A controversial downtown Oconomowoc development project has taken a step toward final approval

CITY OF OCONOMOWOC - The controversial Rockwell development project took another step toward approval at the city's June 21 common council meeting.

The council voted 6-1 in favor of approving the redevelopment plan submitted by Rockwell Partners, LLC, and MSI DesignBuild. The lone no vote came from Ald. Charles Schellpeper. Ald. Chris Douglas did not attend the meeting.

The action is not approval of the plan to officially proceed, but it does move the project forward in the approval process.

The Rockwell project has seen a vast mix of positive and negative reactions. In previous meetings, many residents spoke about concerns of building height, the proposed tax increment financing plan and the project's potential affect on the Village Green. Others have defended the project, saying it will bring new businesses downtown, could add public restrooms and a warming house to the area and remove blighted buildings at 125 -131 N. Main St.

A packed room of about 40 people showed up to hear the project discussed June 21. Sixteen people spoke about the project during public comment; all of them supported it.

"The downtown business district board unanimously supports this project," said Sara Ninmann, president of the Downtown Oconomowoc Business District. "They’re definitely in favor of seeing the uniqueness of it and what it has to offer, specifically the extension of the boardwalk, being next to the village green for events and the bathrooms."

Other residents spoke highly of the tax benefit to the city, the design staying consistent with the downtown aesthetic and the benefits of the retail and public spaces on the ground floor.

"People want to see more people while walking around," said Maureen Stapleton. "It creates a sense of vibrancy and more excitement. I think that’s what’s bringing more people to the city and it’s a ball of positivity. And I think having Rockwell, and more people who will come down those steps and spend money and bring relatives and friends, is a good thing."

When the topic arose for discussion among the council, no alderperson commented on it. Instead, they went straight to a vote.

"We’re not done. I would consider this the beginning," said Bob Duffy, the city's director of economic development. "There’s a long list of things that still needs to happen for this project. (It) still needs project land use, zoning and site development approval through the plan commission and through the common council."

According to an estimated project plan presented by Duffy, if the project were completely approved this summer, construction could begin as soon as the fall with completion targeted for as soon as late 2023 or early 2024.

Rockwell Partners will host three more information sessions on the development for the general public in July. They will be held at the city's Community Center, 220 W. Wisconsin Ave., on July 12, 14 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The format will be a presentation by developer Jeff Scrima followed by a question and answer period.

Prior to the common council meeting, Scrima presented the latest updates, largely minor changes, for the project. During that presentation, he said eliminating the fifth floor of the development would make the project unviable due to inflation costs and the loss of potential revenue.

"I fully realize that you hold all the cards," Scrima told the council. "I’ve been in your shoes. We brought, to you, our best. We genuinely want to produce a product people will not only love but ... also a high-class building."

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.