Messer project concept plan to be unveiled Sept. 23

The Sept. 23 meeting of the Rhinelander Common Council is slated to feature a discussion on the “concept plan” for the city’s proposed $10 million road and utility improvement project in the Hodag Park/Boom Lake neighborhood.

The streets scheduled to be repaired/improved are Messer (from Doyle Street to Hodag Park Drive), Evergreen Court (from Doyle Street to Rose Street), Lake Shore Drive (from Doyle Street to Rose Street), Rose Street (from Lake Shore Drive to Thayer Street), Fremont Street (from Messer Street to Hodag Park Drive) and Hodag Park Drive (from Messer Street to Thayer Street).

The project — which involves repairs and updates to sanitary sewer mains, manholes, laterals, streets and storm sewers as well as the possible addition of sidewalks in certain areas — has generated considerable discussion since it was first introduced in late June. 

Specifically, residents have objected to some of the sidewalks as well as the potential loss of trees and landscaping.

During Monday’s council meeting, Mark Barden of Town and Country Engineering, the firm overseeing the project for the city, advised that he will present a concept plan at the next council meeting on Sept. 23.

At the end of an Aug. 14 informational meeting on the project, attended by a large contingent of Messer neighborhood residents, Barden noted that the city’s administrative team would consider the input offered by affected property owners in formulating the concept plan. It was also stressed that the eight elected alderpersons have the ultimate responsibility of determining the parameters of the project. 

During Monday’s public comment session, a spokesperson for the Messer property owners thanked the council members who took him up on his offer to visit the neighborhood and view the streets in question.

“The invitation is still open to anybody else on the council who would still like to come and take a look,” Matt Campbell said. 

“We do plan on coming back to the next council meeting in two weeks,” he added, noting that the group is planning to submit information to be included in the meeting packet.

He described the submission as some “small things” that the property owners feel will change the project for the better. 

As of the Aug. 14 informational meeting, the city has secured approximately $7 million of the approximately $10 million needed to fund the project.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].