The CDA is considering granting $773,000 of the roughly $800,000 available this year to New Land Enterprises for renovations to the Fox Bay Building.  New Land's proposal is a three phase plan, in short: Phase 1 renovates office space for Northwestern Mutual, including a private rooftop oasis; Phase 2 renovates first floor space for two retail businesses; Phase 3 renovates the Fox Bay Theater footprint, but New Land’s entire Phase 3 proposal reads “TBD”.

To be clear, despite a few headlines, none of the $773,000 grant goes to renovating the theater and, as of July 19, there are no plans and “no commitment yet” for the space, per New Land’s Sheldon Opperman. Furthermore, New Land purports that “There is no market for leasing abandoned main street theater space and as a result, no way to tell what would be reasonable for a theater tenant to request. In light of the unique circumstances, we are requesting the opportunity to revisit this question at a later date.”  

Many in our community disagree. There are real mechanisms and opportunities to restore this iconic, glorious, historic jewel to the people of Whitefish Bay– if we act now. One concept is for the Village to do something big and bold and buy-out New Land and develop the business jewel in WFB; another is for citizens to form an NFP to operate the theater, but there are many creative options available for the Village to explore, options for vibrant and memorable collective experiences that reflect our municipality’s values and needs.

BUT, if the CDA gives New Land $773,000 tonight, the Fox Bay Theater may remain as it is or, possibly, turned into something that does not light up the hearts, eyes, and minds of a community. 

By signing this petition, you will be telling the CDA and the Village Board to save our precious TIF money for exploring all options in developing the Fox Bay Theater building for the community. SAVE THE FOX BAY THEATER!

Jackie Stackhouse             Tim Nelson