Wausau Economic Development Committee Approves Public Information and Participation Plan for City-Owned Land on Cleveland Avenue

Thursday, November 6th, 2025 -- 9:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Wausau Economic Development Committee has approved a public information and participation plan for the future use of city-owned land at 1300 Cleveland Avenue, the latest stage in the lengthy redevelopment process for the former industrial site.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Public Works Director Eric Lindman says the process should bring a clear picture of what neighbors would like to see at the site. “It will provide the council with some specific direction as to what the end use of that site will be.”

According to Tuesday’s agenda, the public input process has eight steps, including a public neighborhood meeting and a public comment period. A public information period is also included. At the end of the plan, all feedback will be reviewed and analyzed before publication. The results will be turned over to the City Council.

Residents have previously expressed concerns about the property reverting to industrial purposes, which the City Council shot down, saying they aren’t interested in such a change. Lindman says the plans for the land will determine how much cleanup is needed at the site.

“Otherwise, [cleanup] is very open-ended and difficult. These things [end-use plans and environmental cleanup] need to work in parallel as we move forward.” The City Council will likely hear a presentation from the DNR on the cleanup process at a December meeting.

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