BRODHEAD — As University of Wisconsin seniors look to wrap up their final projects to graduate within the scope of the UniverCity Alliance with Green County, officials are considering how the different viewpoints can help bolster development in their municipalities. 

On May 13, Joe Hannah and Jared Bruckner stood before Brodhead City Council members to explain their capstone design in civil engineering for senior housing with 45 units in a building on a 7 acre parcel near 25th Street and Wisconsin 11.

While the project is simply an idea, the students worked under an architect to develop the realistic project, considering space, accommodations and project cost estimates. They even projected 16 months for construction and included an enclosed parking option with accessibility in mind. 

In Monroe, agriculture and applied economics major John Henry gave his presentation, “Strategies for infill development in Monroe” to the Monroe Common Council. Henry highlighted ways to use space already free for development within the city as a means to prevent urban sprawl and bolster city growth. 

He also advised a focus on the “boomerang population.” Rather than attempting to keep young people within the city, officials should avoid wasting resources to instead ensure the community is one the young professionals will return to when they want to “settle down.” 

Henry said if the city encouraged community supported enterprises, a business formed by multiple residents to create a space they wish to see in the city but also helps raise revenue, it would also be beneficial to all parties. He noted the “booming Hispanic population” could also be recognized by starting an initiative for Hispanic business owners and encouragement of more partnership within the community. He worked with the Redevelopment Authority during his project.

One of these projects was also a focus during the second collaborative meeting between members of Brodhead council, the city’s Business Improvement District, the Brodhead Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Committee and Brodhead Plan Commission. The senior housing proposal was on display nearby as well. 

Mike Olson of the BID Board presented the planning project, “Brodhead market analysis: Business inventory and research,” by urban and regional planning student Ryan Bergen. Its purpose was to connect the Sugar River spillway to the downtown area. 

“Unfortunately, there isn’t one nice straight line,” Olson said, adding that some of the proposals were obviously made by someone not from the city. “This is definitely thinking outside the box.”

While some of the measures called for things residents would not approve of, others had potential, Olson said. For instance, the implementation of a two-way Exchange Street, which meets a request by the city to increase pedestrian safety. Olson said it not only “slows things down,” but provides more green space. 

The market analysis included surveys completed by residents in the fall. Of 432 responses, which Olson noted was “well-responded,” residents called for more fast food and Mexican and Asian food options, possibly outdoor dining and a winery or brewery. In retail, responses included calls for an Amish bakery, specialty food stores and pop-up shows as well as a farmer’s market and antique stores and local crafts. In services, residents asked for professional services like financial consultants, daycare, a youth or community center, a hotel with a pool and banquet facility, a new generation bowling alley or even a family theater with older movie showings. 

Per these suggestions, an analysis of the retail and restaurant demand and supply found there is an opportunity to increase Brodhead tourism and in-commuter spending. Results also found that the city has more retail and restaurant supply “than would be anticipated” and there may be an opportunity to expand on hours and menus because of a demand for more diverse options.

Another facet of talks included housing, namely that Brodhead does not have enough and is facing an increase in an aging population remaining in their larger homes. Associate Planner Matt Honer of the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, presented a housing study conducted which included Brodhead as one of 40 municipalities in southern Wisconsin. 

“It’s pretty clear that incomes are not keeping pace with the cost of housing,” Honer said. 

He added that 1 in 5 homes within the city are occupied by people 65 years old or above. The lack of housing available for an aging population has affected home sales in the area because people remain in their homes, Honer said. The homes are also being used ineffectively because older residents tend to live alone or with only one other person and they are occupying a single-family house. 

Honer said the city has two options; it can either raise wages to adjust for the cost of housing or lower the cost of housing. He noted that lowering the cost of housing may be more achievable because the city can offer incentives for developers. SWWRPC Executive Director Troy Maggied echoed the idea, adding that it is difficult for willing developers to put new structures in places like Brodhead because they are unable to take in revenue. 

The groups formed action plans. The Plan Commission noted that it would work to improve communication to the public about its intentions through the Brighten Up Brodhead program and will look to focus on the utilization of available space with the help of real estate agents while using the Comprehensive Plan for future planning. 

The Economic Development Committee and Chamber group planned to contract with developers recommended by SWWRPC and noted that the city needs to hire a city administrator with an economic development background. The Chamber plans to hire a part-time director within the next 18 months. 

BID is currently creating a list of property and business owners within the downtown with an emphasis on maintaining the document, plans to market downtown more fully with a standing item in the newspaper and has already raised the district assessment this year to gain roughly $30,000 in funds to market the city. 

Groups planned to combine their plans through email contact. Cara Carper, Green County Economic Development executive director, said they will be able “to hold each other accountable.” Groups planned to work toward their goals and possibly meet again in the fall.