Summary

March 3, 2026 — Economic Development Committee: Thomas Street Phase II results; Cleveland Ave outreach; CDA six-unit update

WausauMar 3, 20262 min read

At a glance

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Committee approved the February 3, 2026 minutes (5-0). The Wisconsin DNR presented Phase II testing for the Thomas Street corridor: Areas B, C, and D showed only minor/isolated soil impacts with no groundwater effects; Area A showed elevated lead and dioxins in shallow soil and petroleum-related chemicals in deeper soil/groundwater, prompting an environmental contamination case. The DNR issued a Responsible Party Letter (Feb 11, 2026) requiring the City to hire a qualified environmental consultant by March 13, 2026 and submit a detailed investigation plan by April 12, 2026; the City will request consultant funding at the next Finance Committee meeting. Other items: 1300 Cleveland Ave public participation survey (98 responses) — full report to be shared in April; Community Development Authority six-unit project at 405 S 8th Ave pre-construction meeting scheduled March 4, 2026 with work starting when weather allows; April Economic Development Committee meeting will be rescheduled due to the Spring Election. Meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM.

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Community Development Regular Economic Development Approved Regular Economic Development April Economic Development Economic Development

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Economic Development Committee

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Key decisions

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Approved Regular Economic Development Committee Minutes of February 3, 2026 (motion passed 5-0).
Acknowledged DNR Phase II findings for the Thomas Street corridor and DNR actions: DNR opened an environmental contamination case for Area A and issued a Responsible Party Letter (Feb 11, 2026) requiring the City to hire a qualified environmental consultant by March 13, 2026 and submit a detailed investigation plan by April 12, 2026.
Confirmed the City will pursue hiring an environmental consultant via a request to the Finance Committee.
Noted that a report on the 1300 Cleveland Ave public participation survey (98 responses) will be presented at the April committee meeting.
Noted the Community Development Authority six-unit project at 405 S 8th Ave: pre-construction meeting scheduled March 4, 2026; construction to begin as weather allows.
Decided the April Economic Development Committee meeting must be rescheduled due to the Spring Election; committee members will be notified by email.

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Meeting information

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Economic Development Committee Meeting

Mar 3, 2026, 5:30 PMWausau City Hall — Council Chambers, 407 Grant Street, Wausau WI 54403completed

Agenda

1 Public comment on agenda items and reading of the City of Wausau Public Comment Statement.
2 Consideration of the minutes of the preceding meeting(s).
a Regular Economic Development Committee Minutes
attachments=1
Decision: Consideration of the minutes of the preceding meeting(s).
3 Discussion and possible action.
4 Discussion.
a Phase II review and next steps on Thomas Street corridor project with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
attachments=1
Decision: Discussion.
b 1300 Cleveland Ave public participation
Decision: Discussion.
c Community Development Authority six-unit project at 405 S 8th Ave
Decision: Discussion.
d Change of date for April Economic Development Committee meeting
Decision: Discussion.
5 Adjournment.