By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Several economic developments, at various stages of the completion spectrum, are moving forward or evolving in Whitewater with the assistance of grant dollars and through the purchase of public property.
One proposal, involving Elkhorn-based DP Electronic Recycling, is on track after a few snags. The Whitewater Community Development Authority on Feb. 25 voted to enter into a developer’s agreement with the company.
DP executives have discussed operating within Whitewater for an extended period of time. Internally, the company raised funds and now plans to acquire an 11-acre city-owned parcel of land, pending final approval by the Common Council.
Jeffrey Knight, chair of the CDA, said DP has received the approvals necessary from state and federal authorities to operate a certified recycling operation in Whitewater. With that step out of the way, a transfer of land can now take place.
Another development that remains in the very early stages involves an indoor soccer facility. Knight and CDA Executive Director Patrick Cannon are working with a resident to bring the proposal from the planning stage to reality.
“It’s very early in the process,” Knight said, adding that there are few additional details at this point.
Cannon said the indoor soccer proposal was borne out of a perceived need within the community.
“(The resident) brought us a proposal, and we have looked at it,” Cannon said. “We’re looking at putting together a plan.”
The third current or prospective business to receive CDA support is Slipstream LLC. The company, whose founders established it while attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was issued a $32,000 line of credit by the CDA, beginning in April.
A year ago, the CDA made a similar gesture to Slipstream’s leaders when the first offering of a line of credit was issued.
The three proposals were discussed and acted upon after CDA members deliberated in closed session.
In other business Feb. 25, the CDA:
• Discussed a celebratory event to commemorate the full occupancy of the Whitewater Innovation Center, the multi-tenant facility that was completed four years ago through a collaboration of the CDA, City of Whitewater and UW-Whitewater.
The celebratory event will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Innovation Center, 1221 Innovation Drive. In addition to local officials, several statewide dignitaries are expected to attend the event, including Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who currently serves as speaker of the state Assembly.
“This will be an event that will show how our resources have been spent,” Knight said. “I think it’s a big deal. It’s important to see economic development at the grassroots level.”
• Discussed efforts to sell a piece of publicly owned property along Bluff Road. Knight said he would like to work with outside firms to improve the marketability of the site.
• Discussed existing CDA policies concerning grant requests. A proposal is on the table to limit the number of grant requests one particular business can receive.
