LETTER: Referendum would let people be heard on disputed brewpub

To Ozaukee Press:
    According to the Ozaukee Press, a referendum could be held to determine whether or not to issue bonds to provide TIF money to fund the development to be built by the owner of Port Washington’s north slip parking lot. Why should this referendum be considered, and what would it take?
    First, a referendum would give the public an opportunity to weigh in on how this project is funded, which would require the city to listen to the community. It seems that up to this point, that has not been the case. 
    Second, if a referendum were on the November ballot, it would initiate a pause to allow all stakeholders, including the residents of the community, to consider decisions that are now being pushed through at breakneck speed. 
    Already, the Common Council has allowed for a silo, signage and an elevator shaft to exceed the height limit of 35 feet. It is one thing to gaze at an architectural rendering, but it is quite a different issue to drive by a 125-person dining and 350-person event venue with its kitchen hood, mechanical and exhaust appendages that are needed for an operation of its size. Think: trash receptacles, exhaust vents, delivery access, signage, icons and such items. All this in place of a wonderful view enjoyed by the public. 
    Third, there is the question of city financing—the remaining $835,000 TIF obligation to the developer. This is the balance of the $1 million promised by the city; the other $165,000 have gone toward stabilizing the harbor wall for the project and helping finance the developer’s purchase of the property (really?).
    What would it take? It would take 619 signatures on a petition by March 17 calling for a referendum asking voters for their permission for the city to finance the developer’s project with TIF funds—our tax dollars—borrowed by issuing bonds.
    Whether you consider this project a “monument to a city’s mistake,” as described in an editorial in last week’s Ozaukee Presss, or a shrine to success, it is the community’s money and folks should have a voice in how it is used to support developers’ projects. 
    A referendum would give citizens a way to have input regardless of their perspective on the project.  
    Want to talk about it?  Sign the petition? Meet at the Port Washington police station community room at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 5.
Kerry McKnight
Port Washington