Redevelopment Authority Meeting - September 24, 2026

The Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of La Crosse, Wisconsin, met on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included updates on the River Point District, approvals of option extensions for Unwind Property Management, acceptance of $600,000 in city funding for urban renewal and public market predevelopment, approval of a certified survey map for Cowboy Jack's, and discussion of a TIF term sheet and a commercial lease in closed session. The meeting adjourned at 4:48 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (August 2026): Motion by Przytarski, seconded by Sigman, carried by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Damian Meza, representing Soccermunda, spoke on item 26-1015 (commercial lease at 65 Kraft St). He expressed appreciation for the RDA's work and provided updates on remodeling plans for ADA accessibility and HVAC units at both 65 and 67 Kraft Street. He noted that architectural plans had been submitted but not yet provided to city inspections, pending lease agreement.

Discussion Items

• Monthly Update from Project Manager on River Point District (Item 26-1002): Project Manager Jason Gilman reported on administrative progress for spring 2027 construction, including geotechnical issues, TIF application processes, and coordination with developers (RaiKey on Lot 11, Unwind on Lots 1 and 2). He mentioned a prospective commercial tenant tour, ongoing work on a renter equity program with a focus on accounting hurdles, and meetings with Baker Tilly, Ernst & Young, Wipfli, the Idea Fund, and Marine Credit Union. He also noted a meeting with WIDA and distribution of a promotional video. Gilman attended a ULI technical advisory panel in the Fox Cities, where the River Point District model was cited as a desired model. He updated the Gantt chart and raised concerns about diesel fuel potentially affecting supply chains in 2027. He also mentioned a new WEDC housing and business tax credit program under review.
• First Extension to Option to Purchase Agreement for Lot 1 – Unwind Property Management (Item 26-0997): Staff explained the standard 12-month extension (following a six-month initial option). Unwind plans to start townhouse construction on Lot 1 in spring 2027, delayed from fall 2026 due to the TIF application process. Motion to approve by Janssen, seconded by Przytarski, carried by voice vote.
• First Extension to Option to Purchase Agreement for Lot 2 – Unwind Property Management (Item 26-0998): Similar extension for Lot 2, with phase two construction expected in fall 2027. Motion by Janssen, seconded by Przytarski, carried by voice vote.
• Resolution Accepting Funding from City of La Crosse for Urban Renewal Activities (Item 26-0988): Andrea (staff) presented a resolution accepting $600,000 transferred from TID 11 to the RDA for urban renewal projects, including predevelopment work for a public market. She reviewed previous studies (feasibility, site location, business plan from 2017-2019) and noted that the funds could be redirected to other urban renewal projects if the public market does not proceed. A memorandum of understanding between the city and RDA governs use of funds. A proposal for a Project for Public Spaces review of the studies is anticipated next month. Motion by Janssen, seconded by Sigman, carried by voice vote.
• Monthly Financial Update (Item 26-0946): Andrea reported that the September financials were attached with no specific items to highlight.
• Approval of Certified Survey Map for Cowboy Jack's (Item 26-1001): Andrea explained that the CSM would create a separate parcel from city park property adjacent to Lot 11, to be later conveyed to the RDA and combined with the Cowboy Jack's parcel. The submittal was approved contingent on staff working out details with city engineering. Motion by Ostrem, seconded by Przytarski, carried by voice vote.
• Term Sheet for TIF Assistance to Capital Investment Partners for Cowboy Jack's (Item 26-1000): Staff noted that the Economic Development Commission (ECDC) unanimously approved the term sheet the previous evening. The RDA's role is specifically to agree to the land sale price, which is consistent with other River Point District sales. The item went into closed session for negotiation strategy. After closed session, a motion to approve was made by Ostrem, seconded by Przytarski, and carried by voice vote with Janssen voting against.
• Commercial Lease Agreement for 65 Kraft St (Item 26-1015): Public comment was heard from Damian Meza. The item went into closed session for negotiation strategy. After closed session, a motion to approve was made by Janssen, seconded by Sigman, and carried by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Option Extensions Approved: Unwind Property Management received 12-month extensions on option agreements for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 at River Point District.
• Funding Accepted: The RDA accepted $600,000 from the City for urban renewal activities, including public market predevelopment work, and approved the corresponding MOU.
• Certified Survey Map Approved: Submittal of the CSM for Cowboy Jack's was approved contingent on staff coordination.
• TIF Term Sheet Approved: The term sheet for TIF assistance to Capital Investment Partners for Cowboy Jack's was approved (voice vote, with Janssen dissenting).
• Commercial Lease Approved: The commercial lease agreement for 65 Kraft St was approved (voice vote).
• Next Steps: Staff will bring a proposal for a public market predevelopment study in October 2026; the land sale price for River Point District parcels will be reviewed in January 2027; Cowboy Jack's parcel conveyance to the RDA is expected to go to the city council in November 2026.

Note: Items 26-1000 and 26-1015 were discussed in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) for negotiation strategies, then voted on in open session.