NEENAH, WI — Some clearer views of proposals for Neenah’s downtown are presented to residents during an open house at the Neenah Public Library. Those options include improving traffic lanes to allow for safer bicycle traffic and developing more housing and business options downtown. RDG Planning and Design displayed concept drawings showing how the finished projects would look. Urban Planner Andrew Dane, who works for Neighborhood Planners, says he was pleased that so many residents turned out. He says attendees voiced the need for improved walking and biking access.
“Especially with the new plaza that just went in. It’s attracting a lot of kids,” Dane said. “Wanting to make sure through some traffic calming, some bicycle amenities, sidewalks, perhaps routing truck traffic around the downtown. Keeping the downtown real walkable, making sure it’s safe and walkable for people.”
Marty Shukert, the Principal Owner of RDG, says expanded biking opportunities were well received by those attending.
“The sidewalks are not wide enough for pedestrians, outdoor dining, and bikes,” Shukert said. “So the idea of using the very wide street to do a protective bike lane that offers a lot of the benefits of trails, but in a downtown setting I think was really well received.”
The plan also calls for improvements along the waterfront and Arrowhead Park. Keri Spanbauer gives high marks to another project that highlights one of the community’s great assets.
“I like the Peninsula Scenario that they laid out with the potential for a hotel or a restaurant,” Spanbauer said. “And taking advantage of the water views. I think Neenah as great assets in their water and these plans are attempting to take much better advantage of that.”
Andrew Collins believes the Master Plan sets some ambitious goals. Though, he believes some key questions need to be answered.
“I think it would be nice to have it all happen. But when you add up the cost, will it be realistic?” Collins said. “Will there be enough parking? Because, yes, you can put in those bike trails and they are really nice but as long as you address the parking. But you have to look at the numbers and look at how they really come out.”
Some residents left post-it notes on the concept drawings offering suggestions, questions for further consideration, and what they liked or didn’t like about the concepts.
