pavement will require further milling of two inches of the existing road surface.
Town chairman Bill Glembocki said the highway is in desperate need of improvement.
“It’s bad,” Glembocki said. “It’s dangerously bumpy. Last winter it was hard to keep your vehicle on the road.”
Residents who attended a public hearing on the project in 2017 asked the DOT to also install drain tile as part of the project. However, that work was not included.
“It’s going to be a great improvement, but I don’t know for sure it will take care of the problem,” Glembocki said, adding the drainage issue could continue to impact the highway.
City looks to boost financing district tied to 60th Street widening
The city is seeking approval to pour an additional $2.5 million into an existing Tax Incremental Financing District (No. 26) for future development and road construction along a two-lane stretch on 60th Street.
The incentive would be added to the TID’s existing $4 million revenue bond. The proposal is on the agenda at today’s city Plan Commission meeting with final approval needed Aug. 19 in front of the Common Council.
TID district No. 26 was approved last fall. It is located between 60th Street and 75th Street and bordered by two railroad lines — Union Pacific Railroad and Canadian Pacific Railroad — a few blocks west of Indian Trail Academy.
Westbound traffic approaching the tracks on 60th Street merges from four lanes to two lanes all the way to Interstate 94 and beyond.
Future plans are in place to widen 60th Street to four lanes from the TID district to I-94, according to Zohrab Khaligian, a city redevelopment specialist for Community Development and Inspections.
The TID increases the total incentive to $6.5 million for interested developers. Plans call for three industrial buildings to be constructed on the site.
“When the first building gets its occupancy, that’s when we release the first bond that then allows us the taxes being paid to return some of those tax dollars,” Khaligian said. “That’s how the grant is developed. It’s an after-completion grant. It’s at the developer’s entire risk. If they don’t build anything we have no tax revenue to provide them that incentive.”
A public hearing also will take place at today’s city Plan Commission for the creation of an overlapping TID (No. 27), slated at the epicenter of the Downtown Vision Project from 52nd Street and Sheridan Road to the corner of 55th Street and Sixth Avenue.
The TID includes the corner of 56th Street and Sheridan Road, the site targeted for construction of a new city hall.
Other items on the city Plan Commission agenda include public hearings on Gateway Lofts, a proposed 38-unit multi-family development located at 3601 30th Ave., and Fox Meadowview, a 144-unit apartment complex planned at the northeast corner of 50th Street and 52nd Avenue.
A conditional use permit amendment is being considered for a new Culver’s at 11811 29th St.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Picton Castle, center, and Pride of Baltimore, right, gather off of Simmons Island in the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan for the Tall Ships Festival Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, left, Picton Castle, Niagara, and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Denis Sullivan and the Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Pride of Baltimore fires a cannon while entering the harbor.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
People line the lakefront to welcome the tall ships during the Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, Niagara, Appledore and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
The Denis Sullivan during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Picton Castle, left, and the Niagara, right, during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Denis Sullivan joins the Tall Ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
Tall Ships Festival sails into Kenosha
Tall ships cruised the lakefront before making their grand entrance on Thursday, patiently waiting for what is poised to be a weekend to remember in downtown Kenosha.
Nearly 15 months of anticipation and picture-perfect weather could attract huge crowds for the Tall Ships of America’s Tall Ships Challenge, which opens at 10 a.m. today and runs through Sunday.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for kids (ages 6-17). A family pass is available for $45.
The three-day festival returned to Kenosha for the first time since making back-to-back appearances in 2003 and 2004. The event, which now takes place in the Great Lakes every three years, relocated to Chicago before Kenosha successfully won its bid to host this year’s event.
“It’s very much a celebration,” said Kris Kochman, city community relations liaison. “Our city is so patriotic. Fourth of July and the parade is a really big deal. People come out in droves every year, and it never gets old.
“This is something new. We haven’t had an event like this for more than 10 years. People are excited to see the ships and the festival that goes along with it.”
Kochman said attendance could easily top the original 30,000 estimate.
General admission tickets are available at the gate or can be purchased online at www.kenoshatallships.com. Those tickets include access for boarding the ships as well as entrance to the art fair, food court, children’s area and the Miller Lite Music Stage. A limited number of sail-away tickets, ranging from $55 to $75, are still available.
“I noticed the sail-away tickets ramped up quickly in the past week,” Kochman said. “We went from 600 tickets sold to 1,000 in the snap of a finger. I think those remaining tickets are going to be sold out.”
American English, a Beatles tribute band, performs 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets to the concert are $20 or included for anyone who purchases a general admission ticket before 4 p.m. Friday.
Seven ships
Seven ships are taking part in the festival in Kenosha, one of 11 Great Lakes ports of the Tall Ships Challenge. The ships set sail from Green Bay on Tuesday and began arriving in Kenosha on Wednesday.
Ships docking in Kenosha include the Barque Picton Castle, Bluenose II, S/V Denis Sullivan, U.S. Brig Niagara, Appledore IV, Pride of Baltimore II and Kenosha’s own Red Witch.
Appledore IV and Red Witch are offering 80-minute excursions from the Kenosha Sailing Center and Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Boarding is allowed on the five other ships docked on the south side of the harbor. Crew members will be available to answer questions during the self-guided tours.
Taking a tour
Touring the ships adds an entirely different perspective from watching them sail.
The U.S. Brig Niagara, which is 198 feet long and 120 feet high, is a replica ship from the War of 1812. It includes a sub-deck complete with sleeping quarters and a wood-fired stove.
“You haven’t had the full experience until you’ve gone on board,” Kochman said. “They’re all very unique. People will want to explore them and stand at the ship’s wheel for a picture. It’s kind of the iconic thing to do.”
Chicago initially committed to host this year’s tour and canceled due to ongoing construction at Navy Pier. Kenosha gladly obliged to take over and will have priority to host the event again when it returns to the Great Lakes in 2022.
“The mayor (John Antaramian) wanted this event to come here in the worst way,” said Patricia Lock, the city’s tall ship festival consultant. “It’s good for Kenosha. It’s good for tourism. It’s a great way to showcase the city. When we had this event in 2003 and 2004, the people who came downtown said they had no idea it was this nice down here.”
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Picton Castle, center, and Pride of Baltimore, right, gather off of Simmons Island in the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan for the Tall Ships Festival Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, left, Picton Castle, Niagara, and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Denis Sullivan and the Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Pride of Baltimore fires a cannon while entering the harbor.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
People line the lakefront to welcome the tall ships during the Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, Niagara, Appledore and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
The Denis Sullivan during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Picton Castle, left, and the Niagara, right, during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Denis Sullivan joins the Tall Ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
Tall Ships Festival sails into Kenosha
Tall ships cruised the lakefront before making their grand entrance on Thursday, patiently waiting for what is poised to be a weekend to remember in downtown Kenosha.
Nearly 15 months of anticipation and picture-perfect weather could attract huge crowds for the Tall Ships of America’s Tall Ships Challenge, which opens at 10 a.m. today and runs through Sunday.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for kids (ages 6-17). A family pass is available for $45.
The three-day festival returned to Kenosha for the first time since making back-to-back appearances in 2003 and 2004. The event, which now takes place in the Great Lakes every three years, relocated to Chicago before Kenosha successfully won its bid to host this year’s event.
“It’s very much a celebration,” said Kris Kochman, city community relations liaison. “Our city is so patriotic. Fourth of July and the parade is a really big deal. People come out in droves every year, and it never gets old.
“This is something new. We haven’t had an event like this for more than 10 years. People are excited to see the ships and the festival that goes along with it.”
Kochman said attendance could easily top the original 30,000 estimate.
General admission tickets are available at the gate or can be purchased online at www.kenoshatallships.com. Those tickets include access for boarding the ships as well as entrance to the art fair, food court, children’s area and the Miller Lite Music Stage. A limited number of sail-away tickets, ranging from $55 to $75, are still available.
“I noticed the sail-away tickets ramped up quickly in the past week,” Kochman said. “We went from 600 tickets sold to 1,000 in the snap of a finger. I think those remaining tickets are going to be sold out.”
American English, a Beatles tribute band, performs 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets to the concert are $20 or included for anyone who purchases a general admission ticket before 4 p.m. Friday.
Seven ships
Seven ships are taking part in the festival in Kenosha, one of 11 Great Lakes ports of the Tall Ships Challenge. The ships set sail from Green Bay on Tuesday and began arriving in Kenosha on Wednesday.
Ships docking in Kenosha include the Barque Picton Castle, Bluenose II, S/V Denis Sullivan, U.S. Brig Niagara, Appledore IV, Pride of Baltimore II and Kenosha’s own Red Witch.
Appledore IV and Red Witch are offering 80-minute excursions from the Kenosha Sailing Center and Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Boarding is allowed on the five other ships docked on the south side of the harbor. Crew members will be available to answer questions during the self-guided tours.
Taking a tour
Touring the ships adds an entirely different perspective from watching them sail.
The U.S. Brig Niagara, which is 198 feet long and 120 feet high, is a replica ship from the War of 1812. It includes a sub-deck complete with sleeping quarters and a wood-fired stove.
“You haven’t had the full experience until you’ve gone on board,” Kochman said. “They’re all very unique. People will want to explore them and stand at the ship’s wheel for a picture. It’s kind of the iconic thing to do.”
Chicago initially committed to host this year’s tour and canceled due to ongoing construction at Navy Pier. Kenosha gladly obliged to take over and will have priority to host the event again when it returns to the Great Lakes in 2022.
“The mayor (John Antaramian) wanted this event to come here in the worst way,” said Patricia Lock, the city’s tall ship festival consultant. “It’s good for Kenosha. It’s good for tourism. It’s a great way to showcase the city. When we had this event in 2003 and 2004, the people who came downtown said they had no idea it was this nice down here.”
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Picton Castle, center, and Pride of Baltimore, right, gather off of Simmons Island in the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan for the Tall Ships Festival Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, left, Picton Castle, Niagara, and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Denis Sullivan and the Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Pride of Baltimore fires a cannon while entering the harbor.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
People line the lakefront to welcome the tall ships during the Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, Niagara, Appledore and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
The Denis Sullivan during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Picton Castle, left, and the Niagara, right, during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Denis Sullivan joins the Tall Ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
Tall Ships Festival sails into Kenosha
Tall ships cruised the lakefront before making their grand entrance on Thursday, patiently waiting for what is poised to be a weekend to remember in downtown Kenosha.
Nearly 15 months of anticipation and picture-perfect weather could attract huge crowds for the Tall Ships of America’s Tall Ships Challenge, which opens at 10 a.m. today and runs through Sunday.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for kids (ages 6-17). A family pass is available for $45.
The three-day festival returned to Kenosha for the first time since making back-to-back appearances in 2003 and 2004. The event, which now takes place in the Great Lakes every three years, relocated to Chicago before Kenosha successfully won its bid to host this year’s event.
“It’s very much a celebration,” said Kris Kochman, city community relations liaison. “Our city is so patriotic. Fourth of July and the parade is a really big deal. People come out in droves every year, and it never gets old.
“This is something new. We haven’t had an event like this for more than 10 years. People are excited to see the ships and the festival that goes along with it.”
Kochman said attendance could easily top the original 30,000 estimate.
General admission tickets are available at the gate or can be purchased online at www.kenoshatallships.com. Those tickets include access for boarding the ships as well as entrance to the art fair, food court, children’s area and the Miller Lite Music Stage. A limited number of sail-away tickets, ranging from $55 to $75, are still available.
“I noticed the sail-away tickets ramped up quickly in the past week,” Kochman said. “We went from 600 tickets sold to 1,000 in the snap of a finger. I think those remaining tickets are going to be sold out.”
American English, a Beatles tribute band, performs 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets to the concert are $20 or included for anyone who purchases a general admission ticket before 4 p.m. Friday.
Seven ships
Seven ships are taking part in the festival in Kenosha, one of 11 Great Lakes ports of the Tall Ships Challenge. The ships set sail from Green Bay on Tuesday and began arriving in Kenosha on Wednesday.
Ships docking in Kenosha include the Barque Picton Castle, Bluenose II, S/V Denis Sullivan, U.S. Brig Niagara, Appledore IV, Pride of Baltimore II and Kenosha’s own Red Witch.
Appledore IV and Red Witch are offering 80-minute excursions from the Kenosha Sailing Center and Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Boarding is allowed on the five other ships docked on the south side of the harbor. Crew members will be available to answer questions during the self-guided tours.
Taking a tour
Touring the ships adds an entirely different perspective from watching them sail.
The U.S. Brig Niagara, which is 198 feet long and 120 feet high, is a replica ship from the War of 1812. It includes a sub-deck complete with sleeping quarters and a wood-fired stove.
“You haven’t had the full experience until you’ve gone on board,” Kochman said. “They’re all very unique. People will want to explore them and stand at the ship’s wheel for a picture. It’s kind of the iconic thing to do.”
Chicago initially committed to host this year’s tour and canceled due to ongoing construction at Navy Pier. Kenosha gladly obliged to take over and will have priority to host the event again when it returns to the Great Lakes in 2022.
“The mayor (John Antaramian) wanted this event to come here in the worst way,” said Patricia Lock, the city’s tall ship festival consultant. “It’s good for Kenosha. It’s good for tourism. It’s a great way to showcase the city. When we had this event in 2003 and 2004, the people who came downtown said they had no idea it was this nice down here.”
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Picton Castle, center, and Pride of Baltimore, right, gather off of Simmons Island in the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan for the Tall Ships Festival Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, left, Picton Castle, Niagara, and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Niagara, left, Denis Sullivan and the Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Pride of Baltimore fires a cannon while entering the harbor.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
People line the lakefront to welcome the tall ships during the Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Bluenose II, Niagara, Appledore and Pride of Baltimore during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
The Denis Sullivan during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Picton Castle, left, and the Niagara, right, during the tall ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
TALL SHIPS PARADE OF SAIL
Denis Sullivan joins the Tall Ships Parade of Sail on Thursday.
Tall Ships Festival sails into Kenosha
Tall ships cruised the lakefront before making their grand entrance on Thursday, patiently waiting for what is poised to be a weekend to remember in downtown Kenosha.
Nearly 15 months of anticipation and picture-perfect weather could attract huge crowds for the Tall Ships of America’s Tall Ships Challenge, which opens at 10 a.m. today and runs through Sunday.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for kids (ages 6-17). A family pass is available for $45.
The three-day festival returned to Kenosha for the first time since making back-to-back appearances in 2003 and 2004. The event, which now takes place in the Great Lakes every three years, relocated to Chicago before Kenosha successfully won its bid to host this year’s event.
“It’s very much a celebration,” said Kris Kochman, city community relations liaison. “Our city is so patriotic. Fourth of July and the parade is a really big deal. People come out in droves every year, and it never gets old.
“This is something new. We haven’t had an event like this for more than 10 years. People are excited to see the ships and the festival that goes along with it.”
Kochman said attendance could easily top the original 30,000 estimate.
General admission tickets are available at the gate or can be purchased online at www.kenoshatallships.com. Those tickets include access for boarding the ships as well as entrance to the art fair, food court, children’s area and the Miller Lite Music Stage. A limited number of sail-away tickets, ranging from $55 to $75, are still available.
“I noticed the sail-away tickets ramped up quickly in the past week,” Kochman said. “We went from 600 tickets sold to 1,000 in the snap of a finger. I think those remaining tickets are going to be sold out.”
American English, a Beatles tribute band, performs 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets to the concert are $20 or included for anyone who purchases a general admission ticket before 4 p.m. Friday.
Seven ships
Seven ships are taking part in the festival in Kenosha, one of 11 Great Lakes ports of the Tall Ships Challenge. The ships set sail from Green Bay on Tuesday and began arriving in Kenosha on Wednesday.
Ships docking in Kenosha include the Barque Picton Castle, Bluenose II, S/V Denis Sullivan, U.S. Brig Niagara, Appledore IV, Pride of Baltimore II and Kenosha’s own Red Witch.
Appledore IV and Red Witch are offering 80-minute excursions from the Kenosha Sailing Center and Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Boarding is allowed on the five other ships docked on the south side of the harbor. Crew members will be available to answer questions during the self-guided tours.
Taking a tour
Touring the ships adds an entirely different perspective from watching them sail.
The U.S. Brig Niagara, which is 198 feet long and 120 feet high, is a replica ship from the War of 1812. It includes a sub-deck complete with sleeping quarters and a wood-fired stove.
“You haven’t had the full experience until you’ve gone on board,” Kochman said. “They’re all very unique. People will want to explore them and stand at the ship’s wheel for a picture. It’s kind of the iconic thing to do.”
Chicago initially committed to host this year’s tour and canceled due to ongoing construction at Navy Pier. Kenosha gladly obliged to take over and will have priority to host the event again when it returns to the Great Lakes in 2022.
“The mayor (John Antaramian) wanted this event to come here in the worst way,” said Patricia Lock, the city’s tall ship festival consultant. “It’s good for Kenosha. It’s good for tourism. It’s a great way to showcase the city. When we had this event in 2003 and 2004, the people who came downtown said they had no idea it was this nice down here.”
Traffic restrictions, shuttles, parking set for festival weekend
The Kenosha Tall Ships Festival and the Pike River Rendezvous will result in changes to traffic patterns near Kenosha’s lakefront through the weekend.
The tall ships festival begins today and continues through Sunday at Kenosha’s harbor. The Pike River Rendezvous will be Friday through Sunday on Simmons Island.
HarborPark traffic
Traffic will be directed one way eastbound on 56th Street, beginning at Third Avenue, proceeding counter-clockwise around Calabria Way, and westbound only on 54th Street from Calabria Way to Sixth Avenue. The one-way traffic pattern will continue until 10 p.m. Sunday.
Temporary no-parking signs will be posted at areas along the route to facilitate the one way traffic flow.
Sixth Avenue will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today between 52nd Street and 54th Street during the opening ceremonies for the Tall Ships Festival during the evening Peanut Butter & Jam Concert. Sixth Avenue will re-open after the concert by 10 p.m.
Shuttle service
Free shuttle services operated by Kenosha Transit will be offered Friday through Sunday.
The shuttle will provide rides between the festival grounds and the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
The shuttle route goes between the Kenosha Yacht Club and the west entrance gate.
Shuttle stops are located near 54th Street and Sixth Avenue (east side of Sixth Avenue); at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue (east side of Seventh Avenue), and at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
Remote parking
Those holding sail-away tickets are encouraged to park east of the Dream Playground at Petzke Park, 2820 14th Ave., in the fenced Carthage College lot. A free shuttle will drop off riders at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Additional parking is available at Indian Trail High School, 6800 60th St. A free shuttle will pick up visitors every 15 minutes and take them to the west entrance gate of the festival at Sixth Avenue and 54th Street.
Simmons Island
Access to the beach at Simmons Island is limited to only non-motorized traffic (such as walking or bicycling through the park). The park road also is closed at the north entrance to the park via Kennedy Drive.
Fourth Avenue remains open today, including vehicle access to the Kenosha Yacht Club and Kenosha History Center parking areas.
Starting Friday, there will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island. Barricades will be staffed, and vehicle access will be restricted. People may visit the Pike River Rendezvous, but there is no programming or horse and carriage rides.
People with Sail Away tickets may access the Sail Away village by foot, or by taking a shuttle.
On Saturday and Sunday, There will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island for the public. Pike River Rendezvous is open with programming.
People may access the Rendezvous area by foot or by one of the shuttles available.
A limited amount of parking is available at Kennedy Park, accessed at 44th Street east of Fifth Ave. Parking also is available as posted on residential streets near the park.
A free horse-and-carriage shuttle will operate from Kennedy Park to the festival entrance at Simmons Island.
Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility and Kenosha Yacht Club will be allowed to drive vehicles on the island.
Traffic restrictions, shuttles, parking set for festival weekend
The Kenosha Tall Ships Festival and the Pike River Rendezvous will result in changes to traffic patterns near Kenosha’s lakefront through the weekend.
The tall ships festival begins today and continues through Sunday at Kenosha’s harbor. The Pike River Rendezvous will be Friday through Sunday on Simmons Island.
HarborPark traffic
Traffic will be directed one way eastbound on 56th Street, beginning at Third Avenue, proceeding counter-clockwise around Calabria Way, and westbound only on 54th Street from Calabria Way to Sixth Avenue. The one-way traffic pattern will continue until 10 p.m. Sunday.
Temporary no-parking signs will be posted at areas along the route to facilitate the one way traffic flow.
Sixth Avenue will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today between 52nd Street and 54th Street during the opening ceremonies for the Tall Ships Festival during the evening Peanut Butter & Jam Concert. Sixth Avenue will re-open after the concert by 10 p.m.
Shuttle service
Free shuttle services operated by Kenosha Transit will be offered Friday through Sunday.
The shuttle will provide rides between the festival grounds and the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
The shuttle route goes between the Kenosha Yacht Club and the west entrance gate.
Shuttle stops are located near 54th Street and Sixth Avenue (east side of Sixth Avenue); at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue (east side of Seventh Avenue), and at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
Remote parking
Those holding sail-away tickets are encouraged to park east of the Dream Playground at Petzke Park, 2820 14th Ave., in the fenced Carthage College lot. A free shuttle will drop off riders at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Additional parking is available at Indian Trail High School, 6800 60th St. A free shuttle will pick up visitors every 15 minutes and take them to the west entrance gate of the festival at Sixth Avenue and 54th Street.
Simmons Island
Access to the beach at Simmons Island is limited to only non-motorized traffic (such as walking or bicycling through the park). The park road also is closed at the north entrance to the park via Kennedy Drive.
Fourth Avenue remains open today, including vehicle access to the Kenosha Yacht Club and Kenosha History Center parking areas.
Starting Friday, there will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island. Barricades will be staffed, and vehicle access will be restricted. People may visit the Pike River Rendezvous, but there is no programming or horse and carriage rides.
People with Sail Away tickets may access the Sail Away village by foot, or by taking a shuttle.
On Saturday and Sunday, There will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island for the public. Pike River Rendezvous is open with programming.
People may access the Rendezvous area by foot or by one of the shuttles available.
A limited amount of parking is available at Kennedy Park, accessed at 44th Street east of Fifth Ave. Parking also is available as posted on residential streets near the park.
A free horse-and-carriage shuttle will operate from Kennedy Park to the festival entrance at Simmons Island.
Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility and Kenosha Yacht Club will be allowed to drive vehicles on the island.
WEATHER FEATURE
Waves on Lake Michigan crash into the north pier near the lighthouse on Jan. 7. The view may change as city officials consider a $3.65 million pier extension to help stop silt and sediment from building up at the mouth of the harbor.
kenosha news file photo by BRIAN PASSINO
ambrose4
Above, the sun rises slowly over Lake Michigan’s dark, churning waters off the Kenosha lakeshore on a recent morning. At top, the tall ship the Red Witch sits at its moorings alongside the Kenosha Harbor.
ambrose4
kdisinwater
This image was taken by a Kenosha couple of local teens in swimming attire on the north pier who were seen jumping several times into Lake Michigan on Friday.
Feature photo
Shrouded by fog
Fog on Lake Michigan Wednesday partially obscures the Red Witch, a reproduction of an early 19th century Great Lakes schooner that regulary cruises the local coastline and is homeported in Kenosha.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
1246627.jpg
1246627
The Thomas family enjoying an early evening walk down by the Kenosha pier on Lake Michigan (Jake, Camryn, Samantha and Darin)
Submitted by Taylor Thomas
fishing
Casting for a bite, Tyler Niemeyer of St. Charles, Minn., makes his way back to shore to change lures while fishing Lake Michigan off the Pike River. Fishing columnist Bill Kloster believes the bite around town from the shoreline at Lake Michigan, although presently bleak, has the potential of providing “extra angling excitement that keeps fishermen awake at night.”
fishing
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding near the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOs BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Behind the Lens – Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan. When I headed to the lakefront to take photos of him in actino, I packed our longest lens, a 400 mm and brought a converter as I was expecting him to be out on the lake. To my surprise, he stayed pretty close to the shore and I found myself with a little too much of a zoom. This photograph filled the entire frame of the camera.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Charles Matalonis Jr., of Kenosha, starts his kiteboard from the beach by the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
WEATHER FEATURE
Some peace of mind
“I like open space. I don’t see the end of it, so that gives me peace of mind,” said John Kramarz as he fished at the Pike River outlet into Lake Michigan at Pennoyer Park on Sunday.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN PASSINO
STANDALONE WEATHER FEATURE
A wild ride on the Lake Michigan waters
A kiteboarder plays in the waves along Simmons Island on Thursday. It won’t be much warmer today, despite mostly sunny skies in the forecast. Winds will be easterly from 10 to 20 mph today, and waves on the lake will be from 5 to 9 feet high. For more on the lake boating advisory and the AccuWeather forecast, see Page A12.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY SEAN KRAJACIC
Red Witch
Andrew Sadock, owner/captain of the Red Witch, oversees the dry dock procedure from the bow last fall at Southport Marina. The 77-foot double-masted schooner served 3,232 customers over summer 2017 in Kenosha. It is back in Lake Michigan this year and the ship will lead the procession of the Tall Ships Festival back to Kenosha in 2019.
KENOSHA NEWS FILE PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
weather photos
Another home game postponement for Kingfish
Kenosha Kingfish grounds crew members Nathan Hansen, left, and Drew Dyer (grandson of Kingfish manager Duffy Dyer and son of hitting coach Brian Dyer) fill in a muddy infield patch at Simmons Field on Wednesday afternoon. Wet field conditions delayed the midday game against the Lakeshore Chinooks before it was eventually postponed. It will be made up July 3 at 4:05 p.m. as the first game of a doubleheader consisting of two seven-inning games. Wednesday was the second consecutive day the Kingfish had a home contest postponed after rain washed out Tuesday night’s tilt against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. That will be made up Aug. 2 at Simmons as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
Traffic restrictions, shuttles, parking set for festival weekend
The Kenosha Tall Ships Festival and the Pike River Rendezvous will result in changes to traffic patterns near Kenosha’s lakefront through the weekend.
The tall ships festival begins today and continues through Sunday at Kenosha’s harbor. The Pike River Rendezvous will be Friday through Sunday on Simmons Island.
HarborPark traffic
Traffic will be directed one way eastbound on 56th Street, beginning at Third Avenue, proceeding counter-clockwise around Calabria Way, and westbound only on 54th Street from Calabria Way to Sixth Avenue. The one-way traffic pattern will continue until 10 p.m. Sunday.
Temporary no-parking signs will be posted at areas along the route to facilitate the one way traffic flow.
Sixth Avenue will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today between 52nd Street and 54th Street during the opening ceremonies for the Tall Ships Festival during the evening Peanut Butter & Jam Concert. Sixth Avenue will re-open after the concert by 10 p.m.
Shuttle service
Free shuttle services operated by Kenosha Transit will be offered Friday through Sunday.
The shuttle will provide rides between the festival grounds and the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
The shuttle route goes between the Kenosha Yacht Club and the west entrance gate.
Shuttle stops are located near 54th Street and Sixth Avenue (east side of Sixth Avenue); at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue (east side of Seventh Avenue), and at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
Remote parking
Those holding sail-away tickets are encouraged to park east of the Dream Playground at Petzke Park, 2820 14th Ave., in the fenced Carthage College lot. A free shuttle will drop off riders at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Additional parking is available at Indian Trail High School, 6800 60th St. A free shuttle will pick up visitors every 15 minutes and take them to the west entrance gate of the festival at Sixth Avenue and 54th Street.
Simmons Island
Access to the beach at Simmons Island is limited to only non-motorized traffic (such as walking or bicycling through the park). The park road also is closed at the north entrance to the park via Kennedy Drive.
Fourth Avenue remains open today, including vehicle access to the Kenosha Yacht Club and Kenosha History Center parking areas.
Starting Friday, there will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island. Barricades will be staffed, and vehicle access will be restricted. People may visit the Pike River Rendezvous, but there is no programming or horse and carriage rides.
People with Sail Away tickets may access the Sail Away village by foot, or by taking a shuttle.
On Saturday and Sunday, There will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island for the public. Pike River Rendezvous is open with programming.
People may access the Rendezvous area by foot or by one of the shuttles available.
A limited amount of parking is available at Kennedy Park, accessed at 44th Street east of Fifth Ave. Parking also is available as posted on residential streets near the park.
A free horse-and-carriage shuttle will operate from Kennedy Park to the festival entrance at Simmons Island.
Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility and Kenosha Yacht Club will be allowed to drive vehicles on the island.
WEATHER FEATURE
Waves on Lake Michigan crash into the north pier near the lighthouse on Jan. 7. The view may change as city officials consider a $3.65 million pier extension to help stop silt and sediment from building up at the mouth of the harbor.
kenosha news file photo by BRIAN PASSINO
ambrose4
Above, the sun rises slowly over Lake Michigan’s dark, churning waters off the Kenosha lakeshore on a recent morning. At top, the tall ship the Red Witch sits at its moorings alongside the Kenosha Harbor.
ambrose4
kdisinwater
This image was taken by a Kenosha couple of local teens in swimming attire on the north pier who were seen jumping several times into Lake Michigan on Friday.
Feature photo
Shrouded by fog
Fog on Lake Michigan Wednesday partially obscures the Red Witch, a reproduction of an early 19th century Great Lakes schooner that regulary cruises the local coastline and is homeported in Kenosha.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
1246627.jpg
1246627
The Thomas family enjoying an early evening walk down by the Kenosha pier on Lake Michigan (Jake, Camryn, Samantha and Darin)
Submitted by Taylor Thomas
fishing
Casting for a bite, Tyler Niemeyer of St. Charles, Minn., makes his way back to shore to change lures while fishing Lake Michigan off the Pike River. Fishing columnist Bill Kloster believes the bite around town from the shoreline at Lake Michigan, although presently bleak, has the potential of providing “extra angling excitement that keeps fishermen awake at night.”
fishing
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding near the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOs BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Behind the Lens – Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan. When I headed to the lakefront to take photos of him in actino, I packed our longest lens, a 400 mm and brought a converter as I was expecting him to be out on the lake. To my surprise, he stayed pretty close to the shore and I found myself with a little too much of a zoom. This photograph filled the entire frame of the camera.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Charles Matalonis Jr., of Kenosha, starts his kiteboard from the beach by the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
WEATHER FEATURE
Some peace of mind
“I like open space. I don’t see the end of it, so that gives me peace of mind,” said John Kramarz as he fished at the Pike River outlet into Lake Michigan at Pennoyer Park on Sunday.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN PASSINO
STANDALONE WEATHER FEATURE
A wild ride on the Lake Michigan waters
A kiteboarder plays in the waves along Simmons Island on Thursday. It won’t be much warmer today, despite mostly sunny skies in the forecast. Winds will be easterly from 10 to 20 mph today, and waves on the lake will be from 5 to 9 feet high. For more on the lake boating advisory and the AccuWeather forecast, see Page A12.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY SEAN KRAJACIC
Red Witch
Andrew Sadock, owner/captain of the Red Witch, oversees the dry dock procedure from the bow last fall at Southport Marina. The 77-foot double-masted schooner served 3,232 customers over summer 2017 in Kenosha. It is back in Lake Michigan this year and the ship will lead the procession of the Tall Ships Festival back to Kenosha in 2019.
KENOSHA NEWS FILE PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
weather photos
Another home game postponement for Kingfish
Kenosha Kingfish grounds crew members Nathan Hansen, left, and Drew Dyer (grandson of Kingfish manager Duffy Dyer and son of hitting coach Brian Dyer) fill in a muddy infield patch at Simmons Field on Wednesday afternoon. Wet field conditions delayed the midday game against the Lakeshore Chinooks before it was eventually postponed. It will be made up July 3 at 4:05 p.m. as the first game of a doubleheader consisting of two seven-inning games. Wednesday was the second consecutive day the Kingfish had a home contest postponed after rain washed out Tuesday night’s tilt against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. That will be made up Aug. 2 at Simmons as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
Traffic restrictions, shuttles, parking set for festival weekend
The Kenosha Tall Ships Festival and the Pike River Rendezvous will result in changes to traffic patterns near Kenosha’s lakefront through the weekend.
The tall ships festival begins today and continues through Sunday at Kenosha’s harbor. The Pike River Rendezvous will be Friday through Sunday on Simmons Island.
HarborPark traffic
Traffic will be directed one way eastbound on 56th Street, beginning at Third Avenue, proceeding counter-clockwise around Calabria Way, and westbound only on 54th Street from Calabria Way to Sixth Avenue. The one-way traffic pattern will continue until 10 p.m. Sunday.
Temporary no-parking signs will be posted at areas along the route to facilitate the one way traffic flow.
Sixth Avenue will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today between 52nd Street and 54th Street during the opening ceremonies for the Tall Ships Festival during the evening Peanut Butter & Jam Concert. Sixth Avenue will re-open after the concert by 10 p.m.
Shuttle service
Free shuttle services operated by Kenosha Transit will be offered Friday through Sunday.
The shuttle will provide rides between the festival grounds and the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
The shuttle route goes between the Kenosha Yacht Club and the west entrance gate.
Shuttle stops are located near 54th Street and Sixth Avenue (east side of Sixth Avenue); at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue (east side of Seventh Avenue), and at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club.
Remote parking
Those holding sail-away tickets are encouraged to park east of the Dream Playground at Petzke Park, 2820 14th Ave., in the fenced Carthage College lot. A free shuttle will drop off riders at the Sail Away Village near the Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 Fourth Ave.
Additional parking is available at Indian Trail High School, 6800 60th St. A free shuttle will pick up visitors every 15 minutes and take them to the west entrance gate of the festival at Sixth Avenue and 54th Street.
Simmons Island
Access to the beach at Simmons Island is limited to only non-motorized traffic (such as walking or bicycling through the park). The park road also is closed at the north entrance to the park via Kennedy Drive.
Fourth Avenue remains open today, including vehicle access to the Kenosha Yacht Club and Kenosha History Center parking areas.
Starting Friday, there will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island. Barricades will be staffed, and vehicle access will be restricted. People may visit the Pike River Rendezvous, but there is no programming or horse and carriage rides.
People with Sail Away tickets may access the Sail Away village by foot, or by taking a shuttle.
On Saturday and Sunday, There will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island for the public. Pike River Rendezvous is open with programming.
People may access the Rendezvous area by foot or by one of the shuttles available.
A limited amount of parking is available at Kennedy Park, accessed at 44th Street east of Fifth Ave. Parking also is available as posted on residential streets near the park.
A free horse-and-carriage shuttle will operate from Kennedy Park to the festival entrance at Simmons Island.
Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility and Kenosha Yacht Club will be allowed to drive vehicles on the island.
WEATHER FEATURE
Waves on Lake Michigan crash into the north pier near the lighthouse on Jan. 7. The view may change as city officials consider a $3.65 million pier extension to help stop silt and sediment from building up at the mouth of the harbor.
kenosha news file photo by BRIAN PASSINO
ambrose4
Above, the sun rises slowly over Lake Michigan’s dark, churning waters off the Kenosha lakeshore on a recent morning. At top, the tall ship the Red Witch sits at its moorings alongside the Kenosha Harbor.
ambrose4
kdisinwater
This image was taken by a Kenosha couple of local teens in swimming attire on the north pier who were seen jumping several times into Lake Michigan on Friday.
Feature photo
Shrouded by fog
Fog on Lake Michigan Wednesday partially obscures the Red Witch, a reproduction of an early 19th century Great Lakes schooner that regulary cruises the local coastline and is homeported in Kenosha.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
1246627.jpg
1246627
The Thomas family enjoying an early evening walk down by the Kenosha pier on Lake Michigan (Jake, Camryn, Samantha and Darin)
Submitted by Taylor Thomas
fishing
Casting for a bite, Tyler Niemeyer of St. Charles, Minn., makes his way back to shore to change lures while fishing Lake Michigan off the Pike River. Fishing columnist Bill Kloster believes the bite around town from the shoreline at Lake Michigan, although presently bleak, has the potential of providing “extra angling excitement that keeps fishermen awake at night.”
fishing
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding near the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOs BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Behind the Lens – Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan. When I headed to the lakefront to take photos of him in actino, I packed our longest lens, a 400 mm and brought a converter as I was expecting him to be out on the lake. To my surprise, he stayed pretty close to the shore and I found myself with a little too much of a zoom. This photograph filled the entire frame of the camera.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Charles Matalonis Jr., of Kenosha, starts his kiteboard from the beach by the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
WEATHER FEATURE
Some peace of mind
“I like open space. I don’t see the end of it, so that gives me peace of mind,” said John Kramarz as he fished at the Pike River outlet into Lake Michigan at Pennoyer Park on Sunday.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN PASSINO
STANDALONE WEATHER FEATURE
A wild ride on the Lake Michigan waters
A kiteboarder plays in the waves along Simmons Island on Thursday. It won’t be much warmer today, despite mostly sunny skies in the forecast. Winds will be easterly from 10 to 20 mph today, and waves on the lake will be from 5 to 9 feet high. For more on the lake boating advisory and the AccuWeather forecast, see Page A12.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY SEAN KRAJACIC
Red Witch
Andrew Sadock, owner/captain of the Red Witch, oversees the dry dock procedure from the bow last fall at Southport Marina. The 77-foot double-masted schooner served 3,232 customers over summer 2017 in Kenosha. It is back in Lake Michigan this year and the ship will lead the procession of the Tall Ships Festival back to Kenosha in 2019.
KENOSHA NEWS FILE PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
weather photos
Another home game postponement for Kingfish
Kenosha Kingfish grounds crew members Nathan Hansen, left, and Drew Dyer (grandson of Kingfish manager Duffy Dyer and son of hitting coach Brian Dyer) fill in a muddy infield patch at Simmons Field on Wednesday afternoon. Wet field conditions delayed the midday game against the Lakeshore Chinooks before it was eventually postponed. It will be made up July 3 at 4:05 p.m. as the first game of a doubleheader consisting of two seven-inning games. Wednesday was the second consecutive day the Kingfish had a home contest postponed after rain washed out Tuesday night’s tilt against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. That will be made up Aug. 2 at Simmons as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
Downtown Vision project continues to advance
The Downtown Vision Project continues to gain momentum and clarity for what is poised to be a significant facelift ahead for Kenosha.
A public hearing will take place at today’s city Plan Commission meeting for the creation of an overlapping Tax Incremental Financing District, slated at the epicenter of the Downtown Vision Project from 52nd Street and Sheridan Road to the corner of 55th Street and Sixth Avenue.
The TID also includes the corner of 56th Street and Sheridan Road, the site targeted for construction of a new city hall.
The building housed the original Kenosha Police Department and was most recently occupied by the Kenosha Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Kenosha Public Library’s Administration and Support Center.
The building will likely be torn down before the end of the year, according to Zohrab Khaligian, a city redevelopment specialist for Community Development and Inspections.
“All the dominoes are being set up,” Khaligian said. “We’re looking for a temporary home for the administrative offices in that building. As soon as they move out, I can raze that building.”
Once the parcel is leveled and construction begins in 2020, the current city hall at 625 52nd St. will be replaced with a new public park and performing arts center. One of three new downtown parking structures is slated at the corner of 52nd Street and Sheridan Road, with luxury, high-rise condominiums planned along 54th Street from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue.
The potential $400 million project could include over 1,000 residential units, approximately 2½ times the amount of housing constructed in HarborPark.
The city is working with a developer on the project and is expected to sign a contract shortly. Once that happens, the city will release the name of the developer and its plans moving forward, according to Khaligian.
The proposed TID (No. 27) is designed to eliminate the blighting influence of deteriorating and/or obsolete buildings, site improvements and platting on vacant parcels and parking lots. A TID allows the city to collect new taxes generated from private development to fund improvements and recoup costs.
“The city will use the tax revenue generated from private development to make improvements to city infrastructure,” Khaligian said. “Hopefully, we’ll see the streets all improved.”
Several properties in the proposed TID district have been identified as blighted in the plan. The Plan Commission will discuss the TID today with a final vote coming Aug. 19 in front of the Common Council.
In February, the city closed on a $1.6 million purchase of three downtown properties — located at 5407 Eighth Avenue and 700 55th St., and an attached parcel — previously owned by Kenosha Human Development Services, Inc.
There are three parking structures planned to accommodate downtown residents, employees and visitors. A five-story, 331-spot ramp slated just east of the Kenosha Post Office on Eighth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets was sent back for rebidding when estimates came in roughly $1 million over the $8.5 million budget.
The city is focused on its fiscal and environmental responsibility throughout the project, according to Khaligian.
“We’re changing the face of our downtown,” Khaligian said. “Right now, we don’t have as much buildable space. It’s mostly open lots. We’re going to have to address the storm water generated because we’re going to have more concrete surfaces.”
WEATHER FEATURE
Waves on Lake Michigan crash into the north pier near the lighthouse on Jan. 7. The view may change as city officials consider a $3.65 million pier extension to help stop silt and sediment from building up at the mouth of the harbor.
kenosha news file photo by BRIAN PASSINO
ambrose4
Above, the sun rises slowly over Lake Michigan’s dark, churning waters off the Kenosha lakeshore on a recent morning. At top, the tall ship the Red Witch sits at its moorings alongside the Kenosha Harbor.
ambrose4
kdisinwater
This image was taken by a Kenosha couple of local teens in swimming attire on the north pier who were seen jumping several times into Lake Michigan on Friday.
Feature photo
Shrouded by fog
Fog on Lake Michigan Wednesday partially obscures the Red Witch, a reproduction of an early 19th century Great Lakes schooner that regulary cruises the local coastline and is homeported in Kenosha.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
1246627.jpg
1246627
The Thomas family enjoying an early evening walk down by the Kenosha pier on Lake Michigan (Jake, Camryn, Samantha and Darin)
Submitted by Taylor Thomas
fishing
Casting for a bite, Tyler Niemeyer of St. Charles, Minn., makes his way back to shore to change lures while fishing Lake Michigan off the Pike River. Fishing columnist Bill Kloster believes the bite around town from the shoreline at Lake Michigan, although presently bleak, has the potential of providing “extra angling excitement that keeps fishermen awake at night.”
fishing
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding near the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOs BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Behind the Lens – Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan. When I headed to the lakefront to take photos of him in actino, I packed our longest lens, a 400 mm and brought a converter as I was expecting him to be out on the lake. To my surprise, he stayed pretty close to the shore and I found myself with a little too much of a zoom. This photograph filled the entire frame of the camera.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Charles Matalonis Jr., of Kenosha, starts his kiteboard from the beach by the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
WEATHER FEATURE
Some peace of mind
“I like open space. I don’t see the end of it, so that gives me peace of mind,” said John Kramarz as he fished at the Pike River outlet into Lake Michigan at Pennoyer Park on Sunday.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN PASSINO
STANDALONE WEATHER FEATURE
A wild ride on the Lake Michigan waters
A kiteboarder plays in the waves along Simmons Island on Thursday. It won’t be much warmer today, despite mostly sunny skies in the forecast. Winds will be easterly from 10 to 20 mph today, and waves on the lake will be from 5 to 9 feet high. For more on the lake boating advisory and the AccuWeather forecast, see Page A12.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY SEAN KRAJACIC
Red Witch
Andrew Sadock, owner/captain of the Red Witch, oversees the dry dock procedure from the bow last fall at Southport Marina. The 77-foot double-masted schooner served 3,232 customers over summer 2017 in Kenosha. It is back in Lake Michigan this year and the ship will lead the procession of the Tall Ships Festival back to Kenosha in 2019.
KENOSHA NEWS FILE PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
weather photos
Another home game postponement for Kingfish
Kenosha Kingfish grounds crew members Nathan Hansen, left, and Drew Dyer (grandson of Kingfish manager Duffy Dyer and son of hitting coach Brian Dyer) fill in a muddy infield patch at Simmons Field on Wednesday afternoon. Wet field conditions delayed the midday game against the Lakeshore Chinooks before it was eventually postponed. It will be made up July 3 at 4:05 p.m. as the first game of a doubleheader consisting of two seven-inning games. Wednesday was the second consecutive day the Kingfish had a home contest postponed after rain washed out Tuesday night’s tilt against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. That will be made up Aug. 2 at Simmons as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
High bids delay new downtown parking structure
A proposed downtown parking structure with room for first-floor retail is headed back to the drawing board.
The five-story, 331-spot ramp is slated just east of the Kenosha Post Office on Eighth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets.
Construction, which was anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer, was delayed after all three bids submitted for the project came in roughly $1 million over the $8.5 million budget.
“We are in discussions with the consultant about rebidding that in late 2019,” Director of Public Works Shelly Billingsley said.
The project is headed by raSmith, a Brookfield-based engineering consulting firm, and Potter Lawson, an architecture and design company from Madison.
Bids were opened on June 24. They included Riley Construction Co. of Kenosha ($9,316,834), J.H. Findorff & Son of Madison ($9,367,000) and Greenfire Management Services of Milwaukee ($9,743,000).
The parking structure is not part of the Downtown Vision Project, but is viewed as an integral part in accommodating future local growth. A new public park, performing arts center and several high-rise condominiums are proposed in the Downtown Vision Project.
The City Plan Commission agreed in January to move forward with construction of the parking structure. The original design called for 128,600 square feet of parking, 5,025 square feet of a north tenant suite and 4,595 square feet of a south tenant suite.
“We’re excited about the project,” Mayor John Antaramian said then. “It’s something that’s definitely needed. We’ve been planning this for a while. You have the Stella (hotel) and other developments going on and all of the activities by the harbor. There will be parking and easy access for the streetcar to the lakefront.”
WEATHER FEATURE
Waves on Lake Michigan crash into the north pier near the lighthouse on Jan. 7. The view may change as city officials consider a $3.65 million pier extension to help stop silt and sediment from building up at the mouth of the harbor.
kenosha news file photo by BRIAN PASSINO
ambrose4
Above, the sun rises slowly over Lake Michigan’s dark, churning waters off the Kenosha lakeshore on a recent morning. At top, the tall ship the Red Witch sits at its moorings alongside the Kenosha Harbor.
ambrose4
kdisinwater
This image was taken by a Kenosha couple of local teens in swimming attire on the north pier who were seen jumping several times into Lake Michigan on Friday.
Feature photo
Shrouded by fog
Fog on Lake Michigan Wednesday partially obscures the Red Witch, a reproduction of an early 19th century Great Lakes schooner that regulary cruises the local coastline and is homeported in Kenosha.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
1246627.jpg
1246627
The Thomas family enjoying an early evening walk down by the Kenosha pier on Lake Michigan (Jake, Camryn, Samantha and Darin)
Submitted by Taylor Thomas
fishing
Casting for a bite, Tyler Niemeyer of St. Charles, Minn., makes his way back to shore to change lures while fishing Lake Michigan off the Pike River. Fishing columnist Bill Kloster believes the bite around town from the shoreline at Lake Michigan, although presently bleak, has the potential of providing “extra angling excitement that keeps fishermen awake at night.”
fishing
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding near the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOs BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Behind the Lens – Kiteboarding
Brian Erwin, of Kenosha, get his foil-equipped board out of the water while kiteboarding off of the Pennoyer Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan. When I headed to the lakefront to take photos of him in actino, I packed our longest lens, a 400 mm and brought a converter as I was expecting him to be out on the lake. To my surprise, he stayed pretty close to the shore and I found myself with a little too much of a zoom. This photograph filled the entire frame of the camera.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
Kiteboarding
Charles Matalonis Jr., of Kenosha, starts his kiteboard from the beach by the Pennoyer Park Sesquicentennial Band Shell on Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
WEATHER FEATURE
Some peace of mind
“I like open space. I don’t see the end of it, so that gives me peace of mind,” said John Kramarz as he fished at the Pike River outlet into Lake Michigan at Pennoyer Park on Sunday.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN PASSINO
STANDALONE WEATHER FEATURE
A wild ride on the Lake Michigan waters
A kiteboarder plays in the waves along Simmons Island on Thursday. It won’t be much warmer today, despite mostly sunny skies in the forecast. Winds will be easterly from 10 to 20 mph today, and waves on the lake will be from 5 to 9 feet high. For more on the lake boating advisory and the AccuWeather forecast, see Page A12.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY SEAN KRAJACIC
Red Witch
Andrew Sadock, owner/captain of the Red Witch, oversees the dry dock procedure from the bow last fall at Southport Marina. The 77-foot double-masted schooner served 3,232 customers over summer 2017 in Kenosha. It is back in Lake Michigan this year and the ship will lead the procession of the Tall Ships Festival back to Kenosha in 2019.
KENOSHA NEWS FILE PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
weather photos
Another home game postponement for Kingfish
Kenosha Kingfish grounds crew members Nathan Hansen, left, and Drew Dyer (grandson of Kingfish manager Duffy Dyer and son of hitting coach Brian Dyer) fill in a muddy infield patch at Simmons Field on Wednesday afternoon. Wet field conditions delayed the midday game against the Lakeshore Chinooks before it was eventually postponed. It will be made up July 3 at 4:05 p.m. as the first game of a doubleheader consisting of two seven-inning games. Wednesday was the second consecutive day the Kingfish had a home contest postponed after rain washed out Tuesday night’s tilt against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. That will be made up Aug. 2 at Simmons as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m.
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY BILL SIEL
Chase to close both downtown branches
Chase Bank will close its two downtown branches later this year, a company spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.
The “consolidation” will affect Chase’s full-service branch at 5522 Sixth Ave. and its drive-up location at 5506 Seventh Ave. Local Chase branches at 2901 Washington Road and 3611 80th St., and its Pleasant Prairie branch at 9900 39th Ave. will remain open.
“Like any good retailer, we constantly evaluate our branch network to ensure we’re in the right locations as our customers’ needs change,” said a Chase spokesperson. “Sometimes we consolidate a branch when another is nearby or traffic is low. This allows us to provide a strong, successful branch network that can serve our community for the long-term.”
Chase said its downtown employees will be placed in other openings throughout the area. Chase is in the process of contacting its safe deposit box holders. It will notify all of its local customers of the closures about three months before the closing date.
With the increasing popularity of mobile and online banking, fewer customers are relying on local branches for their financial needs. Chase has more than 50 million active digital users.
“Banking is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach,” said a Chase spokesperson. “Our customers are rapidly adopting new technologies and innovations, such as mobile, online and in-branch technologies that allow them to bank how, where and when they want for everyday banking activities.”
The closures are not related to the city’s Downtown Vision redevelopment project. The branches are located on privately-owned property in which the city is not actively looking to purchase, according to Kenosha’s community development specialist Zhorab Khaligian.
The city recently acquired three downtown properties owned by Kenosha Human Development Services Inc., located at 5407 Eighth Ave., 700 55th St., and an attached parcel. The block is located two parcels north of the Chase drive-up location and two blocks from the full-service branch.
“I have heard a rumor that the Chase branches are closing, but I have not heard anything directly,” Khaligian said. “About a year ago, we were informed the previous owner of the (drive-up) parcel was looking to sell it. The city took a look at it. We were told Chase re-upped their lease and would be there. When we heard that, the city was not interested in buying it if Chase was still going to be there. It would be different if Chase told us then they were leaving.”
Khaligian said the city is not looking to purchase additional downtown property.
“After we purchased the (Kenosha Human Development Services) location for the Downtown Vision, (Mayor John Antaramian) said, ‘I’m done,’” Khaligian said. “We’ve acquired enough. Part of the reason, again, is he’s trying to spur the private market to get into the game.”
The Downtown Vision project is expected to include a new green space, performing arts center, parking structure and luxury high-rise condominiums. The potential $400 million project could include over 1,000 residential units, approximately 2½ times the amount of housing constructed in HarborPark, according to Khaligian.
HISTORIC PHOTO
Blizzard-like conditions struck Kenosha in February 1936. This picture was taken on Highway 41, north of Highway 43, before it became a four-lane super highway.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION KENOSHA HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES
HISTORIC PHOTO
The M.H. Petit Malting Co. facility caught fire on St. Patrick’s Day 1914 and burned for several days. This view is from the St. James Church on the southwest corner of Sheridan Road and 58th Street looking to the northeast. The company never rebuilt.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION KENOSHA HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES
historic photos
A spring snowstorm coats the Gilbert Simmons Library on March 20, 1940. This is the south side of the building.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION KENOSHA HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES
HISTORIC PHOTO
This picture of a railroad station in Pleasant Prairie was taken about six weeks before the passing of the “Last Train” on May 31, 1939. This was a short stop, arriving at 10:35 a.m. and leaving at 10:55. This station had been closed for several months before this date. One of the benches was given to the daughter of Thomas Yates, who was the agent at this station for many years.
KENOSHA HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES
HISTORIC PHOTO
This is a view of Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library from Park Avenue. The library, the first public building in the city Park district, was named after Zalmon G. Simmons’ deceased son. The photograph was taken between 1900 and 1914.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
This is a portrait of Zalmon G. Simmons, who was the president of the First National Bank in Kenosha and owned the Simmons Manufacturing Co., best known for producing the Beautyrest mattress. He served as the mayor of Kenosha from 1884 to 1886 and in the Wisconsin State Assembly for Kenosha in 1865.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
The smokestack of the Central High School (now Reuther Central High School and Harborside Academy) heating plant was 135 feet high with a diameter of 15 feet at the base and 6 feet at the top. This view is from just east of Sheridan Road looking west on 58th Street. The photograph was taken on May 19, 1937.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION
HISTORIC PHOTO
C.E. Remer drives a horse and carriage. He was a director of the Merchants & Savings Bank in Kenosha, and was also a member of the Business Men’s Club, which incorporated in 1883. The group advocated literature, art and promoted business interests in Kenosha County.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
S.C. Neumann is seen driving from the northeast tee on a golf course that existed in the late 1800s on what is now the Allendale neighborhood.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION/LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
A worker mixes molten metal in the die casting department at the Nash Motors plant, circa 1952.
NASH MOTORS COMPANY
HISTORIC PHOTO
MacWhyte Co. engineer William A. Russell designs a wire rope sometime in the 1940s.
MACWHYTE COMPANY
HISTORIC PHOTO
This is a portrait of Mrs. M.H. Pettit. The Pettit family owned the M.H. Pettit Malting Co. The malt house existed in the 5700 block of Eighth Avenue until 1914, when the structure burned down.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
The Rowe School, located at Chicago Street and Prairie Avenue, now Eighth Avenue and 60th Street respectively, was built in the 1850s. It was a private university, run by Kenosha educator and banker Nicholas A. Rowe.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
Deep snow is seen in what appears to be a residential area in a photograph taken by Louis Milton Thiers between 1880 and 1914.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
A factory worker moves sand cast molds at Nash Motors in June of 1952.
NASH MOTORS COMPANY
HISTORIC PHOTO
The MacWhyte Girls Bowling League poses for a photograph during a banquet on May 3, 1943.
MacWhyte Company
HISTORIC PHOTO
Materials are piled outside the Simmons Manufacturing Co. plant along the lakefront in this photo taken in 1898.
SIMMONS COMPANY
HISTORIC PHOTO
The N.R. Allen’s Sons Co. plant was photographed in the winter of 1902. The view is looking northwest across the Pike Creek from downtown Kenosha. The bridge, located on the bottom right, is the old Main Street, now Sixth Avenue. The tannery was located where the Kenosha Municipal Building now stands.
N.R. Allen Sons Company
HISTORIC PHOTO
Workers assemble track lines in the Heat Treating Department of Nash Motors’ Kenosha plant during the 1950s.
KENOSHA HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES
HISTORIC PHOTO
The second iteration of the YMCA was built in 1897 at the corner of Main and South (Sixth Avenue and 59th Street), where Friendship Park is today. In 1913, the building was sold to Fred Larson to convert into retail space and was then known as the Regnar Building.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
The YMCA boasted a bowling alley when it was located at Main and South (Sixth Avenue and 59th Street), where Friendship Park is today. The YMCA was built in 1897 through subscriptions headed by Frederick Newell and his family. Zalmon Simmons furnished the interior.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION/LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
This photo, circa 1907, shows Pike Creek from Burlington Road (Washington Road).
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
This is a view from the Allen Tannery chimney looking south, taken between 1880 and 1914. The Allen Tannery was located where the Kenosha Municipal Building now stands.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
The parlor at the home of Zalmon G. Simmons is shown here. The Simmons home was located on the southeast corner of Congress and Prairie (10th Avenue and 60th Street), where The First United Methodist Church stands today.
C.E. DEWEY COLLECTION/LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
The library of the Mrs. Martin residence. Mary A. Martin was the wife of Judge Edward Martin, and their house was located on the east side of Seventh Avenue (Park Avenue) south of Library Park, where two apartment buildings across from the hospital parking ramp stand today.
LEWIS MILTON THIERS
HISTORIC PHOTO
This is a view of downtown Kenosha looking northwest from the Simmons Manufacturing Co., taken between 1890 and 1899.
SIMMONS COMPANY
HISTORIC PHOTO
Charles Huyck Bain, the son of Edward Bain, center, his sister, Carrie Bain, right, and a young girl pose for a photograph at Bonnie Hame. Bonnie Hame was the summer home of Edward Bain and his family. The home was built in the 1870s near 52nd Street and 30th Avenue. The photo was taken between 1870 and 1899.
BAIN WAGON COMPANY
HISTORIC PHOTO
An employee works on making wire rope at the MacWhyte Company factory in the 1980s.
MACWHYTE COMPANY
Downtown Kenosha Inc. under new leadership with an updated mission
The newly installed leaders of Downtown Kenosha Inc. want to build upon previous achievements and set a path for new goals.
The excitement was palpable at last week’s State of the Downtown event, which ended with a quote from author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “You don’t build a business; you build people. They build the business.”
That quotation embodies what new DKI board president Jennifer Dooley-Hogan and new executive director Alexandria Binanti Robinson, plan to do this year.
“We want to capitalize on the momentum (from the State of Downtown event),” said Robinson.
“Our vision is to keep the positive happening,” added Dooley-Hogan.
They said they want to provide the necessary business support and promotional activities to create more new businesses and attractions that bring more people to the downtown.
They want to help business owners find the support they need to become successful. They also want to help prospective business owners find suitable spaces and connect with resources they need.
Downtown boasts 358 businesses, but the new leaders want to see more entrepreneurs operating a variety of new enterprises. New businesses, Dooley-Hogan said, will help bring more traffic downtown.
Several new businesses opened last year in downtown, according to DKI, including Bird of Paradox, 720 50th St.; Lakeside Dugout, 620 59th St.; Jax Boutique, 5513 Sixth Ave.; Leeward Business Advisors, 520 58th St.; Nutrition Revolution, 611 56th St.; Slip 56, 506 56th St.; Imperial Service Systems, 5913 Sixth Ave.; and To and From Gift Shop, 5535 Sixth Ave.
Downtown expansions included K9 Kibble, 5919 Sheridan Road; Total Cyclery, 5039 Sixth Ave.; Robin’s Nest Cakery, 5537 Sixth Ave.; and Dooley & Associates, 600 52nd St.
Small, family-run businesses are key to the downtown, Dooley-Hogan said.
“The downtown businesses are different,” she said. “We want to be unique and offer people an exciting Kenosha experience.”
Stronger partnerships
The two said the mission is to strengthen partnerships with the city, the county, community organizers, business owners, financial institutions, investors and other support organizations.
Robinson, who replaces Ashley Marchetti, said she wants to bring in more activities and launch more fundraising events. Prior to joining the DKI staff, she worked on the organization’s marketing, web design and volunteer campaign coordination.
A University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduate, Robinson has a background in business entrepreneurship as operating partner of an Italian restaurant and catering company. She has performed public relations duties for Wisconsin Legislature candidates and worked with various municipalities in southeastern Wisconsin.
Dooley-Hogan succeeds Heather Wessling-Grosz as president of the DKI board. Dooley-Hogan is the principal and founder of Dooley & Associates, a regional marketing firm.
Her work with the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and DKI projects has helped to raise visibility of the organizations. Prior to establishing her own company, she worked as a marketing official in private industry.
The incoming executive committee officers includes Lou Molitor, vice president; Martin Lacock, treasurer; and Riki Tagliapietra, secretary.
Board members include Wessling-Grosz, Kevin Ervin, John Boldt, Matt Monroe, Rachel Hernandez, Deanna Goodwin, Tom O’Connell and Bill Siel.
Council approves grant application for Barden’s property project
The Kenosha City Council has unanimously approved an application seeking Community Development Investment Grant funds from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the Barden’s department store building project.
The city will be requesting $250,000 from WEDC to aid Witico Development Corp. — which purchased the building from the city for $1 — in covering the costs of the $3.5 million renovation project.
According to the project description on the city’s application to the WEDC, the city will be completing utility/infrastructure upgrades at the 0.25-acre property as part of its agreement with Witico, at a cost of about $146,000, according to cost estimates provided by the city.
The city states in its draft application that the renovation of the building will provide a “significant addition to the tax base.” The development will also add approximately 22 full-time positions to downtown Kenosha, with over 25 percent of the jobs requiring higher than a high school education that “will result in those employees receiving specialty job training, 401k matching and health care reimbursement.”
The Barden’s building is also being looked at by the city as a point to spur more development and interest in the downtown in line with the city’s downtown vision and strategic development plan.
According to documents in the city’s application, the former Barden’s building is one of 12 vacant buildings and parcels identified in the city’s 2012 downtown strategic plan “as a catalyst site that has the best potential for generating revitalization momentum in downtown Kenosha,” the application states.
Other buildings
Other buildings included in the plan were: the Alford Building, which the city has purchased and is marketing for reuse; the former Heritage House building, which is now the 80-room Stella boutique hotel that will open April 1; and the former Garb’s building property that the city bought and razed, which the city is currently negotiating an agreement with a private owner who proposes to contrast a historically-compatible two-story building and occupy a portion of the commercial first floor and residential second floor.
The current plan is to use the Barden store property as a connector from the retail main street downtown to the Stella Hotel.
Under the city’s agreement with Witico, the Barden’s property project must commence construction no later than Oct. 1, and Witico must complete the project by July 1, 2021.
The city has also acquired four nearby “contiguous surface parking lots and will construct a 300 to 400 space public parking lot to serve all of the new downtown development,” according to the application.
City ready to move on plan for Uptown streetscape
After spending the past month gathering ideas and suggestions from local residents and area merchants, city officials announced they will soon move forward with a plan for the Uptown Neighborhood Design Project.
The project involves reconfiguring the 22nd Avenue corridor between 60th Street and 64th Street. Construction is expected to begin in 2020, according to Ald. Jan Michalski.
The city is working with the consultant team of Kimley-Horn and Prism to develop a vision for the area, including such things as sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and parking.
“There’s going to be a couple more meetings with the developer,” Michalski said. “It won’t be until April until we have something final.”
Local residents submitted feedback through an online survey and were invited to attend a pair of informational sessions last month at the Design & Input Center, 6204 22nd Ave.
City officials stressed the importance of having everyone involved in the decision-making process.
Some opposed
Kenosha native Karl Brown’s suggestion was to scrap the project entirely.
The 84-year-old said local officials should focus on necessities throughout the city, not just the Uptown neighborhood, and fix the roads and light fixtures.
“I see no real benefit for the people of this locale from this new project,” Brown said. “I’ve watched the city of Kenosha try to be more than what this city is all about. I like the small-town atmosphere, which is disappearing.
“I’ve watched the city officials try to make something out of nothing and promote something that is not going to happen, and I really don’t want to happen. Bigger isn’t always better.”
Several suggestions
The most popular topic was parking and street design. The corridor currently features angled parking and bump-outs near the intersections.
There was plenty of discussion about rethinking the crammed intersections at Roosevelt Road and 22nd Avenue, and 63rd Street and 22nd Avenue.
A suggestion was made to close off a portion of 63rd Street at 22nd Avenue, where southbound traffic is unable to turn left.
There was also a recommendation for back-in angle parking, allowing vehicles to pull out safely and efficiently.
One of the most unique ideas was to construct an arch welcoming Uptown residents and visitors, similar to the sign in Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward neighborhood.
A bike path running through Uptown was also proposed, according to Michalski.
“It didn’t make sense for just a couple of blocks,” Michalski said. “There’s no bicycle path to the south or north. It seemed like it would take up a big chunk of the street. This was a suggestion that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.”
The Uptown Neighborhood consists of an older, established commercial district which is surrounded by a residential area.
The 22nd Avenue stretch between 60th Street and 64th Street underwent a comprehensive redesign and reconstruction in 1998-99, according to city documents.
A business improvement district which existed from 1986 to 2006 was subsequently disbanded.
A new community group, the Uptown Brass Village Neighborhood Association, has been formed, comprised of the Uptown commercial district and the Brass neighborhood.
The city has sought help to avoid some of the same mistakes that were made during the downtown Sixth Avenue reconstruction project in 2017.
A portion of that project was redone due to the quality of work and was scrutinized by local residents and business owners over concerns about sidewalks, parking and landscaping.
“The people cry out, but now we’re hearing (about) back-in angle parking,” Brown said. “That is scary.”
Uptown reconstruction project feedback to be presented to firm Thursday
When the city advances to the construction phase of the 22nd Avenue Uptown project, local residents won’t be able to say they were left out of the loop.
City officials, local merchants and national consultants continue gathering useful input for the Uptown Neighborhood Design Project, which is planned for the 22nd Avenue corridor between 60th Street and 64th Street. Construction is expected to begin in 2020, according to Ald. Jan Michalski.
The city is working with the consultant team of Kimley-Horn and Prism to develop a vision for the area, including such things as sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and parking.
Michalski invited the community to a pair of pop-up informational sessions on Feb. 7 and 9 at the Design & Input Center, 6204 22nd Ave. An online survey is also available at http://tiny.cc/uptownsurvey.
“We got quite a bit of positive feedback,” Michalski said. “A lot of people made their opinions known, mostly from people and businesses in the immediate area, but also somewhat outside of the immediate area. They had their say as well.”
The most popular topic appears to be parking and street design. The corridor currently features angled parking and bump-outs near the intersections. There was plenty of discussion about rethinking the crammed intersections at Roosevelt Road and 22nd Avenue, and 63rd Street and 22nd Avenue.
“Traffic has a tendency to get bunched up right there with two stoplights right after another,” Michalski said. “Someone also suggested a traffic circle. There’s not enough room for it.”
A suggestion was made to close off a portion of 63rd Street at 22nd Avenue, where southbound traffic is unable to turn left. Someone also recommended back-in angle parking, allowing vehicles to pull out safely and efficiently.
“I’ve never heard of it, but I thought it was worth looking into,” Michalski said. “You don’t want parallel parking because you lose too many spaces. Back-in angle parking is just like parallel parking, but you back in at an angle and you don’t have to back out a little into 22nd Avenue when you can’t really see what’s going on and hope for an opening.”
One of the most unique ideas was to construct an overpass sign welcoming Uptown residents and visitors, similar to the sign in Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward neighborhood.
Many of the suggestions will be presented to Kimley-Horn on Thursday, Michalski said.
The Uptown Neighborhood consists of an older, established commercial district which is surrounded by a residential area. The 22nd Avenue stretch between 60th Street and 64th Street underwent a comprehensive redesign and reconstruction in 1998-99, according to city documents. A business improvement district which existed from 1986 to 2006 was subsequently disbanded.
The city has sought help to avoid some of the same mistakes that were made during the downtown Sixth Avenue reconstruction project in 2017. A portion of that project was redone due to the quality of work and was scrutinized by local residents and business owners over concerns about sidewalks, parking and landscaping.
Local residents offered some of their opinions on the Kenosha News’ website and Facebook page. Here are some of the responses:
“First thing to consider is get rid of those idiotic bump-outs. Next, eliminate the angle parking (a constant accident waiting to happen). Both of those cause an immediate bottleneck when driving through the area. And, whatever lighting fixtures are decided upon, just make sure the light coming from them is bright.” — Tom Rizzo
“I don’t live in that area, I only drive through it. There aren’t any businesses along that stretch that have anything I need or want, honestly. But the style of parking and traffic through there has been a dangerous issue for decades. It’s about time it gets a fix-up.” — Amber Junkel
“Why is it being rebuilt? It is certainly in far better shape than many other roads in Kenosha and it wasn’t all that long ago that they put the columns and planters and stuff in to ‘reshape it’.” — Glenn Woods
“Didn’t they within the last 10 years redo this area? Why don’t you worry about fixing Sheridan Road, 22nd Avenue, 30th Avenue, 39th Avenue and 60th Street … Any number of roads that have potholes every two feet. The streets suck. We pay for them. So fix them. Stop redoing the same spots over and over.” — Jason Pfaff
“Reallocate the funds for 24 police foot patrol (officers), police on the corners, etc. Gotta clean that area up before remaking the Streetscape.” — Christian Bernhardt Sr.
Council approves purchase of downtown buildings
The Downtown Vision Development Project took another step towards becoming a reality on Wednesday.
The city is expected to close next week on a $1.6 million purchase of three downtown properties owned by Kenosha Human Development Services, Inc. The City Council approved the transaction to acquire the adjoining downtown properties, located at 5407 Eighth Avenue and 700 55th St., and an attached parcel.
The block is located just south of the Joseph McCarthy Transit Center, 724 54th St.
It will be another key piece of real estate needed for the proposed development project, which is expected to include a new green space, performing arts center, parking structure and luxury high-rise condominiums. The potential $400 million project could include over 1,000 residential units, approximately 2 1/2 times the amount of housing constructed in HarborPark, according to A. Zohrab Khaligian, city of Kenosha community development specialist.
Plans also call for demolition of the Kenosha Municipal Building, 625 52nd St., and the construction of a new city hall, located at the corner of 56th Street and Sheridan Road.
Khaligian said the city is in negotiations with a developer.
“We sent out requests for proposals and got six of them,” Khaligian said. “Out of the six, three of them were interviewed. We’ve narrowed it down to one, and we’re negotiating to see if we can get them under contract so they can start developing their vision for the area.”
The project is expected to include three blocks of residential units — potentially upscale condominiums — along 54th Street from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. That area could also include a mix of residential, commercial and office space. The construction phase of the project likely wouldn’t begin until 2020, according to Khaligian.
“As long as we can get the developer under contract, this year will be design and strategic planning,” Khaligian said. “Hopefully, by next year, we’ll start with construction and, at the same time, tearing down a couple buildings in the area.”
Kenosha Human Development Services is expected to remain at its current location and lease from the city until the end of 2019. The agency is relocating into a new, yet-to-be announced location that will require renovation.
The City Council also approved the resignation of former Ald. John Fox. on Wednesday. Fox, who represented the Second District for the past three years, resigned due to family obligations. The city has begun the process of finding his replacement.
“I consider him a very good friend,” Ald. David Bogdala said about Fox. “Even though I might have disagreed with him on an issue, I knew that what he was fighting for was something he believed was in the best interest of his district and the best interest of the city. We’re truly going to miss him.”
New downtown parking structure OK’d by panel
A five-story parking structure with room for retail could be under construction as soon as this spring following approval from the City Plan Commission on Thursday.
The roughly $8 million, 331-spot ramp will be located just east of the Kenosha Post Office on Eighth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets.
Director of Public Works Shelly Billingsley presented conceptual drawings of the structure before a brief presentation from members of the project’s construction and design team.
The commission was overwhelmingly supportive and ready to move forward.
“We’re excited about the project,” Mayor John Antaramian said. “It’s something that’s definitely needed. We’ve been planning this for awhile. You have the Stella (hotel) and other developments going on and all of the activities by the harbor. There will be parking and easy access for the streetcar to the lakefront.”
Key to future growth
While the parking structure was proposed before the arrival of the Downtown Vision Project, it is expected to play an integral part in accommodating future growth.
A new public park, performing arts center and several high-rise condominiums are proposed in the Downtown Vision Project.
“I think the location is perfect,” Antaramian said. “This becomes another piece of what’s going on downtown.”
The project is headed by raSmith, a Brookfield-based engineering consulting firm, and Potter Lawson, an architecture and design company from Madison.
Positive reviews
The commission gave the structure positive reviews for its design and aesthetics.
“This is a building that’s going to be here for a very long time,” said commissioner Lydia Spottswood. “I think it’s really going to complement the Stella (hotel) in a beautiful, harmonic, contemporary vibe. It’s going to pull in all of those elements.
“If you look at the whole area … think 10 years, 15 years in the future. Every block of downtown is going to start increasing in value and it’s projects like this that are going to make it happen. You’re going to see developers come in. Positioning to be ready for that is crucial,” she said.
Retail is proposed for the first floor of the structure. Antaramian said there’s already a tenant interested in occupying that spot.
The project will go in front of the commission to address additional conditions on Feb. 7.
Mayor: Downtown Vision Project to be ‘real game-changer’
Editor’s note: This is the second part in a three-part series that began in Thursday’s issue focusing on Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian’s perspective on the successes the city saw in 2018 and his hopes for 2019. The third and final part of the series will run in the Saturday issue.
While infrastructure has been a major focus in the city of Kenosha, there is also quite a bit of development that is being looked at for 2019.
Among that development is the solidifying of plans for the Downtown Vision Project.
Q: I know there are a few projects a lot of people would love to know more about. What about the Downtown Vision Project?
A: A major focus for this year is the downtown plan. We have developers interested. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this project in the next few months as we move forward. Again, you have to get someone on board. There is a lot of negotiations and information that has to go out to the public. If everything were to work perfectly, I would say you’d see some demolition beginning mid-to-end of (2019) and construction (in 2020). There will be at least two buildings built, one being a new city hall.
Q: I know the initial plans for the Downtown Vision Project involved new green space, a performing arts center, parking structure and luxury, high-rise condominiums. How excited are you about this project?
A: I think it’s going to be a real game-changer for the downtown. However, I’ll believe everything when we have a developer and everything is lined up and we have a contract. That’s when I’ll get excited. In the present time, we’re in the process. You have to go through the process to find the right developer and make sure we’re going to get what we want. Those are the things we have to do. Am I excited? Absolutely. But I’m also a practical person. I want to see it signed and dotted.
Q: Do you believe this will make downtown a more attractive destination for local residents and tourists?
A: HarborPark isn’t a problem. That has worked out very well. People will complain, but in general, people want to live down there. The next step is downtown. That’s a focal point. Even I’m surprised how much tourism we get in this community. I think sometimes, because we live here, we don’t realize what we have. We have a lot and a lot of people visiting our community.
Q: Where do you plan on putting a new City Hall?
A: We don’t know that until we have an agreement on what’s happening. The location I always think is the proper location, and the one I’m suggesting, is at the old police station on Sheridan Road and 56th Street. The reason it goes there is that it puts all the government back together in one location. If someone is parking in one of the parking garages, they can walk to the courthouse; they can walk to city hall; and they can walk to the county building. When you look at government, that should all be in one place and accessible and as easy for the public as possible.
Q: What about the Chrysler site? It looks like workers have been busy there.
A: The Chrysler site is moving forward. We probably have ground up about 200,000 tons of stone. That will be moved off of the site. We’ve also purchased land for retention basins. The Chrysler site is probably an extra year away. We’re not going to rush into it. If we can’t get what we want right away, we’ll take our time. The Chrysler site becomes a major focal point for three different neighborhoods.
What we do will have a huge impact on the Lincoln Park area, the Columbus area and the Wilson area. All three of those neighborhoods are going to be impacted dramatically depending upon what we do with that site. It could be just as important as what we do downtown.
Q: Okay, now I feel like we’re starting to warm up a bit. How do you feel about Foxconn? Are you still comfortable with your decision to pass on it?
A: Everyone said it was probably going to go to Racine anyway, and they’re probably right. We pulled out for the right reasons. Financially, it didn’t work for us, and it consumed all of our growth at one time. It becomes one entity. I want a much more diversified economy for the community. Financially, when I looked at the numbers, I didn’t feel it was a good situation for us. Plus, we still benefit.
If everything works perfectly and they do everything they say they’re going to do, it’s right here anyway. I still get all the benefits without the risk. For us, I think it was a perfect scenario. I want to make sure our growth is a steady, long-term growth.
Q: Do you have concerns about being neighbors with Foxconn?
A: The biggest concern I have is the area of stormwater runoff. I don’t know if people realize there is going to be 1,000 acres of concrete. That’s a huge amount of runoff. I’m going to count on the state for environmental issues with water disposal. From what I understand, Foxconn is now doing their own thing and will not be disposing back into the lake. I’m not sure how that’s going to work.
I’m counting on the state and the DNR and the new administration. I’m feeling more comfortable they will make sure things aren’t being put back into the water that shouldn’t be.
‘Downtown Vision’ plans get readers talking
Kenosha’s “Downtown Vision” plans, released last week and reported in the Kenosha News on Sunday, have sparked discussions all over town.
Produced by UrbanLab/Kubala Washatko Architects for the city, the Downtown Vision includes redeveloping an area comprising eight lakefront and near lakefront downtown blocks.
Two of the big-ticket items are razing the Municipal Building, Kenosha’s current city hall, and putting in a public park, and building a performing arts center.
“When this gets moving, I think people will be thrilled with the look of downtown and the activities it will bring downtown. Addressing parking needs is key, and that is an important part of the Downtown Vision,” Mayor John Antaramian said.
A number of high-rise buildings — up to 10 floors in height — appear in the Downtown Vision, with commercial and retail space at ground level and residential units on the upper floors.
Here’s some of the discussion with the story on the Kenosha News’ Facebook page:
Kathy Rippon: “I like the mayor’s vision. Look around … Kenosha is continually improving. There is money budgeted for road work, which has been happening. I was downtown on a Sunday night. I could not believe how many people. Now’s the time. Foxconn and its suppliers will bring growth here. All development with tax credits require a set-aside for low-income families. Excited to see what comes next!”
Jacqueline Miletic: “Yessssss! We have a beautiful city and it is going to live up to its potential. I am happy to hear it!”
Joy Williams Morales: “I was pretty excited to read that the municipal building is to be razed — until I read that they’re planning to build a new one across from Civic Center Park.”
Gerald Robinson: “What if I told all of you naysayers that we could improve our downtown AND still fix our roads? Seriously, this isn’t an all-or-nothing thing. That’s not how city budgets work.”
Joy Schweitzer-Ermert: “Not a fan at all. If I want to look at 10-story buildings, I’ll go to Milwaukee or Chicago. The construction alone will kill the current small businesses before they get a chance to reap any benefits from this. Bring in developers to revamp the existing beautiful old buildings that are there that make our downtown unique.”
Robert Morris: “It is great to see change. Downtown is old. It will bring more people coming from other parts of the country than just those people from Illinois.”
Leif Nehis: “Fix the roads first. It is screwed up how I cannot even go anywhere without dodging potholes and wearing out my vehicles. I can’t even count how many times my wife said ouch on our ride home after having our baby. And to think I didn’t even go down 60th Street.”
Cody James Adams: “I am all for these improvements! Looking forward to it!”
Nathaniel Hunter: “They can’t fix all the roads at once or there would be nowhere to go. The roads will get fixed. This is hopefully another way to draw people into the city. It’s a great location that isn’t even being used.”
Robert Wynne: “Bring it on!”
Vision plan the big step that can complete downtown’s transformation
If they build it, will they come?
We’re talking about the Downtown Vision, the ambitious plan for downtown Kenosha that would dramatically change not only the skyline but the heart of the city.
Last week, the city issued requests for proposals from developers for the plan, hoping to see construction begin as soon as the spring.
The plan, among other things, calls for razing city hall and building a new one near Sheridan Road and 56th Street, creating a large public park in its place, with a performing arts center at its west end.
But the plan also features a number of “mixed-use” buildings, up to 10 stories high. Those buildings would contain businesses on the first floors and then residences above.
Many people feel the key to really unlocking a downtown renaissance is getting more people to live downtown. To that end, those mixed-use buildings are essential.
“The issue for the downtown is density and getting density into the downtown. That is core to valuation,” Mayor John Antaramian said about the plan. “Again, we’re looking for high-quality development.”
The path is already there. HarborPark has been a success, and more recently, the Fifth Avenue Lofts on the old Wells property have also been a boon for downtown.
Meanwhile, more shops and businesses are taking root in the downtown, along with restaurants and a burgeoning arts scene, thanks in part to Kenosha Creative Space.
And then there’s The Stella, the boutique hotel being developed by Gorman and Co. taking shape on the site of the former Elks Club/Heritage House. That major investment wouldn’t have happened if the developer didn’t see a bright future there.
“Gorman and Co. believing and investing in our downtown is a wonderful sign,” said longtime downtown business owner Maria Caravati. “That should give us all hope.”
The area still has some major thorns — i.e. empty storefronts and large, vacant buildings — but if more people live downtown, the demand for goods and services will lead to the filling of those empty spaces.
“If we had one more large building be reborn, I think it would be a turn-around point,” Caravati said.
We are fully supportive of this plan and feel it is the big step that can complete downtown’s transformation.
So bring on the cranes, the construction equipment and bulldozers. We believe in the vision, and if it is built, the people will come, thus creating a vibrant, transformed downtown Kenosha.
City to begin developing its ambitious ‘Downtown Vision’
The Municipal Building, Kenosha’s current city hall, will be razed, replaced by a public park and, across the street to the west, a performing arts center will be erected.
Those are two of the big ticket items on the list under a request for proposals the city issued Wednesday to develop what is being called the “Downtown Vision.”
“When this gets moving, I think people will be thrilled with the look of downtown and the activities it will bring downtown. Addressing parking needs is key, and that is an important part of the Downtown Vision,” Mayor John Antaramian said Saturday.
A number of high-rise buildings — up to 10 floors in height — appear in the Downtown Vision, with commercial and retail space at ground level and residential units on the upper floors.
“The issue for the downtown is density and getting density into the downtown. That is core to valuation. Again, we’re looking for high-quality development,” Antaramian said.
He stressed that existing downtown residents and businesses won’t be forced out by displacement under the plan.
“If you notice, most of the property is vacant. So, there is not a lot of displacement of people. We’re not looking at condemnation,” Antaramian said. “This will be land the city has and that comes from willing sellers.”
Eight blocks
Produced by UrbanLab/Kubala Washatko Architects for the city, the Downtown Vision includes redeveloping an area comprising eight lakefront and near lakefront downtown blocks.
It proposes building a new city hall with an integrated public parking ramp across from Civic Center Park on the east side of Sheridan Road, within an easy walk from the courthouse, Public Safety Building and the Kenosha County Administration Building.
The concept features multiple high-rise residential buildings with commercial space on the ground floors, new office spaces and at least an additional public parking ramp. The latter is set to begin construction next year on city-owned land.
“This is the city’s plan following up on other stories that ran in the past, looking at the lakefront and what should occur next,” Antaramian said. “We have been looking at this for a very long time and working on it. Now, it is time to put it out there.”
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