Sturgeon Bay Hosts Public Meetings on Waterfront Development

The Sturgeon Bay westside waterfront. Photo by Jacob Dannhausen-Brun.

The City of Sturgeon Bay has contracted with Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), a waterfront-planning and design firm, to gather input from interested parties on the future of Sturgeon Bay’s westside waterfront. The majority of the firm’s work will take place during January and February, so the city expects to have a report and recommendations by the end of February.

“The westside waterfront has received a lot of attention the past few years, and people have opinions on what they’d like to see happen here,” said Laurel Hauser, council member and co-chair of the Ad Hoc Westside Waterfront Planning Committee. “This is a chance to step back and take a fresh look at the property. We know that our waterfront is incredibly valuable, both economically and historically, and is part of who we are. Now’s the time to envision its future and to share your thoughts.”

SEH will spend two full days – Jan. 22 and 23 – in Sturgeon Bay conducting daylong workshops that include small-group meetings with stakeholders, meetings with the ad hoc committee and even an input-gathering exercise for children. Both of the days’ events will culminate in a public meeting in the evening, when attendees will be able to register responses to planning/design ideas and alternatives via smartphones in real time.

In addition to the two days of intense activities, the city will offer an online survey beginning Tuesday, Jan. 15, at sturgeonbaywi.org.

For those who prefer paper versions of the survey, copies will be available at points throughout the city, including City Hall, the library, the Door County Community Foundation and the ADRC/Door County Community Center, also beginning Jan. 15.

Day events for the workshop will take place at the Door County Community Center, 222 N. Third Ave. Interested parties are encouraged to stop by to share their thoughts with SEH between 9 am and 2 pm. The evening public meetings will be held at Sturgeon Bay High School, 1230 Michigan St., at 7 pm Jan. 22 and 23, with a presentation to begin at 7:15 each night.

The first evening will be spent gathering ideas; the second evening will focus on discussing and identifying opportunities and challenges.

People are encouraged to attend both evening meetings if possible. Check the city website for updates because the schedule is subject to change.

The public participation report and recommendations created by SEH through this process will be used by the planning committee and city leaders to draft a final waterfront plan.

If you have questions or want more information about “Your Waterfront, Your Voice,” contact Sturgeon Bay Development Director Marty Olejniczak at 920.746.2900 or [email protected].