Oshkosh RDA hears progress reports on Southshore, Mill on Main and other redevelopment projects; new technician introduced

The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority spent part of its March 17 meeting receiving a staff report on multiple redevelopment projects across the city and welcoming a new economic development technician.

Executive Director (name not provided) introduced Tower Weeder, the RDA’s new economic development technician, who said he had been on the job about a month and is performing administrative and entry‑level economic development duties. "Very excited. Very excited," the director said of the expanding team; the board welcomed the hire.

Nut graf: Staff outlined progress on several parcels and programs that collectively shape downtown and neighborhood redevelopment—updates included Southshore project work, Mill on Main occupancy and future phases, the Pangia parcel near 700 South Main (where the RDA may release its interest after limited developer responsiveness), renewed interest in Morgan Crossing 2, and an RFP for Washington School to be issued by month’s end.

Southshore and Mill on Main: staff reported siding and parking work are underway and that the residential side of Mill on Main has reached a high occupancy level; commercial tenancy interest is growing but not all leases were finalized. Staff said some amenities under consideration (including docks) remain stalled because the developer has not yet taken ownership of certain parcels, which affects tax‑increment financing and grant eligibility.

Pangia and 700 South Main: staff said the Pangia concept involved irregular parcels that complicated development, and after offering one extension the RDA has not received timely responses; the authority is likely to release its interest and pursue alternative ideas for that site. Morgan Crossing 2 has reengaged and may leverage an existing TID for feasibility. An RFP for Washington School will be issued by the end of the month and staff are revising deed restriction language to use developer agreements that better balance risk.

Staff also discussed coordinating daycare parking, ribbon‑cutting plans and drone photography to document progress. The RDA scheduled its next meeting for May 20 at 4 p.m. and adjourned.

Ending: The report provided a status check rather than new commitments of RDA funding; staff said they will return with further details and project‑specific proposals as negotiations and grant applications proceed.