Manitowoc · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manitowoc public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New housing subdivisions at Dearbrook Lane and River Point
The council approved a tax increment financing term sheet for a project on River Point Drive Lots 1 and 2 and told staff to finish the development agreement and land sale — public money helping launch a private development.
1512 Washington Street housing project
After months of EPA and state funding delays, the Miro project's financing looks ready to close, with construction mobilization around November 1 and required partial occupancy by December 31, 2027.
Lakeshore Mall redevelopment
Apartment foundations are in and infrastructure is done; single-family homes will be built and sold by Tycorn in phases over about five years. Commercial interest remains thin until homes are up.
TID 22 — River Point District Development Outlook
Condos, contaminated-soil cleanup, and a hunt for a multifamily developer are all moving. Permit applications could land any day and soil hauling starts November 2.
Housing Authority office renovation
The renovation is nearly done — staff expect to move back in the third week of November, before Thanksgiving. Remaining work includes flooring, mailboxes, fire panel fixes, and security cameras.
New commercial building at 1214 Washington Street
A long-vacant Washington Street parcel is finally getting a new building. The board approved the design with upgraded street-facing materials, and parking, landscaping, and driveway details will be sorted out in site plan review.
Madison School and Lakeview Park redevelopment
Two developer proposals (Mike Howe Builders and Americon & 3 Amigos) for redeveloping the old Madison School and Lakeview Park were discussed behind closed doors, with no action taken.
Visit Manitowoc office space and long-term home
The department has outgrown its leased space, especially after adding farmers market staff. The city has paid $12,000–$13,000 for Abacus plans for a build on green space near the Maritime Museum, and the goal is to own rather than rent — with the reserve fund a possible funding source.
Facility infrastructure and grounds updates
HVAC motors and exhaust fans are all brand new, parking lot lights converted to LED, and old banners and signs removed — meaning about 20 years of low-maintenance building systems ahead.
Downtown Redevelopment Projects
Updates on River Point, 1512 Washington Street, and Lakeshore Mall — the mall stormwater pond will serve about 300 acres, well beyond the project site.
Ornamental street lighting for new subdivisions
Three subdivisions — Abbey Ridge Phase 2, Mariner's Lux, and Deerbrook Crossing Phase 1 — get developer-funded ornamental street lights. Developers pay the full installation; the city only covers maintenance and energy, roughly $12 per light per month.
Second-floor bathroom renovation
Three bids came in for the second-floor bathroom renovation; the board accepted the lowest bid under city policy, though a member questioned a nearly $77,000 gap between the low and high bids.
Dearbrook Lane street vacation
The city vacated part of an unnamed street near Deerbrook Lane, Homestead Road and Kellner Street so a developer can deepen lots and add buildable parcels, with the sewer line kept in the adjusted right of way.
Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing expansion
The company needed part of a city easement released to add parking and possibly expand its building. Staff confirmed drainage and utilities aren't affected.
Deerbrook Crossing Subdivision No. 1
A 16-lot subdivision on the city's east side moves ahead — the street relocation and preliminary plat both got unanimous recommendations. Deeper lots on the south side of the relocated street are the goal.
Official Map change west of Virginia Drive and Joseph Road
A never-built circular drive is being vacated due to wetlands, replaced with two cul-de-sacs. Deeds are already secured.
Legacy Christian School expansion
The two-year-old school, grown from 40 to 70 students, got a variance from I-43 Industrial Park protective covenants so it can operate west of Silver Creek — granted exclusively to Legacy Christian.
Transitional housing permit renewals
Two transitional housing permits, at 1201 S. 10th Street and 1222 S. 7th Street, were re-approved for another year after annual review.
Former Mirro site redevelopment with Gorman & Company
The council approved a development agreement with Gorman and Company to redevelop the former Mirro factory site — a big step toward turning a long-vacant downtown property into something new.
Kinzel Wood Products right of first refusal
The city exercised an option and right of first refusal on property on S. Alverno Road held with Kinzel Wood Products.