Racine Development News
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Racine Allocates Over $600,000 for New Home Construction and Extensive Rehabilitation Project
The City of Racine Common Council approved allocating up to $359,263 in HOME funds for new construction at 1561 Holmes Avenue and up to $290,000 in HOME funds for homeowner rehabilitation at 1308 Franklin Street. Staff are authorized to prepare bid specifications and solicit bids for both projects. The rehabilitation project at 1308 Franklin Street involves a forgivable loan of $290,000 for a resident who has lived in the home for over 60 years and has significant medical needs requiring accessibility upgrades. This amount is considered the highest such loan for rehabilitation in the city's history. The HOME funds require the entire property to be brought up to code, making it suitable for substantial renovations rather than minor repairs. The decision to fund this extensive rehabilitation is seen as a way to preserve generational wealth and neighborhood character, as opposed to demolition and new construction, which would be significantly more expensive. The new construction at 1561 Holmes Avenue is expected to begin around August 1st, 2026, and requires acquisition of property slivers.
Liquor License Hours for West Town Foods Sent Back to Committee Amidst Debate on Sales Restrictions
The City of Racine Common Council considered a new application for a Class A retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Max West Town, DBA West Town Foods, located at 3326 16th Street. While the license transfer was initially recommended for approval by the Public Safety and Licensing Committee, Alder Davis proposed an amendment to restrict the hours of operation from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m., citing consistency with other liquor stores and concerns about alcohol sales. Alder Kelly supported this amendment, noting constituent and business owner concerns in her district. Alder Weidner questioned the legality of amending hours on the council floor and suggested referring the matter back to committee for applicant notification. A motion to refer the item back to committee passed unanimously, allowing for further discussion on hours of operation and potential conditional approval.
Racine Council Debates and Tables Ordinance on Referral Procedures Amidst Concerns Over Governance
The City of Racine Common Council considered an ordinance (0029-25) concerning the referral of communications. An amendment was proposed to limit referrals to standing committees only, excluding authorities, boards, or commissions, and to allow administrative managers to refer items if an alder is unavailable. This amendment was further amended to specify that amendments to amendments must identify proper funding sources and not create new initiatives, maintaining consistency with existing budget rules. After extensive debate and clarification from the City Attorney regarding the amendment process and limitations, the motion to lay the item on the table was passed. The discussion highlighted concerns about the current process for referring items, potential unintended consequences of rule changes, and the role of different committees and boards in decision-making.
Racine Council Debates $150,000 Sole-Source Contract for Lincoln King Center Fundraising Amidst Procurement Concerns
The City of Racine Common Council is considering a $150,000 contract with G Strategies LLC for fundraising services related to the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic project. The contract, proposed as a sole-source procurement by Mayor Mason, has faced significant scrutiny due to concerns about a lack of competitive bidding, potential double payment for services already rendered, unclear procurement processes, and the firm's political focus. Alder Weidner raised five critical questions regarding G Strategies' role, compensation, competitive procurement, use of federal funds, and authorization to begin work prior to council approval. The Mayor's office defended the sole-source approach, citing the firm's specialized experience and the urgency to close a $15 million funding gap, with the alternative being increased taxpayer burden. Despite assurances that the firm has already helped secure significant funding, questions remain about previous contracts and procurement procedures. The council debated extensively and ultimately voted on the primary motion to approve the contract, with the deferral motion failing.
Pedestrian Crossing Beacons Approved for DeCovin Street and Taylor Avenue Intersection
The City of Racine Common Council approved the installation of pedestrian crossing beacons at the intersection of DeCovin Street and Taylor Avenue. This decision came after a request from Alder Davis and research by the Department of Public Works (DPW). The fiscal note indicates that the cost for this installation is already budgeted within the 2026 budget through DPW funds. The recommendation from the Public Works and Services Committee was to approve the installation, citing improved pedestrian safety and crossing accessibility.
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The Racine News archive
Common Council 6/16/26
Governance Committee Meeting
Board Business Meeting
Committee of the Whole 6/9/26
Committee of the Whole
Common Council 6/2/26
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