Project is among coal dock uses to be discussed at public informational meeting Oct. 16 in Port
On Tuesday night, the Port Washington Board of Public Works discussed a plan by the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to erect a World War II memorial on the coal dock.
While praising the group’s efforts to honor the veterans, Ald. Jim Vollmar, a member of the board, asked that some consideration be given to honoring veterans of other wars as well, perhaps with a reflection pool.
“We should honor the sons and daughters of Port Washington who have died, made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Those comments were echoed by Ald. Paul Neumyer, a board member who said one of his constituents asked him how the city planned to remember other veterans.
“I think this (World War II memorial) is great, but we can’t forget about the others,” Neumyer said.
Public Works Director Rob Vanden Noven recommended they express their feelings at a public informational meeting on the coal dock that will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at City Hall.
A presentation on the current plans for the dock will be given at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday’s meeting is intended to update the public on plans for the coal dock and get ideas on possible future uses for the 17-acre parcel.
The city is currently constructing infrastructure on the dock, including paths through the interior of the dock, a promenade, lighting, parking areas, an access road and a bridge linking the north and south dock areas. That work is expected to be completed by mid-June, in time for a June 22 grand opening.
While the city’s master plan for the coal dock includes everything from a water feature to an interactive children’s garden, those plans are not set in stone, Vanden Noven said.
“It’s dynamic,” he said. “We want to hear from people how they want to see the park used and what they want to see there. There’s a lot of potential there. What ideas do people have for the coal dock?
“Do they have interest in holding special events there? Do they want the children’s garden? Should we tweak that idea or come up with a completely different concept?”
By Tuesday’s meeting, however, a decision will likely have been made on the World War II memorial. The Plan Commission is expected to act on the site plan for the memorial during a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11.
A special Common Council meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. Thursday to consider approving the location for the memorial.
Work on the project is expected to begin Friday, Oct. 12, to ensure the monument is ready for a planned Nov. 9 unveiling and dedication.
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