Opinions Vary, But Some Consensus Emerges On Delphi, Civic Center Future

Whenever some 60 people representing numerous facets of a community come together, it’s almost impossible for everyone to agree on anything.

That's the scenario that played out Wednesday over the course of two meetings totaling nearly four hours at Oak Creek City Hall. Residents and community leaders gave their input on the future of the former Delphi site and current Civic Center, and opinions were mixed on what that should look like.

Despite the varying range of interests, Carolyn Esswein, an associate with Graef who led a large portion of both meetings, said some patterns emerged, particularly regarding the 85-acre Delphi property at 7929 S. Howell Ave.

“The consensus is ‘something unique,’” she said of Delphi. “They want something that’s special.”

Esswein also said people consistently want that area to be pedestrian-friendly. Many cited the desire to park their car only once and walk everywhere they need to go.

The word “Bayshore,” as in the Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, got tossed around a lot when audience members talked about Delphi’s future.

Paul Jackson, an Oak Creek resident by way of Chicago, was one of several who said they want to see new restaurants and shopping alternatives.

“It’s just missing just basic stores,” he said. “We have to go to places like Greenfield. We have to go to Brookfield. We have to go north of Milwaukee to do any kind of shopping.”

Another oft-mentioned term was “destination,” as in, a development not just for Oak Creek residents, but one that will bring people in from throughout the region.

School Board President Frank Carini said a recreation center would be a perfect component for Delphi because it would bring in many families. They, in turn, would eat and shop at other places on the property within walking distance, he said.

Others suggested big ideas like a waterpark, similar to the Key Lime Cove Waterpark near Six Flags.

Graef, the city’s consultant, will take the feedback from Wednesday night and develop site concepts, which will be presented at a later meeting.

The city directed Graef to present options for the Delphi site both with and without a new Civic Center (City Hall and library).

Graef is also charged with coming up with plans for the current Civic Center site, 8640 S. Howell Ave., showing and not showing a new City Hall and library.

Debate continues about Puetz and Howell corner

Esswein said a lot of the audience supported keeping the library at its current location. Opinions were more mixed on whether to keep City Hall where it is or move it to the Delphi site, she said. 

The Oak Creek Community Center, which shares a parking lot with the library, is a major stakeholder on what happens next at Puetz and Howell.

Several people who spoke on behalf of the center made it clear they did not want a commercial development there and that enough parking spaces are essential to the center’s operation.

Community Center Director Rich Duchniak said his first preference is for the City Hall and library to stay where it is. That position differs with some city officials, including Mayor Dick Bolender, who are pushing for those buildings to relocate to Delphi.

City officials and audience members also discussed the possibility of Oak Creek High School, 340 E. Puetz Road, possibly expanding onto some of that land.

Not over by a longshot

Esswein and others said Wednesday’s meeting is far from the last chance residents have to weigh in.

At a future meeting, Graef will present site concepts and get more feedback from the public.

Jackson said he decided to attend the meeting after reading about it online and was pleased with how it went.

“I think it’s nice to come in and do this and voice your opinion,” he said.

See our for more photos from the meeting.