Candidates call for strategic plan, developer direction for Hamilton property

During the candidate forum, respondents emphasized that redevelopment of the former Hamilton property should be integrated into a citywide strategic plan rather than treated in isolation.

Katherine Dulkkey, who participated in the Hamilton listening sessions, called for a long‑term strategy and cautioned the city to seek projects with “legs” that will last 10–20 years, not seasonal or short‑lived trends. “You need to look at a cohesive long‑term strategy for the city because everything is connected,” she said.

Several candidates said mixed‑use development — combining housing, small businesses and tourism‑oriented uses — would suit a downtown waterfront site. Darla argued community engagement is essential and that location should determine the mix: “If it’s on a waterfront, does it bring in the element of the water?” she asked, urging planners to align uses with adjacent neighborhoods.

Several participants noted practical constraints. Candidates warned that the city should avoid becoming a direct real‑estate developer unless necessary, and that the city must attract a developer willing and able to complete projects; one candidate said prior developer commitments had fallen through. Adam Wusky noted state and DNR environmental considerations and said city ownership could offer some protections that help future developers.

Candidates recommended using renderings and clear RFPs to steer developers and called for community listening sessions to capture resident priorities before formalizing requests for proposals.

If Two Rivers proceeds with redevelopment, the forum indicated most candidates favor using a coordinated strategic plan and developer selection process that aligns waterfront, downtown and long‑term housing goals.