Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – May 19, 2026

This regular common council meeting focused on a proposal to amend Tax Increment District (TID) No. 17 by adding four parcels and updating eligible project costs. The amendment was presented by Greg Johnson of Ellers, who detailed the financial projections and statutory requirements. Council members discussed the scope of eligible expenses, including a motion to add multi-use paths and bicycle share stations to the project plan language, but deferred a broader policy discussion on excluding natural gas service. The resolution was passed as amended. The meeting also included an announcement of a Village groundbreaking the next day.

Discussion Items

• TID No. 17 Amendment (Resolution R108-26 / PCR 0326): Greg Johnson from Ellers presented the proposal to add four parcels (shaded pink on the map) to the existing TID and increase eligible project costs by $25,395,000. The parcels, historically a quarry operation, are slated for redevelopment. Johnson explained that the 12% valuation test is met (6.29% of total city equalized value). Of the 230 acres now in the district, 83% meet rehabilitation criteria. Two developments are anticipated: a multifamily building (estimated $50 million in value) and a retail center (estimated $17.229 million). The existing incremental value is $7.733 million. Over the district's 27-year life, tax increment revenue is projected at $30.167 million. A $2 million pay-as-you-go development incentive is contemplated for the retail center due to extraordinary costs (excess soil removal, retaining wall, underground stormwater). The financial analysis shows that with proper phasing, the district could support all listed costs and be closed by 2034, though the statutory expenditure period extends to 2045. Council members asked about the contiguous boundary, the exclusion of certain parcels (e.g., the first apartment building, four front lots), and conditions on the development incentive. Staff clarified that the developer agreement (to come June 23) would specify terms, including contingent on a specific retail tenant.
• Alder Amendments to Project Plan Language: Alder Herb proposed adding "multi-use paths" alongside "sidewalks" and including "bicycle share stations" in the street improvements and streetscaping sections. This was accepted as a friendly amendment. A separate discussion about removing natural gas service as an eligible TID expense was raised by Alder Bill but ultimately deferred. Some council members expressed concern that removing gas could hinder certain developments (e.g., a potential grocery store tenant, or the Gorman affordable housing project). The mayor suggested discussing TID policy more broadly at a future meeting.
• Other: The developer, Jeff Handley, was present but did not formally speak. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Resolution R108-26 and Plan Commission resolution PCR 0326 (as amended to include multi-use paths and bike share stations) passed unanimously by voice vote. The amendment now proceeds to the Joint Review Board on June 24, with a developer agreement to be considered by council on June 23.
• Announcements: The Village groundbreaking is scheduled for May 20 at 10:00 AM. The next common council meeting is May 26, 2026; the next Committee of the Whole meeting is May 27 (featuring a CAP presentation and city hall renovation update).