Politics & Government

City Has More Control at Delphi With Financial Commitment, Aldermen Say

City committed $2 million to acquiring Delphi site in agreement with Wispark.

The Common Council's decision to did not come without some concerns.

Some aldermen said they hesitated about the $2 million the city committed to acquiring the Delphi site, but ultimately voted for it because it gives the city more control into what goes there.

"I would have liked to not have to contribute, but the only way we can keep some control is to be a stakeholder," Alderman Steve Scaffidi said.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Wispark agreed to contribute $6 million and the city $2 million toward the acquisition of the former Delphi property, 7929 S. Howell Ave.

Scaffidi was quick to point out that even though the city agreed to spend the $2 million (which is not property tax dollars), it does not mean Oak Creek is locked into moving the public library and City Hall there.

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Some top city officials have pushed for that, but others in the community have resisted that idea. Scaffidi said he supports keeping the City Hall and library where they are - on the corner of Puetz and Howell - but any final decisions on the matter is still a ways off.

Alderman Dan Bukiewicz, meanwhile, said the agreement is a unique opportunity for the city to invest money into something that could pay big dividends later.

Like Scaffidi, Bukiewicz likes the idea the city can retain control on the Delphi site by contributing financially.

With the state budget creating huge trickle-down effects on local governments, municipalities need to get creative on ways to raise revenue, Bukiewicz said.

In addition to Delphi, the agreement also involves the Oak Creek lakefront and a future business park near Oakwood and Howell.


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