Oshkosh Waterfront

In case you missed it in the Oshkosh Northwestern, there is now a website (similar to the Northwestern's online forum) for the proposed Waterfront project. Be sure to check it out and contribute your thoughts and ideas for developing our riverfront.

-Bryan

Newer information about the old Mercy

This is follow up to my previous post.

The Oshkosh Northwestern today ran an editorial regarding CRL, Mr. Ganther and the city of Oshkosh. I received the following email from Ms. Jan Rupnick, CRL's Director of Public Relations and Advertising, that addresses some of the questions raised in the editorial. I feel that it is important information to share with you.

In the March 15, 2007 issue of the Oshkosh Northwestern ran an editorial about the relationship between the city, Ganther Construction and CRL, Senior Living Communities. Here are some of the answers to those questions:

In 2002, did Ganther and CRL work together on the first proposed Mercy project?
No. Arcom, a development company had partnered with Gitchie-Gumee on the first proposed project. However, due to differing visions for the scheduling of the proposed project, dissolved the relationship in early February 2004, prior to the financing and permitting of the Parkside Place apartments.

Who is Arcom and what are its ties to CRL?
Arcom is a development company that partners with CRL to develop and operate independent senior apartments, assisted living communities and Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory impairment communities.

What happened to that $800,000?
The money was used by Gitchie-Gumee to abate asbestos and other site contaminations, demolish buildings and provide infrastructure improvements to the site.

Was the city trying to hide the fact that CRL was involved when the first proposed Mercy project occurred?
No. The city planning department was concerned with the new proposal. It is unfair to single out Mr. Kinney when in fact Arcom and Mr. Anbar’s involvement in the initial proposal was public knowledge. Mr. Anbar played an important role in Gitchie-Gumee’s proposal to the city. In August 2002, Arcom (Mr. Anbar) and Gitchie-Gumee (Mr. Ganther) presented to the Common Council. Council members, the current city manager, the current city attorney and city planning department were all provided with substantial information about Arcom at that time.

[Clarification from Bryan: The current members of the council who were serving in August 2002 are Mayor Castle, Mr. Esslinger and Ms. Mattox.]

Is the current Pay-Go TIF money being backed by the taxpayers?
No, because the only money that will be given to CRL comes directly from CRL’s property tax payment to the city on the approved project.

Why is CRL doing the project now?
CRL has always believed that the site would be an ideal location for senior apartments and is excited about the opportunity to implement the project Dan Anbar initially envisioned. The current capital markets make financing this size project much more feasible than in the first year after 9/11.

Who is CRL and are they really successful at what they
do?
CRL has more than 20 years experience in operating and managing senior housing. Its success is visible with its current projects.
· Lakeshore Manor has doubled in size since opening in 2005.
· Island Shores, senior apartments in Neenah, Wis., is adding an additional 60 units on the property adjacent to the existing complex.
· Countryside Manor, in Sheboygan, Wis., is in the process of planning for a third Alzheimer’s and memory impairment community on its existing campus.
· In late spring, the company is opening Northfield Manor in Menomonee Falls, Wis.
· The company is in the early design development stage for a project in Kenosha, Wis.

Does CRL have ties to Ganther Construction?
Ganther Construction is a design/build company that has a vast amount of experience in designing and building healthcare properties. Arcom and CRL have very high standards for the communities it develops and operates. Ganther Construction has successfully been able to meet the tight timelines and budgets imposed by the companies, as well as their demands for a well designed and built community that offers a therapeutic environment to its residents.

If you have any additional questions, questions can be directed to Jan Rupnick, spokeswomen for CRL.

-Bryan

New information about old Mercy

Community Development Director Jackson Kinney should have disclosed this information to the council and general public. By not doing so, he makes it look as though he (or "the city") was trying to hide something. Situations like this cause citizens to question their trust in government, and it was completely avoidable. Now a dark cloud will unnecessarily taint an otherwise positive project.

As a council member, I am deeply concerned this information was not shared with the council and community at-large. I will discuss with City Manager Richard Wollangk the ramifications of the situation and steps necessary to ensure it does not happen again.

-Bryan

Candidate forum

The League of Women Voters candidate forum was held last night at City Hall. Below are the replay times on OCAT Channel 10:

March
10th @ 5:00 p.m.
11th @ 12:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
15th @ 7:00 p.m.
17th @ 12:00 p.m.
19th @ 8:30 p.m.
20th @ 11:00 a.m.
22nd @ 7:00 p.m.
24th @ 9:00 a.m.
25th @ 12:00 p.m.
27th @ 2:30 p.m.
29th @ 8:00 p.m.
31st @ 12:00 p.m.

April
1st @ 12:00 p.m.

The Oshkosh Northwestern covered the debate in today's newspaper, but what did Randy, Paula and Simon think about it? Well, be sure to check out Babblemur's blog to find out!

-Bryan

Campaign updates

The League of Women Voters is again hosting a candidates forum this Wednesday at Oshkosh City Hall. The forum begins at 7:00 p.m. with the council candidates, followed by the school board candidates at 8:00 p.m. The forum will be broadcast live on OCAT Channel 10 and 101.9FM, WOCT. Citizens are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates by March 5th via email. Due to a death in Frank Tower's family, the mayoral forum has been canceled.

I will be taping a segment of Eye on Oshkosh on Thursday evening. Please check Cheryl's blog or my website for replay times on Channel 2.

Ron Hardy, aka Babblemur, has an interesting assessment of the council race that's worth checking out.

Miles Maguire and several of his students have been busy covering the election. Miles has again put together the Voter Information Project website to provide a centralized location for the stories. I also have links to the stories on my website.

Finally, if you have not done so already, I encourage you to check out the online forum taking place on the Oshkosh Northwestern's website.

Only 30 more days until the election (April 3rd)!

-Bryan

UPDATE: Check out Babblemur's new poll, and be sure to vote!