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Development News for the week 05/31/08 – 06/6/08
MAYOR WANTS TO DOUBLE SOLAR ENERGY USE
Overcast skies did not deter the Mayor Dave Cieslewicz from unveiling a new initiative that seeks to double Madison's use of solar energy by 2010 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
NEW LIBRARY HAS BEEN ON CITY'S MIND FOR YEARS
From Mifflin Street to the far east side, public libraries have been an important component in numerous development plans around Madison. This spring, local developer Terrence Wall proposed tearing down the downtown library in the 200 block of West Mifflin Street and replacing it with a nine-story, $45 million building. That development would house a new and bigger library, several floors of private office space and retail on the ground floor.
NEW HONDA DEALERSHIP IN WORKS ON FAR EAST SIDE
Zimbrick Honda could soon be facing some stiff competition selling the popular and fuel efficient vehicles in the Madison area market. The Wilde Automotive Group of Waukesha is teaming with a former executive at Harley Davidson on a new Honda dealership planned for vacant land east of East Towne.
MARTIN APPROVED AS NEXT UW CHANCELLOR
Carolyn "Biddy" Martin was formally approved as next chancellor of UW-Madison at a Board of Regents meeting here on Thursday. Martin, the current provost of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., was recommended as the next leader of Wisconsin's flagship university by UW System President Kevin Reilly and a Board of Regents search committee, led by chair David Walsh, on May 29.
HOMES ON PARADE ARE MOVING QUICKLY
A mortgage crisis and a downturn in the housing market appear to have cast little rain on this parade. When the 58th annual Madison Area Builders Association's Parade of Homes opens Saturday, there will be more homes than last year and the majority will already have owners.
MADISON MASALA? CAN LOW-WAGE MIDWEST SELL ITSELF AS AN IT DESTINATION?
When customers telephone Paragon Development Systems looking for help with a balky printer they aren't patched through to a call center in India, Eastern Europe or the Philippines. Instead, they get a friendly voice from Madison, Wisconsin-usually with a Midwestern twang.
BACK TO PLAN COMMISSION FOR CAMP RANDALL HOTEL
Bob Sieger will have to wait two more weeks to begin demolishing his building at 1501 Monroe St. after the Madison City Council voted Tuesday to send his permit back to the Plan Commission for further review.
LOTS WILL BE FOR SALE SOON IN COYLE SOUTH
COTTAGE GROVE Home and business lots will be available soon in Coyle South, a mixed-use subdivision in Cottage Grove, south of Cottage Grove Road.
OUTSIDE REVIEW OF COUNTY 911 CENTER APPROVED\ THE DANE COUNTY BOARD ALSO IS EXPECTED TO OK ADDITIONAL STAFFING FOR THE CENTER.
Dane County Board members agreed Wednesday to seek an external review of the county's embattled 911 center. The board is expected to approve funding for two additional 911 center employees at tonight's board meeting, drawing to a close the opening act of the response to a mishandled call from homicide victim Brittany Zimmermann's cell phone on April 2.
MGE AIMS TO PLACE WIND TURBINE IN FITCHBURG PARK THE COMPANY WANTS TO DEMONSTRATE THE "URBAN TURBINE."
Fitchburg 's McKee Farms Park could have an added attraction this summer - a small and what some say will be quiet - wind turbine. Known as an "urban turbine," it looks similar to a 30-foot flagpole topped with a 12-foot rotating helix.
GOOGLE PLANS TO OPEN MADISON OFFICE
Google, the company based in Mountain View, Calif., that runs a popular Internet search engine, will open a Madison office this fall staffed with hardware and software systems designers. The 5,000-square-foot office on the top floor of Harvester Plaza , 301 S. Blount St., was leased with the assistance of Siegel-Gallagher and remodeling will be designed by Kahler Slater . Both are Milwaukee-based firms with Madison offices. Google, which has more than 20 offices nationwide, wouldn't disclose the expected number of Madison employees.
GANDER MOUNTAIN'S NEW STORE OPENS
One of the largest Gander Mountain stores in the country opened just north of Madison city limits in April. At 91,000 square feet, it's the 10th largest in the 114-store national chain and slightly smaller than the state's largest Gander Mountain, a 96,000-square-foot store near Wausau.
HOTEL PLANS PUT ON HOLD AGAIN
Plans were put on hold - again - for a 48-room, four-story hotel at the corner of Regent and Monroe streets as the City Council voted 16-4 Tuesday to send the project back to the Plan Commission. Architect Bob Sieger's project has been in the works for more than three years and was stalled by the Plan Commission four previous times. The next step for the project is to return to the commission June 16 for a review of its deed restrictions, which include not selling food or beverages outdoors and which require any major changes in plans to be reviewed by the commission.
SUB-ZERO/WOLF LAYING OFF 235 WORKERS AT 3 PLANTS
Sub-Zero Freezer Co./Wolf Appliance will lay off 175 workers in Madison by June 13, according to a notice released by the state Department of Workforce Development . The company, which manufactures high-end refrigeration and cooking appliances, said it was laying off 235 employees, mostly production workers, at its plants in Madison, Fitchburg and Phoenix, Ariz.
MONONA SMOKING BAN OK'D, WILL GO IN EFFECT JUNE 1, 2009
Monona will go smoke-free on June 1, 2009. The City Council voted 5-1 Monday night, with Ald. Jeff Wiswell dissenting, to ban smoking on that date in all indoor public places and workplaces.
NEW $34M EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM IN WORKS IN COUNTY
New $34M emergency radio system in works in county Bill Novak - 6/04/2008 12:33 pm A hybrid emergency radio system planned for Dane County would enable separate units such as fire departments, police departments, EMS units and highway snowplow operators stay in constant touch with one another instead of having to go through "channels." The $34 million project to construct the new radio system and replace the computer-aided communications system at the 911 center is the second most expensive capital project in the county's history, the most expensive being the $44 million courthouse.
Around The State and Points Elsewhere
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JOBS LOST AT GM WILL TOP RECENT STATE TOTALS
Roughly 2,600 people will lose their jobs over the next two years as a result of the closing of General Motor's Janesville production facility -- a figure that dwarfs the number of jobs lost in Wisconsin from any recent plant closing or business relocation, according to statistics from the Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development. To put the decision's impact in perspective, the closest any other recent plant closing in Wisconsin will come to GM in Janesville in terms of jobs lost will be 500, when Domtar Industries' closes its paper mill just south of Wisconsin Rapids on June 14.
GM PLANT CLOSING WILL PUT 2,600 OUT OF WORK IN JANESVILLE
The unprecedented rise in gasoline prices helped put 2,600 General Motors employees out of work in Janesville. The Janesville production facility, the oldest of the Detroit automaker's factories with production dating back to 1919, will stop making SUVs and pickup trucks by no later than the end of 2010 and most likely by the end of 2009, unless market demand improves, GM Chairman Rick Wagoner announced Tuesday.
OMBUDSMAN PLAN OFFERED TO GOVERNMENTS
The U.S. Small Business Administration will be providing a template of its ombudsman position to state and local governments for the resolution of local small business regulation issues. Wisconsin Department of Commerce spokesman Tony Hozeny said he thought the federal template could be of use to state municipalities.
JOB CENTERS SHIFTING TO BIG CITIES THAT WILL HURT SOME PEOPLE, SAY ADVOCATES
In a previously unannounced move, the state plans to consolidate its job assistance programs in 12 regional sites, pulling staff from dozens of smaller towns such as Monroe, Ladysmith and Richland Center and placing them in bigger cities like Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire. The action, which will start June 30 and take place throughout the year, will make it harder for veterans, people with disabilities, the unemployed and the underemployed to find jobs and receive other services, advocates said.
JANESVILLE PLANTS TO LOSE ABOUT 140 JOBS
MANUFACTURING About 140 manufacturing jobs in Janesville will be eliminated by the end of September, so that operations can be consolidated in Auburn Hills, Mich.
STATE VOWS TO AID WORKERS WHILE TRYING TO STOP CLOSING IT WILL ALSO TRY TO RECOVER $10 MILLION GM SUBSIDY
State officials said Tuesday they'd step up already started efforts to help workers affected by the announced General Motors Janesville plant shutdown and may seek to recover $10 million in state subsidies given to keep the plant in operation. "We're going to really make sure that these people who have been the pride of Wisconsin, we're going to make sure that they land on their feet," Gov. Jim Doyle told a gathering of auto workers Tuesday.
RESCAP NEEDS $2 BILLION GMAC MORTGAGE LENDING UNIT IS SELLING ASSETS
Residential Capital, the mortgage lending unit of GMAC, said Tuesday it needs more than three times more cash to stay in business than it estimated just weeks ago. ResCap estimates it now needs about $2 billion in cash by the end of June to meet liquidity demands, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It previously estimated it needed just $600 million by the end of the month.
PLANT SHUTDOWN SEEN AS BAD FOR OTHER BUSINESSES
Companies that supply parts to the General Motors plant in Janesville had announced layoffs of hundreds before Tuesday's announcement, and officials expect more bad news could be on the way. A union leader said the effect will be felt far beyond the GM workers themselves.
POWER LINE GETS INITIAL OK
Plans for a new high-voltage transmission line between the town of Christiana in eastern Dane County and the town of Beloit in Rock County won preliminary approval from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission on Friday. The 35-mile, 345-kilovolt line will run primarily along an existing utility right-of-way. The project will cost an estimated $133 million, but American Transmission Co., which owns, builds and maintains transmission lines and structures in much of Wisconsin, says it will wind up saving money by providing another connection to Illinois. "This additional high-voltage connection will remove a significant constraint and enable access to lower-cost power in the region - and that translates to savings for electricity consumers," said Randy Satterfield, ATC vice president of public affairs, in a written statement. Wisconsin imports about 15 percent of the power used in the state; the new Paddock-Rockdale line will provide the seventh connection to other states to tap into additional electricity sources. Officials have estimated it will carry between 200 and 450 megawatts into the state - enough to light more than 250,000 homes. ATC plans to complete construction of the transmission line in 2010. The Paddock-Rockdale project, which has generated little opposition, is separate from a larger ATC proposal for upgrading transmission capacity in the Madison area. The 32-mile to 55-mile, 345-kilovolt line from west of Middleton to eastern Dane County has drawn a lot of controversy, including which route to use, whether to build part of the line underground and questions over the need for the line. That proposal is before the PSC for review. A decision is expected in 2009.
Muskego group plans recalls over Wal-Mart
Muskego group plans recalls over Wal-Mart. A citizens group opposed to plans for a Wal-Mart Supercenter on the city's northern end has organized a political action committee to begin the recall process against several aldermen...
State's economy grows 1%
State's economy grows 1%. Manufacturing remains dominant industry in Wisconsin. Steady growth in Wisconsin's manufacturing sector helped the state's overall economy expand by 1% last year - better than some of its Midwestern neighbors but half the rate of the nation as a whole...
Iceport developers file claim against city, mayor
Iceport developers file claim against city, mayor. As the Cudahy Plan Commission prepares to review a modified plan for the proposed Cudahy Station project, the owners of the site - once proposed for the failed Iceport development - are laying the groundwork for a potential lawsuit...
Town officials still tweaking Bluemound Road corridor plans
Town officials still tweaking Bluemound Road corridor plans. Business owners say zoning too restrictive. With members saying they are moving closer to accepting a long-term development plan for the area, the town of Brookfield's Plan Commission last week tabled discussion on establishing new zoning districts for...
Wal-Mart store wins approval
Wal-Mart store wins approval. Supercenter will come to Muskego despite protests. Plans for a Wal-Mart Supercenter on the northern end of the city will move forward after the city's Plan Commission approved the contentious project Tuesday night...
Residents seek help on sewer costs
Residents seek help on sewer costs. Several residents in the Bluemound Road corridor are looking for relief from paying large sewer and water assessments and interest charges for a project they say should be financed by developers instead of the city.. Several residents in the Bluemound...
Promise of gold nearer to reality
Promise of gold nearer to reality. Work advances on mine plan for UP. The exploration for gold, silver and zinc in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, only a stone's throw from the Wisconsin border, is morphing into what could become a full-fledged mining operation...
Signs point to weaker economy
Signs point to weaker economy. Purchasing index shows decline. There were additional signs of a softening economy Friday as the local purchasing managers' index for May hit its lowest point since 2003, and the state reported that corporate income tax collections have fallen 13% so...
Progress at former Pabst brewery
Madison-based Gorman & Company Inc. will host a "construction kick off ceremony" on Monday to celebrate the start of its project that will redevelop the former keg house building at the former Pabst brewery complex into a 95-unit apartment building. – Updated June 4, 2008
City taking steps to attract development to King Drive
The City of Milwaukee's Redevelopment Authority recently issued a request for proposals seeking developers interested in buying a vacant site on King Drive.
City issues RFP for property near airport
The City of Milwaukee recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a vacant lot at the northeast corner of West College Avenue and South 13th
Street, near General Mitchell International Airport. – Updated June 4, 2008
MMAC data shows stagnant local economy
For the sixth consecutive month, less than half of the monthly business activity indicators tracked by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) showed improvement.
Development News for the week 05/24/08 – 05/30/08
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MEETING LIFE'S CHALLENGES
I love this spring weather and am so happy when I can get outside to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. However, for me, and millions of others who live with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, enjoying the great outdoors can pose barriers and challenges of all kinds. Basically, I’d given up on the idea of ever being able to swim, canoe, and sail. I thought,
COUNTY LAUNCHES DANE911.COM IN WAKE OF CONTROVERSY
The public's interest in the 911 emergency call center after the botched call from the cell phone of slain UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann could be assauged with the start of a new Web site. Dane911.com was launched last week after being under development for the past several months.
DEVELOPER FOCUSED ON THE SQUARE MULLINS HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON DOWNTOWN MADISON JERRY MULLINS SR., 82
Prominent Madison building designer, engineer and real estate developer Jerry Mullins Sr. died Sunday at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was 82. Former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said Mullins leaves "a lasting impact on the city" for his development, especially on the Capitol Square.
MADISON BIOTECH GAINS TWO PATENTS
Madison-based BellBrook Labs, which makes high throughput screening tools for the drug discovery industry, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has approved issuing the company two patents (U.S. Pat. No. 7,355,010 and 7,378,505). The patents are the second and the third in a series of allowed patents covering Bellbrook's "Transcreener" technology. Additional patent applications pertaining to the Transcreener technology have been filed by Quarles & Brady on BellBrook's behalf.
THE MARCH OF PROGRESS CRITICS SAY PROPOSAL FOR NEW MERITER CLINIC THREATENS ICE AGE TRAIL
It was envisioned as a wide swath of green space between Raymond Road and County PD, linking Elver Park and Badger Prairie Park along scenic terrain sculpted by the last retreat of the glaciers some 10,000 years ago.
84 LUMBER TO OPEN MCFARLAND STORE
BUILDING SUPPLIES One of the largest suppliers of building materials and services to professional contractors in the country will open a store next week in McFarland.
COMPARE AND DESPAIR ARE LOW SALARIES CAUSING A BRAIN DRAIN FROM UW-MADISON?
When Alta Charo received a job offer in February from the University of California at Berkeley that included a raise of roughly $45,000, many assumed the high-profile law and bioethics professor would join the list of talented people leaving town for seemingly greener pastures. Even Charo, a native of New York City, figured it might be a golden opportunity to ditch the small-town feel of Madison for something a little more fast-paced.
BIOTECH GROUPS HOPING FOR INDUSTRY CONTACTS
Chuck Oehler is preparing his PowerPoint and pamphlets, getting ready to show off his company, Primorigen Biosciences, to the world. Primorigen is one of the Wisconsin companies chosen to make a presentation at BIO, the international biotechnology convention being held in San Diego June 17-20.
NOLEN SHORE COMDOMINIUMS TO HOST ART TOUR
The Nolen Shore Condominiums will be the site of this year's Art & Architecture V tour to benefit The Art League of Madison Museum of Contemporary Art on the first Sunday in June. The 11-story development, the first certified Green Built Home condo project in Madison, is located at the south end of Hamilton Street and overlooks Lake Monona and John Nolen Drive. Tour guests will enter through the two-story lobby, which has a waterfall with colored lights that evoke earth, air and water, and the Patron Reception will be held in the community room and its green-roof terrace.
JERRY MULLINS REMEMBERED AS A VISIONARY LEADER
The Capitol Square became the "jewel of the city" thanks in large part to Jerry Mullins, said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on the passing of the local developer, who made his mark on the streets bordering the state capitol. Jerome "Jerry" Mullins Sr. died Sunday at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was 82.
ONE LAST PUSH FOR COMMUNITY CENTER FUNDING
The Atwood Community Center was my lifeline. I gave birth to my first child shortly after moving back to Madison in 1986 following a decade away. Those first few months at home with a new baby weren't easy. The few people I still knew here had jobs, and I felt isolated and lonely tending an infant all day. Luckily for me, we lived around the corner from the Atwood Community Center. I learned that a mothers group sponsored by the Family Enhancement Program met there. I eagerly looked forward each week to bundling my son in the backpack, walking to the center, and sharing stories and support with other young mothers while child care providers watched our kids.
DEAL WOULD BAN SMOKING IN MONONA IN 2009
Smoking could be banned in Monona's indoor public places and workplaces a year from now under a compromise plan headed to a city panel. Mayor Robb Kahl and a citizens' group both said today that June 2009 is acceptable. Kahl had wanted the ban to start in 2010 and Breath Free Monona had been pushing for November 2008.
Around The State and Points Elsewhere
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OUTLOOK FOR STATE JOB PROSPECTS IS SUNNY
Welders, registered nurses, elementary school teachers and carpenters have one very good thing in common in Wisconsin the next eight years: Jobs will be plentiful. Those four higher-than-average-pay occupations are on the list of 25 high-paying jobs expected to have thousands of openings through 2016, according to long-term employment figures released Thursday by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Blueprint for building jobs
Blueprint for building jobs. Racine County unveils strategy to enhance employment profile. Turning around Racine County's employment situation will take collaboration and commitment, say leaders who are launching a work-force development strategy for the area...
USPS delivers good news to Oak Creek
USPS delivers good news to Oak Creek. New mail center seen as a potential boon. After an eight-year search, the U.S. Postal Service has selected Oak Creek for Milwaukee's newest mail processing center; it is a development local officials hope will attract more residents and businesses...
Shopping plaza TIF decision delayed
Shopping plaza TIF decision delayed. Development agreement incomplete. The Hales Corners Village Board on May 27 postponed a decision on creating a tax-incremental finance district to revitalize the Hales Corners Shopping Plaza...
Iceport developers file claim of fraud
Iceport developers file claim of fraud. Cudahy rejected Wal-Mart for parcel. The developers of the defunct Iceport project have filed a multimillion-dollar claim against the City of Cudahy, saying the city committed fraud by rejecting a Wal-Mart Supercenter on the same parcel...
Venture seeks Chinese investment in Wisconsin
Venture seeks Chinese investment in Wisconsin. Visa benefit could make metro area more international. Scott Harrison wants Milwaukee to look back in 10 or 15 years and admire the economic contributions of its Chinese community with the same appreciation it reserves for the breweries of a previous...
Lisbon weighs home-building moratorium
Lisbon weighs home-building moratorium. Residents are being asked to weigh in tonight on whether the Town Board should impose a moratorium on residential development for six months while Lisbon updates its zoning code and land-use plan...
City considers taxing district
City considers taxing district. Revenue would pay for cleanup of development site. City officials want to establish a special taxing district to support about $1.1 million for the partial cleanup of a contaminated site that once was a foundry...
Developer to redo housing proposal
Developer to redo housing proposal. Riverside complex for mentally ill to be split into two plans. The developer who had proposed a 48-unit supportive housing complex on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River that was rejected by the city says he will now pursue development of two smaller...
Grand Avenue has uphill climb ahead
Grand Avenue has uphill climb ahead. Downtown mall seeks new identity as it loses national retail tenants. Daly's Pen Shop is the just the kind of business that developers were looking for around 1980, when the Grand Avenue mall was planned. Locally owned, upscale and unique, it was the...
Will wider I-94 squash rail?
Will wider I-94 squash rail?. As freeway project nears, officials disagree on its impact on mass transit plans. State plans to add new lanes to I-94 in a 35-mile stretch from the Illinois border to Milwaukee's south side are in line for federal approval this week, and a construction...
Research and development: An innovation tool
Research and development: An innovation tool. At a time when foreign competition for jobs and new ideas has never been more heated, there should be no debate over whether to provide tax incentives to keep research and development in the United States...
Business bankruptcies on the rise
Through April, 3,412 Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings were recorded in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, a 43-percent increase over the number of filings in the same period in 2007. There were nine Chapter 11 filings in the court through April, compared with two during the same period in 2007.
Developer selects Hunzinger to build new Derse headquarters
HSI Development Partners LLC, a Glendale-based real estate development and construction management company, announced today that it has chosen Hunzinger Construction as the general contractor for what will be the largest project to date in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley Industrial Center.
State headlines: Oshkosh Waterfront project moves forward
The proposed Waterfront development in downtown Oshkosh cleared a hurdle Wednesday. The project would include office space occupied by the Davis & Kuelthau law firm and the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. Read more in SBT's daily roundup of headlines from newspapers across the state at www.biztimes.com/#news.
Development News for the week 05/17/08 – 05/23/08
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CITY TAKES OVER CONDO PROJECT ON SOUTH SIDE DEVELOPER OF LAKE POINT DRIVE UNITS IN DEFAULT ON LOAN
Madison is taking over a condo project in a South Side neighborhood because the developer failed to make payments on a $2 million loan and is walking away. The city's Community Development Authority will now assume responsibility for maintenance, finishing the project, marketing and selling remaining condos at the mostly complete, 50-unit project on the 1800 block of Lake Point Drive.
UPSCALE HOTEL PLANNED ALONG JOHN NOLEN IN ADDITION TO THE ALOFT HOTEL THERE WILL BE A FRATELLOS RESTAURANT.
An upscale 136-room Aloft Hotel and Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant are part of a $20 million development proposed for John Nolen Drive near Rimrock Road. Most hotel rooms and the restaurant will have views of Lake Monona, said Jay Supple, chief executive of Supple Group, the project developer.
VILLAGER MALL TENANTS GIVEN ASSURANCES
Tenants of the Villager, the worn-out 1960s shopping mall slated for redevelopment on the city's south side, were assured by a growing panel of city-hired consultants Wednesday that every attempt will be made to smooth the process.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DECREASES ALL WISCONSIN COUNTIES AND METRO AREAS IN APRIL
The latest figures released by the Department of Workforce Development show declines in unemployment rates for all Wisconsin counties and metro areas over the last month. Unemployment rates went down in every one of the state's 12 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) from March to April. Madison's rate, the lowest of the state's metro areas, dropped to 3.2 percent. LaCrosse had the second-lowest rate at 3.6 percent. The unemployment rate of the Racine area dropped to 5.3 percent but remained the highest of the state's metro areas.
HOTEL PLAN HITS ANOTHER SNAG
A proposed 48-room, four-story hotel at the corner of Regent and Monroe streets has hit another snag. Madison Ald. Julia Kerr, Dist. 13, filed an appeal Thursday of a May 5 decision by the city Plan Commission to grant a demolition permit to tear down an existing 16,000-square-foot building on the site.
CAMP RANDALL HOTEL ON HOLD AGAIN?
The way architect Bob Sieger sees it, there's a half-dozen residents in the Vilas neighborhood who won't be happy until the Badgers stop playing football entirely at Camp Randall Stadium. Sieger has been trying for the past three years to redevelop his property at the corner of Regent and Monroe streets, right across from Wisconsin's largest sports arena.
BUSINESS BUNGALOWS A NEW WAY FOR ARTISTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES TO OWN THEIR WORKSPACE
Instead of continuing to rent space for his small electronic monitoring company, Burt Boldebuck two years ago took the plunge and purchased a commercial condominium off Syene Road on Madison's southern edge. Boldebuck now has plenty of storage space, room for the company van, a carpeted office plus a bath and full kitchen. Best of all, he can make improvements without negotiating with a landlord or even sell the unit outright if his company plans change.
VENTURING OUT UW-MADISON'S NEWEST RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY FOCUSES ON ENTREPRENEURIAL LIVING
To some people, entrepreneurship is a dirty word. "I used to have a piece of paper on entrepreneurship and on one side it said 'greed' and 'exploitation' and on and on," said Anne Miner, a professor of management and human resources at UW-Madison's School of Business. But the other side, she said, had terms like "'creativity' and 'new forms of values' and 'self reliance' and 'autonomy' and 'taking responsibility.'"
SELLING REAL ESTATE IS STARK FAMILY AFFAIR FOURTH GENERATION COMPANY IN BUSINESS FOR 100 YEARS
During its first 100 years, Stark Company Realtors has made a significant imprint on Madison. Now the oldest real estate agency in Dane County, the company developed the Madison neighborhoods of Nakoma and the area near Madison West High School.
BUILDING BEING EXPANDED AT STRAND
Strand Associates is expanding its Madison corporate headquarters with space to add about 100 employees to the engineering firm. The 53,700-square-foot building at 910 W. Wingra Drive will be expanded to more than 80,000 square feet by February. The addition will have several "green" design features including a winter garden gathering space near the main entrance.
STRAND ASSOCIATES GROWING
Strand Associates is expanding its Madison headquarters building at 910 W. Wingra Drive with the new space able to accommodate 100 additional employees. The engineering firm's current building has 53,700 square feet of space, and it will be expanded to more than 80,000 square feet.
MAZOMANIE TO GET 120 JOBS CARDINAL GLASS WILL BUILD $60 MILLION PLANT
Cardinal Glass will build a $60 million factory in western Dane County that could employ 120 people by the end of 2009. The plant, to be built on a 26-acre site in Mazomanie's industrial park, about 25 miles west of Madison, will manufacture two types of glass for use in solar photovoltaic panels.
CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON STOUGHTON HOSPITAL PROJECT
KSW Construction Corp. recently began construction of the Stoughton Hospital Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Clinic in the Stoughton Wellness Athletic Center. The 5,535-square-foot building is located at 2300 U.S. 51-138 in Stoughton. The project is expected to be completed in July.
PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON BIKE, WALKING PROJECTS
More walking and bicycling opportunities are on the docket May 27 as the city's pedestrian/bicycle/motor vehicle commission holds a public hearing to get citizen suggestions for new projects. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in Room LL110 of the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION BEING PLANNED
Planning is under way for a nearly $50 million road-building project to reconstruct the Interstate 94 bridge over Sprecher Road as the highway is widened from four to six lanes between the Badger Interchange and Highway N. The project is set to begin in 2010. It also will include construction of a bridge over a proposed extension of Milwaukee Street on Madison's Far East Side.
DOWNTOWN LIBRARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS NAMED
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has named the seven members of the committee that will guide the process of selling the downtown library and planning and building a new downtown library. The Central Library Disposal Surplus Property Criteria and Selection Committee members are Tripp Widder, chairman of the Madison Public Library Board and the committee; Ramon Harmon, a mayoral assistant; David Wallner, a library board member; Greg Markle, a library board member; Ald. Mike Verveer; Ald. Marsha Rummel; and Ald. Larry Palm, a library board member.
CUT FIBER LINE SLOWS INTERNET TRAFFIC
A crew digging in an Interstate 94 construction corridor in the Chicago area cut a fiber line this morning, causing major Internet service delays for customers of numerous companies. TDS spokeswoman Deanne Boegli said the line was cut about 7:15 a.m., and the goal was to have the line fixed and service back to normal today.
ALLIANT ENERGY COMMITS $85 MILLION TO REDUCE IOWA POWER PLANT'S COAL EMISSIONS
Madison-based Alliant Energy's Iowa utility unit, Interstate Power and Light, said Friday it would cut emissions from a coal-fired power plant in northeast Iowa with the installation of $85 million of new equipment. The company plans to install a catalytic reduction system and low nitrogen oxide burners at the Lansing Generating Station, a 317-megawatt power plant. The measures are expected to remove greater than 90 percent, or more than 3,700 tons, of nitrogen oxide emissions, the company said.
QWANTIFY CEO KNOWS HOW TO ACHIEVE GOALS
Tammy Adler got her wish: She made her company, QWANtify, a million-dollar business in 2007. Adler was one of the winners of the Make Mine a Million $ Business contest held in Madison last year, and she is the first of those winners to reach that mark, according to the New York organization that runs the program.
Kohl's donation to establish retailing center at UW-Madison
Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's Department Stores announced today that it is donating $3 million to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish the Kohl's Department Stores Center for Retailing Excellence.
Cambridge Major to build plant
Cambridge Major to build plant. Pharmaceutical factory to be completed by '09. Cambridge Major Laboratories will announce today a major expansion that gives it the ability to make active pharmaceutical ingredients on a large scale...
Around The State and Points Elsewhere
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GM SUPPLIER TO LAY OFF 336 JANESVILLE EMPLOYEES
The Janesville Gazette reported the development based on the company's filing Friday with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The layoffs are effective July 14.
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS DROP HERE, NATIONALLY
The number of newly laid-off workers filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped last week, said the U.S. Labor Department, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
MILLER STAYS COMMITTED TO MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee won't have to worry about a future without beer. The chief executive of Miller Brewing Co. says the nation's second-largest brewer is committed to staying in its hometown. Tom Long made that commitment even as Miller and the nation's third-biggest brewer, Molson Coors Brewing Co., planned to merge their U.S. operations in a deal expected to be done by midsummer.
Cudahy Wal-Mart plan back
Cudahy Wal-Mart plan back. Design changes to be presented at meeting. An $11.5 million development plan, anchored by a controversial Wal-Mart Supercenter, will return to the Cudahy Plan Commission at its June 10 meeting, the project's developer said Thursday...
Condo lender to settle suit
Condo lender to settle suit. Anchor Bank to pay contractor $1.3 million. The chief lender for a financially troubled Milwaukee condominium development that landed in receivership has agreed to pay the development's former general contractor to settle a lawsuit...
Housing crisis: Good medicine
Housing crisis: Good medicine. A plague of foreclosed homes still sickens some neighborhoods around the nation, but a state agency is applying some needed medicine - and it seems to be helping...
Redevelopment plan for block of Madison Avenue moves ahead
Redevelopment plan for block of Madison Avenue moves ahead. South Milwaukee is expected to take ownership of the northern portion of the 1000 block of Madison Avenue by July 1...
Hospital addition could get city bond-aid
Hospital addition could get city bond-aid. Action would help Rogers get loan. The city of West Allis is considering issuing industrial revenue bonds to help finance an addition to Rogers Memorial Hospital, 11101 W. Lincoln Ave...
Shopping plaza plan nears completion
Shopping plaza plan nears completion. Village still needs to finalize financing. An extensive, village-backed remodeling of weather-worn Hales Corners Shopping Plaza - plagued in recent years by vacancies - is close to becoming a done deal...
LEAR TO CUT 300-PLUS JOBS MORE FALLOUT FROM GM'S RECENT CUTBACK IN PRODUCTION
The job toll has now topped 1,200 for Janesville's auto industry-related work force. Lear Corp., which makes seats and interior trim for the sport utility vehicles assembled at the Janesville General Motors plant, has told the state of Wisconsin it will cut more than 300 positions as of July 14.
Building moratorium sought
Building moratorium sought. Delafield officials want more time to plan roads. At the urging of Mayor Ed McAleer, the Common Council is moving to enact a four-month building moratorium in an area near City Hall...
McAleer rolls back downtown moratorium plan; New plans affects 30 acres behind City Hall
McAleer rolls back downtown moratorium plan; New plans affects 30 acres behind City Hall. Delafield Mayor Ed McAleer said that he decided to roll back his proposed moratorium on downtown development after talking to Acting City Administrator Marilyn Czubkowski and developer Bob Lang.. Delafield Mayor Ed McAleer said that he decided to roll...
Wind farms power up
Wind farms power up. Projects in Dodge, Fond du Lac counties have been completed. Wisconsin is generating six times as much electricity from wind power today as it did last year...
Group grants new life to abandoned homes
Group grants new life to abandoned homes. WHEDA pairs first-time buyers, foreclosed houses. Early in May, the built-in planters on the porch of the yellow bungalow on N. 40th St. held nothing but a few weathered cigarette butts, remnants of an earlier foreclosure...
State headlines: Oshkosh Waterfront project moves forward
The proposed Waterfront development in downtown Oshkosh cleared a hurdle Wednesday. The project would include office space occupied by the Davis & Kuelthau law firm and the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. Read more in SBT's daily roundup of headlines from newspapers across the state at www.biztimes.com/#news.
Development News for the week 05/10/08 – 05/16/08
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STATE, INDUSTRY WORK TO KEEP GRADS IN WISCONSIN STATE LOSES BRAINPOWER, REVENUE WHEN COLLEGE GRADS LEAVE
Lindsay Midtbo, a UW-Madison senior, is looking for a job - but not in Wisconsin. "I was born here, I've been here forever," Midtbo, a Milwaukee native, said. "I want something new and different."
REACTION SOUR TO ROYSTER-CLARK COAL STORAGE IDEA
An area businessman envisions the former Royster-Clark fertilizer plant on Madison's east side as a coal and rock salt storage and distribution point. Paul Tesmer, president of Capitol Warehousing Corp. in the town of Windsor, said this week he would like to used domed storage areas at the site to store and transfer rock salt for area municipalities and coal for the University of Wisconsin's Charter Street heating plant.
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN IN APRIL
Warmer weather for construction work and strong exports by manufacturers resulted in a drop in the unemployment rate in Wisconsin in April. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 4.3 percent, a half-percentage point lower than the 4.8 percent rate in March and eight-tenths of a percentage point lower than the 5.1 percent rate in April 2007.
WAL-MART PROJECT ON HOLD STOUGHTON SUPERCENTER DELAYED FOR 'YEARS'
Years of public debate, negotiations and meetings may have cost Stoughton Wal-Mart fans a Supercenter, at least for now.
WARF ASKS CDA TO CUT BOND FEE CLOSING FEE FOR CAMPUS PROJECT IS $600,000
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation wants Madison to significantly cut a $600,000 bond closing fee on a $150 million campus project, saying it is a nonprofit entity doing a project in the public interest. The city's Community Development Authority now must decide whether to charge the full fee and use it for city revitalization efforts or cut the fee and reduce costs for WARF's much-anticipated Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
GREEN-CERTIFIED VET CLINIC TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE
Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care, which touts itself as the first green vet clinic in the nation, will hold an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to highlight its green features. The facility is on the far west side at 1848 Waldorf Blvd., one-quarter mile east of County M, just off of Midtown Road.
NO SURPRISES IN SCHOOL BUDGET, BUT REFERENDUM LOOMS
Facing a possible referendum and $9.2 million hole for the 2009-10 school year, no major alterations are anticipated to the school 2008-09 budget that will be finalized Monday by Madison School Board members. When new superintendent Dan Nerad starts in July, referendum discussion will come to the forefront for the Madison Metropolitan School District. If Board members decide to propose a referendum, which could occur as early as November, they will request taxpayers consider overriding state-imposed revenue gaps so that services and programs won't have to be severely slashed from the district's budget.
NEW COUNTY INITIATIVE SEEKS JOBS FOR TEENS, EX-OFFENDERS
Jobs for young people and former offenders are the goals of two new initiatives from Dane County. County Executive Kathleen Falk announced Monday the youth employment initiative will help middle and high school students 14 to 18 years old learn job skills and assist with job placement and mentoring services.
REPORT FIRES DEBATE OVER CASSVILLE PLAN
ENERGY Madison environmental group Clean Wisconsin says a draft environmental impact statement on Alliant Energy's plan to build a coal-fired power plant at Cassville shows the plant should not be built.
Cambridge Major to build plant
Cambridge Major to build plant. Pharmaceutical factory to be completed by '09. Cambridge Major Laboratories will announce today a major expansion that gives it the ability to make active pharmaceutical ingredients on a large scale...
Around The State and Points Elsewhere
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ENVIROTEST TO CLOSE WAUKESHA PLANT
Envirotest Wisconsin plans to close its Waukesha plant as of July 1, resulting in as many as 105 permanent layoffs there and at 11 other locations, state officials said Friday. The Department of Workforce Development said it was working with regional partners to help the affected employees.
DEVELOPER THAT LOST BUILDING DEAL CAN'T SUE STATE
A developer that claims it lost a major building contract for political reasons cannot sue Gov. Jim Doyle's administration for damages. The District 4 Court of Appeals has upheld a judge's dismissal of the lawsuit by Prism, which was a bidder on a $68 million construction project at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
SPENDING DECLINED SLIGHTLY IN 2007
Tourism spending in Wisconsin dipped slightly in 2007. A report released today by the state Department of Tourism says spending totaled $12.78 billion in 2007, compared to $12.8 billion in 2006. State officials said spending on meetings and conventions increased 5.9 percent from $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion.
KALAHARI BEEFING UP INDOOR RESORT
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center is planning a $15 million addition that will bring a six-story Ferris wheel, laser tag and a ropes course to the Wisconsin Dells indoor water park. The 110,000-square-foot addition is scheduled to open in December.
DOYLE NOT HAPPY WITH BUDGET DEAL
Gov. Jim Doyle hinted today that a budget repair compromise proposed by legislative leaders may be a target for his veto pen, which despite a recently enacted constitutional amendment scaling back his veto powers, is nonetheless a force to be reckoned with. "I think I'll plenty of veto power left," he said.
BUDGET DEAL INCLUDES CUTS, REFINANCING AND LOOPHOLE CLOSURES
After weeks of heated negotiations, legislative leaders Monday announced a budget repair compromise that would close two corporate loopholes and draw over $200 million by refinancing the state's tobacco settlement bonds and $269 million in budget cuts. "We're here today to announce that we have a budget deal, we will be taking it to the floor this week, and we believe we have the votes to send this on to the governor," said Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem.
Construction trimmed on 2 hotel projects
Construction trimmed on 2 hotel projects. Developers hope Park East building can start this year. Two hotel-anchored projects proposed for Milwaukee's Park East area have made changes that their developers hope will boost the chances of beginning construction this year...
Spa springs forward in Fountains site
Spa springs forward in Fountains site. Azana fits city's hopes for development. A new Azana Salon & Spa will soon become part of the sprawling but still formative Fountains of Franklin retail development...
Downtown Wal-Mart proposal defeated
Downtown Wal-Mart proposal defeated. Mayor casts vote that pans Cudahy Station plans. A Wal-Mart will not be constructed at the former Iceport site at the southeast corner of Nicholson and Layton avenues...
Developers vie for Associated bank job
Developers vie for Associated bank job. 3 sites being considered for headquarters. The disclosure that Associated Banc-Corp is looking at a new headquarters for its downtown Milwaukee offices has local developers maneuvering to land the project, which would be among the largest new office...
City embraces a redeveloping trend
City embraces a redeveloping trend. Greenfield markets itself with new effort. Big-name hotels, restaurants and shops could come to Greenfield if a new marketing endeavor proves successful...
More neighborhood parks, wooded areas and trails among city's plans
More neighborhood parks, wooded areas and trails among city's plans. Plans have not been updated in years. Nearly a decade has passed since Oak Creek's five-year Park and Open Space Plan and Abendschein Community Park Master Plan have been updated, but city officials are poised to change that...
Public will have say on Wal-Mart Supercenter plan
Public will have say on Wal-Mart Supercenter plan. Commission want more style on building's rear façade. Though the Muskego Plan Commission liked the plans presented for a Wal-Mart Supercenter on May 6, no action was taken pending a public hearing on the proposal and some tweaking of the design by the...
Great Lakes compact passes
Great Lakes compact passes. Measure awaits Doyle's signature; Assembly narrowly OKs budget-repair bill. Both houses of the Legislature overwhelmingly approved the Great Lakes compact Wednesday, sending it to Gov. Jim Doyle and putting pressure on the states that have not yet ratified...
Land gets a new lease on life
Land gets a new lease on life. The Menomonee Valley, once the gritty backbone of Milwaukee's heavy industries, is being rejuvenated with new initiatives and growth. The Menomonee Valley is still dotted by landmarks - rows of railroad tracks, brick smokestacks and old-line companies...
Mandel Group named to finish condo project
Mandel Group named to finish condo project. Original builder at downtown site in receivership. Mandel Group Inc. has been appointed to complete the First Place on the River condominium development, which went into receivership in January, the firm announced Monday...
Marcus plans theater complex in Park East
Marcus plans theater complex in Park East. Office buildings likely would house Associated Banc-Corp. Marcus Corp. plans to develop a multi-screen theater and entertainment center in Milwaukee's Park East area, part of a project that would include several large office buildings and provide a major...
City granted two-year energy-saving program; City one of three communities to receive program
City granted two-year energy-saving program; City one of three communities to receive program. For the next two years, Oconomowoc will partake in a communitywide effort that will raise even stronger conservation ethics by way of a pilot program awarded by Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI).. For the next two years, Oconomowoc will partake in a...
Farming boost may stall green land gains
Farming boost may stall green land gains. Higher crop prices have farmers leaving conservation effort. Intensified farming this season to capitalize on high corn and soybean prices could be a boon for Wisconsin farmers but also could have a harmful effect on wildlife habitat, water quality and...
Local contractors say market is plodding along
Despite the national economy that is teetering on the edge of recession and a tightening of available credit, local general contractors say they remain busy.
Developers say luxury condo market is still strong
Despite a major national housing slump, a rise in foreclosures locally and nationally, a large Milwaukee condominium development in receivership and analysis by some real estate observers that the downtown condo market has excess supply, some condo developers say the high-end luxury market remains strong.
New food distribution center to create 450 jobs in Kenosha
Affiliated Foods Midwest Cooperative Inc. plans to build a new 731,000-square-foot high-tech distribution facility in Kenosha.
Ruvin drops condos from Aloft project
Milwaukee-based Ruvin Development has eliminated the condominiums that were going to be part of the Aloft hotel development northeast of Juneau Avenue and Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee
Groundbreaking today for huge distribution center in Kenosha
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held this morning to celebrate the start of construction of a 692,000-square-foot distribution center at 8410 60th St., Kenosha, for Norfolk, Neb.-based Affiliated Foods Midwest.
Mandel takes over First Place development
Milwaukee-based Mandel Group Inc. announced that it has been appointed developer in charge of completing the First Place on the River condominium development.
Development News for the week 05/02/08 – 05/09/08
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DANE COUNTY AIRPORT SECURES $9.2 MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS
The Dane County Regional Airport has been awarded $9.2 million in Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Funds to acquire equipment, make airfield improvements, and enhance environmental remediation of aircraft de-icing fluids, Rep. Tammy Baldwin's office announced.
SITEL LAYING OFF 105 AT MADISON CALL CENTER
Sitel Corp. has informed state officials that it is laying off 105 workers at its call center at 1117 Deming Way.
PLAN FOR REGENT AND MONROE TO BE CONSIDERED ARCHITECT WHO WANTS TO BUILD A HOTEL IS STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE FOR THE FIFTH TIME.
The Madison Plan Commission will consider a demolition permit request for a 16,000-square-foot building on the corner of Monroe and Regent streets in Madison today. This will mark the fifth time veteran architect Robert Sieger, who wants to build a four-story, 48-room hotel on the site, has approached the commission with a demolition and building plan for the site.
BASSETT NEIGHBORHOOD APARTMENTS ENDORSED
After making some design changes, McGrath & Associates has received city of Madison Plan Commission approval for a 40-unit rental project in the Bassett neighborhood overlooking Lake Monona. The firm has proposed the $8 million " Lake Park" apartments at the corner of West Wilson and South Bassett streets. Two 1950s-era apartment buildings would be razed to make room for the four-story building that would run the length of the entire block.
CITY OKS 40-UNIT BASSETT APARTMENT COMPLEX
With some concern that it is too large, McGrath & Associates got the go-ahead from the Madison City Council Tuesday night for its four-story, 40-unit rental project at the corner of West Wilson and South Bassett streets. The firm expects to break ground this summer on its $8 million Lake Park Apartments in the Bassett neighborhood overlooking Lake Monona, hoping it will be ready for occupancy early next summer.
HY CITE CORP. CONSIDERING MIDDLETON SITE
The $1.8 million project by Air Graphics is another step in the continued redevelopment of the Middleton Airport and could help pave the way for a town of Madison company to move its headquarters to Middleton. Hy Cite Corp., which recently opened a 165,000-square-foot distribution center along Highway 14 on Middleton's west side, has told city officials that it wants to build a 70,000-square-foot office building in Middleton for 325 employees, city administrator Mike Davis said.
HOTEL AT REGENT, MONROE STREETS GETS OK
The fifth time was the charm for Madison architect Bob Sieger in his efforts to redevelop the corner of Regent and Monroe streets. The Madison Plan Commission late Monday night approved a demolition permit to allow Sieger to raze his existing retail and office building across from Camp Randall Stadium. That clears the way for him to build a four-story, 48-room boutique hotel at the site.
MARCUS PLANS EAST SIDE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX PROPOSAL INCLUDES 16 THEATERS, SPORTS BAR, POSSIBLE BOWLING
Going to the movies on the East Side may soon include bowling. Marcus Theatres announced plans Tuesday for a nearly 100,000-square-foot entertainment complex on a 26-acre site at Highway 151 and Nelson Road. The project will include 16 movie screens and a sports bar, and might include a 12-lane bowling alley. practice but not mandated under existing regulations. But despite adding two inspectors this year, the agency won't recommend all rides, whether permanent or traveling, be inspected every year.
NEW MARCUS THEATRES WOULD OPEN AS EASTGATE CLOSES
Marcus Theatres' proposed 16-screen cinema in "The Crossing" at U.S. 151 and Nelson Road on Madison's east side would coincide with the closing of Eastgate sometime in late 2008 or early 2009. The company signed an agreement to sell the Eastgate Cinemas property, located at 5202 High Crossing Road, to a Madison-based real estate company. That theater will be razed and the site redeveloped for other use.
ROAD WORK
1. Mineral Point Road: Construction to replace pavement, curbs, gutters and medians on Mineral Point Road between the Beltline and Grand Canyon Drive and on Gammon Road between Gammon Place and Tree Lane. Both roads will be open to traffic at all times throughout the project, which is expected to last until mid-August
PARK STREET TRAFFIC DELAYS EXPECTED
Traffic delays should be expected on Park Street this month as a storm sewer project starts Monday and continues for four weeks. West Shore Drive will also be affected by the project, which will connect a huge storm sewer pipe out to a debris collection device in Monona Bay.
CITY PARKING RAMP WORK TO BEGIN
The Madison Parking Utility will begin its annual concrete work in the city parking ramps in mid-May, with some of the parking stalls in the ramps taken out of service this summer. The first parking ramp to be repaired will be Capitol Square North, located on Mifflin Street between Webster and Butler streets, but all five of the city-owned ramps will have some work done this summer with the projects expected to be completed by October.
POWER LINE APPLICATION INCOMPLETE AGAIN
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission again has said an application by American Transmission Co. to build a 345-kilovolt electric transmission line between Rockdale and Middleton is incomplete. In a letter dated Wednesday, Robert Norcross, administrator of the PSC's gas and energy division, wrote that the application is incomplete because of missing information. The PSC also found the application to be incomplete Nov. 15 before the transmission company submitted additional information.
ROAD WORK SET FOR SEMINOLE HIGHWAY
Resurfacing is scheduled to begin in early June for a stretch of Seminole Highway in Fitchburg, but the busy roadway should only be closed down for one day. The Seminole Highway project goes from County PD ( McKee Road) north to the city limits near Milford Road.
HANLEY CO. IS CLOSING IN SUN PRAIRIE
RETAIL Hanley Co. of Sun Prairie, which sells motorcycles, lawn tractors and snowmobiles and rents construction equipment, is closed this week in preparation for a going-out-of-business sale that begins at 8 a.m. Thursday.
Around The State and Points Elsewhere
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FOCUS ON ENERGY AWARDS $973K FOR BIOENERGY PROJECTS
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced that it has awarded grants totaling more than $973,000 to help finance the installation of five Wisconsin bioenergy projects. Bioenergy is energy derived from any biological material that can be used as fuel; this fuel is burned or converted in systems that produce heat, electricity, or both heat and power. The bioenergy projects being completed include anaerobic digesters and a biomass wood energy system.
DEVELOPER DISCOUNT REAL ESTATE GROUP NETS TAX BREAK UNDER STATE LAW DESIGNED TO HELP FARMERS
Talk about a cash crop. Well-connected real estate developers who just sold land for a new Target store here also scored nearly $100,000 in breaks on their 2007 property taxes -- in part because of a few rows of winter wheat.
BARABOO RANGE SELLERS LOSE SECRECY
Baraboo Range landowners who want to sell their development rights to Sauk County no longer can expect their names to be kept private during negotiations, and some are concerned they'll be harassed by preservation opponents as a result. The change has the potential to turn off prospective sellers, said Sauk County Land Preservation Specialist Dave Tremble.
VENDOR TO GM PLANS LAYOFFS LOGISTICS SERVICES INC. WILL LAY OFF 132 EMPLOYEES IN JANESVILLE.
In a move that's seen as directly connected to General Motors' announcement this week that the Janesville plant will end one of its two shifts, LSI has notified the state of Wisconsin that it will lay off 132 employees at its Janesville distribution center July 3. LSI officials were not available for comment.
MENARDS IS DEVELOPING HOMES THE RETAILER HAS WORKED ON THREE MIDWEST SITES AND IS LOOKING FOR NEW PROJECTS.
Home improvement retailer Menards is creating need for its drills, saws and toilet seats in a way that's unique to its industry. The Eau Claire-based company is developing homes in residential subdivisions. Homes have already been built in Yorkville, Ill., and plans are in the works for Urbana, Ill., and Warsaw, Ind.
MONROE-REGENT PROJECT GETS GO-AHEAD
A 16,000-square-foot building at Monroe and Regent streets can be demolished to make way for the construction of a four-story, 48-room hotel, the Madison Plan Commission decided Monday. The commission gave the project the go-ahead but set restrictions that forbid the use of the hotel's outdoor area for beer gardens and stipulate that any minor physical or operational changes must be reviewed by city staff and major changes would need to be reviewed by the Plan Commission.
WISCONSIN'S GOT THE JOB LOSS BLUES
Nobody needs to remind Gov. Jim Doyle it's more fun being in charge during good times than bad. Doyle had a rough ride the past couple of weeks, what with GM announcing it was eliminating a full shift at its Janesville plant, Harley Davidson cutting 370 jobs and Miller Brewing likely moving its headquarters out of Milwaukee. Talk about nameplate companies dissing the home team.
'RAID' ON TRANSPORTATION FUND MAY KILL ROAD PROJECTS, BUILDERS SAY
Road builders are getting jittery over the possible impacts of the failure by legislative leaders to pass a budget repair bill, which may lead to a scale-back on road projects. The state has until next Tuesday to find a way to finance scheduled road projects as Gov. Jim Doyle warns that he'll used money from the transportation fund to balance the state's books. Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi has posted a notice on the agency's web site warning builders the if no quick solution to the budget impasse is found money for road projects set to be paid out in May and June "could be reduced dramatically."
Grafton OKs mall funds
Grafton OKs mall funds. $4.48 million helps raze shopping area. The Grafton Community Development Authority has approved giving the owner of Manchester Mall $4.48 million to help raze the shopping center and build a new mixed-use complex, Village Administrator Darrell Hofland...
Town extends development moratorium on commercial area
Town extends development moratorium on commercial area. The Town Board last week extended a development moratorium on a key commercial parcel for six months, but the Plan Commission later recommended that the board waive the moratorium and approve a conceptual plan to build an auto service station in the...
Developer acquires homes near Village fire station
Developer acquires homes near Village fire station. City had targeted properties for station move, expansion. While city of Wauwatosa officials have grappled the last few years with how to rebuild Fire Station No. 1 in the Village area, one developer has quietly acquired properties surrounding the station's...
Downtown Wal-Mart proposal defeated
Downtown Wal-Mart proposal defeated. Mayor casts vote that pans Cudahy Station plans. A Wal-Mart will not be constructed at the former Iceport site at the southeast corner of Nicholson and Layton avenues...
Plans to redevelop buildings dropped
Plans to redevelop buildings dropped. Economic conditions lead to withdrawal of hotel, condo projects. Tightening conditions in the commercial credit market have led developers to drop plans for two major projects - one in downtown Milwaukee and one on the city's east side...
New facility blocked by Cudahy commission
New facility blocked by Cudahy commission. The Milwaukee Wave's plan to establish a soccer training academy suffered a setback Monday when the Cudahy Plan Commission rejected a motion to approve the proposed 26-acre Cudahy Station development...
GM's vendors in Janesville start to feel pain
GM's vendors in Janesville start to feel pain. Vehicle production cuts are rippling to suppliers. Repercussions from the production cuts announced at General Motors Corp. are starting to rock the Janesville area...
Firm seeks loan for relocation
Firm seeks loan for relocation. Mequon's Dominion moving to Third Ward. A Mequon firm that provides billing services for medical practices is seeking a $500,000 loan from a city-affiliated business lending agency to help finance its relocation to Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward...
Menards breaks new ground
Menards breaks new ground. Retailer hopes developing subdivisions will pay off. People typically run to Menards to buy stuff for their weekend projects: a new drill, maybe a toilet seat...
Sustainability Plan aims to save taxpayers
Sustainability Plan aims to save taxpayers. Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas has introduced the County Sustainability Plan, designed to protect the environment, reduce energy dependency and save taxpayers money...
Cellectar, state in new territory
Cellectar, state in new territory. Wisconsin sprouting companies at leading edge of drug industry. From the outside, there's nothing special about Cellectar Inc.'s new 16,000-square-foot building in a strip mall off the Beltline highway on the city's southeast side...
Identifying 'clusters' helps align funding priorities
Identifying 'clusters' helps align funding priorities. A decade after Harvard University's Michael Porter figured out that economies work in clusters, the concept is grudgingly taking root in strategic thinking in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Other states and regions are using cluster strategies to organize...
Lessons Chicago Wilderness can offer our region
Lessons Chicago Wilderness can offer our region. The Chicago Wilderness consortium applauds the launch last week of the Southeastern Wisconsin Watershed Trust, an emerging coalition of organizations committed to conserving and improving sustainable water resources throughout the Greater Milwaukee watersheds...
State headlines: Developer plans resort and convention center in North Fond du Lac
Developer Alex Zabel plans to build a $25 million lakefront development with a 180-room hotel, 20,000-square-foot convention center and marina on the site of the old Chaparral restaurant near North Fond du Lac
Wisconsin Technology Network.
Tom Still: Should V-C owned small businesses receive government grants?
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