By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whitewater officials are hoping to put a number of developments, including the Technology Park, on the map by taking part in a state-initiated certification program.
The Community Development Authority on Dec. 17 voted to go through the steps of seeking accreditation through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Certified Sites program.
By design, the state’s Certified Site designation serves as a pre-qualification to would-be developers and businesses. The certification means a property’s title is clear, proper zoning mechanisms are in place and sufficient utilities and infrastructure have been installed for industrial use.
In all, the city is seeking designation for 33 acres of land. Additional certification could be sought elsewhere in the city in the future.
In other recent business, the CDA:
- Voted to withdraw a $100,000 capital catalyst loan that had been granted previously to a local company known as ABL Technologies. The CDA discussed the loan in closed session, but voted to take back the loan in open session. No reason was given for the decision.
- Renewed a contract with Redevelopment Resources for executive director services. The renewal means the company will continue providing leadership resources to the Whitewater CDA for a one-year term. The possibility exists for two additional one-year renewals.
- Approved a plan to adopt a non-disclosure agreement with the Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium for future planning efforts.
- Backed a plan to continue supporting the Walworth County Leadership program. Several organizations, including the Greater Whitewater Committee, provide support to the program, and CDA officials have expressed a willingness to extend a similar overture.
