Committee backs Harborview Lofts development agreement and TIF structure for Wells Fargo site

The Finance & Personnel Committee approved two development agreements and associated tax‑increment financing authorizations for Harborview Lofts LLC, a proposed infill redevelopment on the former Wells Fargo parcel in downtown Sheboygan.

Staff said the project comprises 136 units in two pieces — a 126‑unit apartment building with an assessed value staff estimated at roughly $22 million and 10 rent‑capped townhomes. To accommodate construction staging, the developer requested separate timelines and two pay‑as‑you‑go TIF arrangements; staff emphasized the development agreement does not waive plan commission review, required permits or building‑code compliance.

Alder Close and others pressed staff for clarity on how incentives are paid. Finance staff said the developer pays taxes first and reimbursements come from increment collected into TID 21; funds are accounted for within the TID fund and not pulled from the general fund. Administrator Bradley added that this project includes additional verification: rent certification for the ten affordable townhomes will be enforced to HUD median‑income standards for the county for the life of the TID (a redevelopment TID with an expected life through 2027).

Concerns raised by public commenters and aldermembers included parking, environmental remediation (previous demolition and contamination on the lot), vibration and construction impacts in a dense downtown area, and the 'but‑for' analysis staff uses to justify TIF incentives. Staff said the developer has committed to addressing remediation and parking in design and to responsive complaint handling during construction.

The committee approved both resolutions by voice vote.