A lengthy Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting Tuesday night led to the final approval of the plans for the old West Side School and ballfield. After 30 minutes of public comments with seven people opposing the removal of the west side field, councilmembers eventually approved the second reading of the ordinance for the Planned Unit Development and the purchase of the West Side Field by Northpointe Development by 5-2 votes. Councilmembers Gary Nauilt and Kirstin Reeths voted against the approval. The council amended the PUD to include a guarantee that any future owners of the property maintain at least 50 percent affordable housing. The plans call for a 40-unit apartment complex that includes 10 units within the old school and 30 more where the ballfield presently sits. The project is still contingent on Northpointe Development receiving affordable housing and historical tax credits to be approved by the state by April of 2020 before moving on the project.
Prior to the business part of the meeting, Mayor David Ward presented a certificate of recognition of the Sturgeon Bay Boys Soccer State Championship earlier this month. The council also heard from Sturgeon Bay Police with a presentation on school safety and active shooter events.
The council convened in closed session shortly before 10 pm to consider the next step in the case regarding the Stone Harbor excessive tax assessment matter. No action was taken after the closed session.
