Single-family housing is the focal point
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
With hopes of new development in mind, Whitewater officials have finalized the creation of five new tax-increment districts in different areas of the city. The maneuver comes on the heels of the closure of multiple TIDs earlier this year.
The Common Council on Aug. 3 gave the authorization to create TIDs No. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 after reviews and recommendations from a number of other city-related groups — most notably, the Community Development Authority.
TIDs, which serve as a financing mechanism for municipalities to borrow money for infrastructure improvements, are a tool for helping spur new development. Districts reaching their maximum capacity result in increased property tax revenue from the improvements. Throughout the life of a TID, the revenue is diverted from the tax rolls to pay off loans.
City Manager Cameron Clapper said the creation of the five new TIDs ran concurrent with the recent closure of TIDs No. 4 to 9 and resulted in extensive analysis.
“It’s the conclusion of a two-and-a-half year project,” he said.
The new TIDs can serve as catalysts for various types of development. While commercial uses are incorporated into many plans, accommodations for single-family housing also a focal point. In recent years, Whitewater officials have repeatedly pointed to a need for more of such a residential category within the city.
The city entered into an agreement with Ehlers, a financial advisory firm, to assist in the creation of the new TIDs.
Greg Johnson, senior municipal advisor with Ehlers, said each of the five TIDs is structured autonomously, based on needs throughout the community, though there are commonalities among each entity.
While the new TIDs are based projections, Johnson said they also are structured in such a way that pivots can be made in the years ahead, as assorted details come into sharper focus.
“It gives the city the flexibility to reach to different circumstances, going forward,” Johnson said.
Below is a description of each of the new TIDs:
No. 10 – This mixed-use district comprises 616 acres and carries a maximum 20-year lifespan. It includes portions of such major roadways as Highway 59, Starin Road, Universal Boulevard and Innovation Drive
It includes industrial, commercial and residential development. The city anticipates making approximately $8 million in improvements throughout this TID’s life.
No. 11 – This mixed-use district comprises 280 acres and carries a maximum 20-year lifespan. It is bound by Tripp Lake and includes such major roadways as South Rice Street and Elkhorn Road.
It includes commercial and residential development. The city anticipates making approximately $8.1 million improvements throughout this TID’s life.
No. 12 – Johnson described this as a “rehabilitation district,” encompassing 15 acres. It has a maximum 27-year lifespan. The area includes the heart of the city and touches on such roadways as North Jefferson, North 1st and West Center streets.
It includes commercial and residential development. The city anticipates making $1.1 million in improvements.
No. 13 – This mixed-use district encompasses 450 acres and carries a maximum 20-year lifespan. It includes portions of Highway 12, Indian Mound Parkway and South Elizabeth and South Janesville streets.
It includes industrial, commercial and residential development. The city anticipates making $11.2 million in improvements.
No. 14 – This mixed-use district comprises 390 acres and carries a maximum 20-year lifespan. It includes such major roadways as West Main and North Tratt streets.
It includes commercial and residential development. The city anticipates making $8.8 million in improvements.
