An aerial view Spring Lake Church provided of the proposed development

 

Demand for Inclusive Community Dialogue: Pause the Downtown Green Bay Development Agreement Until Community Concerns Are Addressed

 

As proud residents and professionals within our vibrant city, we are united in our desire to see Green Bay thrive and to see development occur within our downtown area. We fully support economic development and welcome new partners into our work to revitalize our city, including the proposed developer for the Adams Street parking lot. It is with this spirit of unity and optimism that we come together to address a pressing issue that affects us all: the proposed development in downtown egregiously endangers already established stakeholders unless collaborative community conversations can first occur with a desire to reach a solution that supports everyone. 

As advocates for positive change, we recognize the importance of progress and development. However, we believe that progress should never come at the expense of the values and principles that define us as a community.

Our city has always been about its people and it's crucial that we maintain this focus even in the face of progress and growth. It is estimated that small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in Wisconsin (US Small Business Administration), highlighting how vital they are to our local economy and community fabric. By signing this petition, we not only seek to uphold our community’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity but also to safeguard the vitality and prosperity of our beloved downtown businesses. 

While a summary of our concerns are detailed below, an extended brief that includes our proposed solutions, is attached to the bottom of this petition with further detail.

Concern 1: Code Compliance Crisis. Approval of the proposed development in its current state forces already established downtown business owners out of code compliance with our city officials who are complicit in forcing these owners to spend exorbitant private dollars to become compliant once again. Make no mistake; this is not merely a matter of financial inconvenience. It is a harrowing betrayal of trust. 

Concern 2: Imperiled Viability of Downtown Businesses. The very heartbeat of our city, our downtown businesses, stand at a critical crossroads once again. Just as they begin to regain their footing in the aftermath of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, they now face another threat: the danger of prolonged, multi-year construction blocking streets and disrupting pedestrian flow. Make no mistake – the consequences of this are not mere inconveniences; they are potentially fatal blows to the livelihoods of our community’s beloved entrepreneurs. With city streets slated to become inaccessible, with both traffic and pedestrian flow impeded, our downtown businesses are left teetering on the brink of irreparable harm. The further removal of 121 public parking spaces, including 5 crucial ADA spots, deals a devastating blow to accessibility and convenience. The survival of our downtown businesses is non-negotiable; their prosperity is intertwined with the very fabric of our city's identity.

Concern 3: Preserving Religious Gatherings. The proposed transformation of Spring Lake Church's front entrance into a narrow 13-foot alley poses a significant obstacle to their religious gatherings, impeding their ability to practice their faith freely. This issue extends beyond just one church; it highlights broader concerns about city decision-making and potential zoning and architectural changes that could affect numerous places of worship across our community. It is imperative for the city to acknowledge the sacred role that places of worship hold within our community and to honor existing laws that safeguard the right of faith communities to gather without unnecessary hindrances.

Furthermore, the suggested removal of all ADA parking spaces from the adjacent lot adds another layer of difficulty for Spring Lake members, who rely heavily on these accommodations for accessing their place of worship. This compounds the challenges they already face and underscores the need for thoughtful consideration and inclusive planning in any proposed alterations.                 

Concern 4: Lack of Natural Light in Workforce Housing Units: We are deeply concerned about the impact on the proposed workforce housing development which is nearing completion adjacent to this proposed development. The proximity of this new development threatens to deprive our vital housing units of natural light, as a looming concrete wall to a parking structure would obstruct sunlight entirely. Furthermore, the proposed height of the development poses an invasion of privacy, as tenants would have unobstructed views into the private living quarters of workforce housing tenants through their in-unit skylights. This situation not only undermines the quality of life for current and future residents but also raises serious ethical and privacy concerns that must be addressed before further progress is made.

Concern 5: Construction of Unsafe Alleyway in Downtown Area. The construction of an alleyway in our downtown area, particularly one shrouded in darkness and with narrow widths as little as 5.2 feet, is not a development to be celebrated—it's a grave concern. This alleyway threatens to become a focal point for unsheltered homelessness, drug activity, and various other criminal behaviors. Such an environment would transform our neighborhood into a breeding ground for unsafe and undesirable activities, putting the safety and security of residents and businesses at risk.

Moreover, this perilous situation would undoubtedly deter patrons from frequenting local businesses, as they seek safer environments elsewhere. It is imperative that we recognize the urgent need to address this issue before it exacerbates existing social and economic challenges within our community.

Concern 6: Life and Fire Safety Concerns. The proposed narrow alley in our downtown area further poses significant risks to life and fire safety. The construction of such an alleyway would severely hinder emergency response efforts, as it would be too narrow to accommodate a firetruck or ambulance. This critical issue is exacerbated by the presence of a combined 340 residential units on either side of the alley, jeopardizing the safety of countless individuals who call this area home. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or medical crisis, the inability of emergency vehicles to access the area efficiently puts lives at risk and undermines the safety of our entire community. Our collective safety should never be compromised for the sake of convenience or urban development.

We urge elected officials to slow down and listen carefully to these valid concerns before signing any development agreement for downtown Green Bay. We believe in progress but not at the expense of those who call this city home. 

Together, we have the power to enact meaningful change and shape the future of our city for the better. Join us in this endeavor as we work towards a downtown that is accessible, vibrant, and welcoming to all. Time is of the essence as a development agreement may go before city officials this month. Sign, share, and contact elected officials to ensure our voices are heard and our concerns addressed.

Together, let us stand firm in our resolve to safeguard the future of Downtown Green Bay. Our voices united can shape a future that honors our community's values and aspirations.

Regarding the photo

The picture shows the Nova in Milwaukee, the exact design New Land has proposed in downtown Green Bay. Its close proximity to the USPS shows a 5 foot setback, the same distance between New Land's Development and portions of the south side (main entrance) of Bay Lake City Center, where condo owners include Spring Lake Church (a vibrant church community with significant outreach into downtown Green Bay), Gateway Collective (a nonprofit addressing workforce housing), Base Companies (a highly regarded community developer), and a private investor. Further, the parking garage of the Nova extends 2 stories high, which is equal in height to the 2-story Bay Lake City Center. This picture shows the direct view condo owners will see 13 feet* from the main entrance of Spring Lake Church and out the windows of 2nd floor apartments- an obstructed concrete wall.

* The south wall of Bay Lake City Center is not a linear line. Because of this, a 5-foot setback creates distances of 5 to 13 feet between the buildings depending on where you are standing.

Additional Information with Proposed Solutions

Concern 1: Code Compliance Crisis. Approval of the proposed development in its current state forces already established downtown business owners out of code compliance with our city officials who are complicit in forcing these owners to spend exorbitant private dollars to become compliant once again. Make no mistake; this is not merely a matter of financial inconvenience. It is a harrowing betrayal of trust. 

Solution: We recognize that progress and development are essential for the vitality of our city, but they must not come at the expense of our established downtown businesses. As concerned residents, we urge city officials and the proposed developer to reconsider the current plan. We propose a collaborative effort to explore alternative layouts that mitigate the adverse effects on existing businesses. One potential solution could involve rotating the proposed development or reducing its footprint to create more space between buildings. By doing so, we can alleviate the burden on downtown business owners and ensure that they remain in compliance with city codes without facing undue financial strain. This approach not only demonstrates a commitment to fostering a thriving business environment but also upholds the trust and integrity of our community's values. 

Concern 2: Imperiled Viability of Downtown Businesses. The very heartbeat of our city, our downtown businesses, stand at a critical crossroads once again. Just as they begin to regain their footing in the aftermath of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, they now face another threat: the danger of prolonged, multi-year construction blocking streets and disrupting pedestrian flow. Make no mistake – the consequences of this are not mere inconveniences; they are potentially fatal blows to the livelihoods of our community’s beloved entrepreneurs. With city streets slated to become inaccessible, with both traffic and pedestrian flow impeded, our downtown businesses are left teetering on the brink of irreparable harm. The further removal of 121 public parking spaces, including 5 crucial ADA spots, deals a devastating blow to accessibility and convenience. The survival of our downtown businesses is non-negotiable; their prosperity is intertwined with the very fabric of our city's identity.

Solution: In light of the grave threat posed to our downtown businesses, we urge city officials and project planners to prioritize the implementation of measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged construction and parking space reduction. To ensure the survival and prosperity of our cherished entrepreneurs, we propose the following solutions: phased construction approach to minimize disruption to traffic and pedestrian flow, shuttle services to guide patrons to available parking areas and downtown businesses, compensatory parking measures including free parking in all downtown garages to support local business, and grants & financial assistance to provide relief to downtown businesses impacted by construction-related disruptions. These measures would safeguard businesses’ survival and preserve the essence of our city’s identity. 

Concern 3: Preserving Religious Gatherings: The proposed transformation of Spring Lake Church's front entrance into a narrow 13-foot alley poses a significant obstacle to their religious gatherings, impeding their ability to practice their faith freely. This issue extends beyond just one church; it highlights broader concerns about city decision-making and potential zoning and architectural changes that could affect numerous places of worship across our community. It is imperative for the city to acknowledge the sacred role that places of worship hold within our community and to honor existing laws that safeguard the right of faith communities to gather without unnecessary hindrances.

Furthermore, the suggested removal of all ADA parking spaces from the adjacent lot adds another layer of difficulty for Spring Lake members, who rely heavily on these accommodations for accessing their place of worship. This compounds the challenges they already face and underscores the need for thoughtful consideration and inclusive planning in any proposed alterations.                 

Solution: In light of the concerns raised, it is imperative to initiate discussions with city officials and the proposed developer to reassess the current plan. It is crucial to emphasize that the challenges encountered by Spring Lake Church are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of a broader issue impacting the rights and freedoms of all churches and religious institutions within our community. Therefore, it is paramount to safeguard these rights and ensure that any proposed developments uphold the principles of inclusivity and respect for religious diversity.

Concern 4: Lack of Natural Light in Workforce Housing Units: We are deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed workforce housing development nearing completion adjacent to this proposed development. The proximity of this new development threatens to deprive our vital housing units of natural light, as a looming concrete wall to a parking structure would obstruct sunlight entirely. Furthermore, the proposed height of the development poses an invasion of privacy, as tenants would have unobstructed views into the private living quarters of workforce housing tenants through their in-unit skylights. This situation not only undermines the quality of life for current and future residents but also raises serious ethical and privacy concerns that must be addressed before further progress is made.

Solution: As reiterated previously, it is imperative to engage in ongoing discussions with city officials and the proposed developer to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Given Green Bay's well-documented affordable housing crisis, it is crucial to support developments that address this pressing need. Particularly, when housing projects serving the community are undertaken without government assistance, concerted efforts must be made to ensure their success and viability. By fostering collaborative efforts and prioritizing the interests of all stakeholders, we can work towards sustainable solutions that contribute to the well-being of our community.

Concern 5: Construction of Unsafe Alleyway in Downtown Area. The construction of an alleyway in our downtown area, particularly one shrouded in darkness and with narrow widths as little as 5.2 feet, is not a development to be celebrated—it's a grave concern. This alleyway threatens to become a focal point for unsheltered homelessness, drug activity, and various other criminal behaviors. Such an environment would transform our neighborhood into a breeding ground for unsafe and undesirable activities, putting the safety and security of residents and businesses at risk.

Moreover, this perilous situation would undoubtedly deter patrons from frequenting local businesses, as they seek safer environments elsewhere. It is imperative that we recognize the urgent need to address this issue before it exacerbates existing social and economic challenges within our community.

Solution: Consulting with experts who possess a deep understanding of how environmental factors influence human behavior is crucial in formulating effective strategies to prevent the emergence of such hazardous conditions. Their expertise and insights are invaluable in ensuring that our community remains a safe and welcoming place for all its residents and visitors.

Concern 6: Life and Fire Safety Concerns. The proposed narrow alley in our downtown area further poses significant risks to life and fire safety. The construction of such an alleyway would severely hinder emergency response efforts, as it would be too narrow to accommodate a firetruck or ambulance. This critical issue is exacerbated by the presence of a combined 340 residential units on either side of the alley, jeopardizing the safety of countless individuals who call this area home. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or medical crisis, the inability of emergency vehicles to access the area efficiently puts lives at risk and undermines the safety of our entire community. Our collective safety should never be compromised for the sake of convenience or urban development.

Solution: As emphasized earlier, it is imperative to engage in further discussions with city officials and the proposed developer before finalizing any development agreement. These discussions should encompass a wide range of considerations aimed at addressing the concerns raised, including the possibility of altering the footprint or orientation of the proposed building.

Specifically, exploring options to adjust the footprint or rotation of the building could potentially create additional space between the proposed development and existing adjacent properties. This adjustment could help mitigate potential impacts such as overshadowing, privacy concerns, and safety risks, thereby enhancing the overall compatibility of the development with its surroundings.

Furthermore, these discussions should not be limited to physical modifications alone but should also encompass broader considerations related to community needs, urban design principles, and regulatory compliance. By engaging in collaborative dialogue and exploring innovative solutions, we can work towards achieving a development plan that balances the interests of all stakeholders and contributes positively to the vitality and sustainability of our community.

 

The annual Community Christmas event outside of Spring Lake Church, which draws hundreds to the main entrance of Bay Lake City Center.