Hearing set on Oconto Falls projects

Feds may fund senior center upgrade, downtown planning

The Oconto Falls City Council has scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18 on an upgrade of the Senior Center and planning for downtown revitalization. The federal government would fund both projects.

The council voted unanimously July 14 in favor of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications under the state Department of Administration’s “CLOSE” program.

The name refers to the closure of the former state-funded municipal revolving-fund loan programs. The state asked for the money back and is now offering grants to qualifying projects as a way of returning the funds.

The larger project is an estimated $1.2 million renovation of the senior center, including upgrades to the heating and cooling systems and a new elevator to provide better access to the building’s basement. It includes a drive-up canopy to better protection from the weather as people get in and out of their vehicles.

The improvements will enable the senior center board to expand programs and better serve the community, Mayor Brad Rice said last month.

The other project under consideration involves hiring a neighborhood consulting firm to develop a downtown revitalization plan for about 50 parcels in and near the central business district.

The public is encouraged to attend the hearing and provide comments on the proposed projects. The agenda includes an overview of the CDBG funding programs and a presentation about the two proposed projects, followed by public comment.

The regular city council meeting is scheduled after the hearing at approximately 7 p.m.

For more information about the projects in advance of the hearing, contact City Administrator Vicki Roberts at 920-846-4505.