The Marinette Common Council spent hours last night debating three major issues… a potential redevelopment of City Hall, growing concerns about downtown parking, and whether to pursue a city wheel tax. The biggest discussion centered on a Letter of Intent with T. Spell Development Group, a step that allows the developer to apply for state housing tax credits needed for a proposed 60-unit apartment project on the current City Hall site.

Mayor Steve Genisot stressed that the LOI is not a sale and does not lock the city into any final agreement.

Parking dominated the public comment period, with residents and business owners warning the project could eliminate essential spaces near Dunlap Square, Hall Avenue, and the post office.

Marinette Resident Michelle Holdorf…

Other residents questioned whether the city was moving too fast. Former Alderperson Pam Goes…

Despite concerns, the council voted to approve the Letter of Intent, a move supporters say simply allows the developer to continue due diligence before any binding commitments. Later in the meeting, the council also voted not to move forward with a proposed wheel tax, following overwhelming public opposition; out of a survey given 431 responded, with 381 opposed to the wheel tax. The council’s approval of the LOI now allows the developer to submit its application to WEDA. Any final decision on selling City Hall property, redevelopment terms, parking requirements, or zoning changes will require separate public meetings.

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