Plans are in the works to convert a 28-room resort motel into housing for low- to moderate-income (LMI) people, but local officials are opposed to the change.
Newcap Inc., which provides a myriad of services and programs for those in need, wants to remodel the White Pines Lodge, N9117 Big Lake Road, Town of Red Springs, into apartments for LMI residents.
A request to rezone the property and then obtain a conditional use permit is the subject of a public hearing before the Shawano County Planning, Development and Zoning Committee. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. July 3 in Rooms A and B at the courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano.
Town of Red Springs’ officials voted in April to oppose the rezoning. However, county zoning officials are recommending the committee approve the rezoning request.
White Pines Lodge is comprised of just over four acres. The motel includes a large wraparound driveway with green space to the south and a small wooden area on the northwest corner. Captain’s Cove Resort is immediately west of the site.
Plans are to convert the site into permanent and affordable housing with supportive services for LMI individuals and families.
It would feature 28 studio apartments and a pair of two-bedroom units. The existing bar and sauna would be converted into the two-bedroom units.
A kitchenette would be added to each room, and a full fire sprinkler system would be added to the building.
The exterior of the motel would be power washed, and a new roof would be installed.
Newcap officials would consider applying for grant money to install solar panels on the roof.
Tenants would sign leases and pay monthly rent. They would be provided with Newcap success coaches and connected to services from transportation and training to health care and other services.
White Pines Lodge is operated by Badgerland Travel International Inc., owned by Jeff and Kathy White, of Shawano.
Newcap was founded in November 1965 in Wisconsin as a nonprofit, non-stock corporation as part of the establishment of the community action network. Newcap used to be an acronym standing for Northeast Wisconsin Community Action Program, but since 1973, it has been simply Newcap Inc.
Regardless of the committee’s decision on the rezoning, final approval from the Shawano County Board of Supervisors will be needed at its July 24 meeting.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Newcap hopes to expand housing options
