<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2s0eyD_0vo1V7LJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2s0eyD_0vo1V7LJ00" width="725" height="544" ></figure><p>Next week, the City of Racine will hold several critical meetings on various topics shaping the city’s future. </p><p>The Planning Heritage and Design Commission, Community Development Authority, Committee of the Whole, and Common Council will each address important issues like redevelopment projects, blight elimination, waterworks improvements, and police department staffing. These meetings allow residents to stay informed and involved in decisions that directly impact the community.</p><p>Highlights include discussions on the Belle City Square redevelopment project, public hearings on blighted properties, and funding for major infrastructure projects. In addition, Racine’s police department will present updates on crime statistics and recruitment efforts, while city leaders will consider several water main extensions crucial to the region’s economic development. Full agendas and meeting details are available, and residents are encouraged to attend or follow online to stay up-to-date on the decisions that will shape Racine’s future.</p><h2>1. Planning Heritage and Design Commission</h2><ul><li>Date and Time: Monday, September 30, 2024, at 4:30 PM</li><li>Location: City Hall, Room 205, 730 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53403</li><li>Agenda Highlights:</li><li>Approval of minutes from the September 16, 2024, meeting to ensure all previous discussions and decisions are on record.</li><li>Design review for a donated statue at 425 Lake Avenue. Donated by a local philanthropist, the statue aims to enhance the public space near the lakeshore. The commission will review the design for aesthetic, historical, and safety concerns.</li><li>Consideration of applicant submittals for other design proposals, likely including public and private development projects that require aesthetic or architectural oversight. This is a routine but important part of the commission’s role.</li><li>Discussion on recommendations for improving or approving design plans. The commission will decide whether to accept, reject, or suggest revisions to submitted design plans.</li><li>Adjournment, concluding the review process until the next scheduled meeting.</li><ul><li>Link to agenda: Planning Heritage and Design Commission Agenda​</li></ul><h2>2. Community Development Authority</h2><ul><li>Date and Time: Monday, September 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM</li><li>Location: City Hall, Room 303, 730 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53403</li></ul><p>Agenda Highlights:</p><ol><li>A public hearing on property acquisition at 1624 Holmes Avenue: The CDA is considering purchasing this blighted property to eliminate the dilapidated structure and redevelop the land for community use. Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on this plan during the hearing.</li><li>Resolution regarding the transfer of property at 1105 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive: The CDA will discuss transferring this property to Racine Habitat for Humanity for the construction of affordable housing, which aligns with the city’s goal of promoting homeownership and revitalizing the Lincoln-King neighborhood.</li><li>Extension of a professional services agreement for the Lincoln-King Redevelopment Project: The CDA is reviewing the contract with TerraVenture Advisors LLC to continue overseeing redevelopment efforts in the Lincoln-King area. This includes managing property improvements and attracting new development.</li><li>Updates on other CDA redevelopment projects: The CDA will discuss the status of ongoing projects, including funding, timelines, and any roadblocks in implementing the city’s blight elimination strategy.</li><li>Adjournment, concluding public input and decision-making for the evening.</li></ol><ul><li>Link to agenda: Community Development Authority Agenda​</li></ul><h2>3. Committee of the Whole</h2><ul><li>Date and Time: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 4:30 PM</li><li>Location: City Hall, Room 205, 730 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53403</li></ul><p>Agenda Highlights:</p><ol><li>Approval of minutes from the September 17, 2024, meeting, formalizing the previous meeting’s discussions and decisions.</li><li>Crime statistics and parking issues presentation by Chief Ramirez: Chief Ramirez will provide an update on recent crime trends in Racine, including violent crime and property crime statistics. He will also address challenges in parking enforcement in the downtown and residential areas.</li><li>Police staffing report: Chief Ramirez will outline the department’s recruitment and retention strategies, focusing on how the police force addresses staffing shortages and improves officer retention rates.</li><li>Discussion on recruitment and retention initiatives: The committee will consider measures to attract more officers to the force, such as signing bonuses, training opportunities, and community engagement programs designed to enhance police presence and effectiveness.</li><li>Healthcare presentation: Discuss healthcare costs and benefits for city employees, including reviewing current health plans and potential changes to manage rising costs. This will also cover any new programs designed to improve employee wellness.</li></ol><ul><li>Link to agenda: Committee of the Whole Agenda​</li></ul><h2>4. Common Council</h2><ul><li>Date and Time: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM</li><li>Location: City Hall, Room 205, 730 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53403</li></ul><p>Agenda Highlights:</p><ol><li>Presentation on Belle City Square redevelopment: J. Jeffers &amp; Co. will provide an update on the next phases of the Belle City Square (Horlick Historic District) project, including residential and commercial developments. The Common Council will review three new incentive agreements designed to support Phase IV of this redevelopment, which aims to bring new housing and businesses to the area.</li><li>Issuance of up to $959,615 Waterworks System Revenue Bonds: The Council will authorize bonds to fund essential water infrastructure improvements, partly financed by the state’s Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. These upgrades are crucial to maintaining the city’s water system and ensuring safe drinking water for residents.</li><li>Developer agreement for Wisconn Valley Way Water Main Extension: The Council will discuss a new agreement to extend water mains in Mount Pleasant, where Foxconn is located. The developer will bear the installation costs, but the extension is critical for supporting future growth in the area.</li><li>Discussion of other water main projects: Several other projects, including the Highway KR development and additional infrastructure to support growing industrial areas, are under consideration. The Council will evaluate whether these projects meet water usage guidelines and ensure developers cover the costs.</li><li>Legal representation in Hendrickson et al. v. City Clerk: The Council will authorize the City Attorney’s Office to represent city employees and officers in an ongoing legal case involving election processes. This decision will have no additional budgetary impact, as the in-house City Attorney’s Office will handle the case.</li></ol><ul><li>Link to agenda: Common Council Agenda​</li></ul><h2>Local news</h2><p>The Racine County Eye is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.</p><p>Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye to ensure you get the latest news.</p></ul></div></body>

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4 City of Racine meetings next week: Redevelopment, police staffing, and community hearings

Next week, the City of Racine will hold several critical meetings on various topics shaping the city’s future. The Planning Heritage and Design Commission, Community Development Authority, Committee of the Whole, and Common Council will each address important issues like redevelopment projects, blight elimination, waterworks improvements, and police department staffing. These meetings allow residents to stay informed and involved in decisions that directly impact the community.

4 City of Racine meetings next week: Redevelopment, police staffing, and community hearings

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