Residents ask Neenah to preserve 'Roosevelt' name at redevelopment site

Several residents urged the council to preserve the Roosevelt Elementary School name in the redevelopment of the former school site.

"I respectfully ask that the new development be named Roosevelt Commons," Rick Na told the council, saying the name would honor students and educators who shaped the community for more than a century. He described disappointment that the school's demolition left little visible recognition on the site and said a name such as Roosevelt Commons would connect the site's history with a new residency program.

Other speakers, including Nancy Hasllow, echoed the request and described family ties to the old school and the community's interest in a visible on-site recognition. Council members—including Alderman Ellis—said they would advocate for preserving the Roosevelt name and suggested the council and staff explore options, though no formal motion or binding decision on naming was made at the meeting.

Next steps: residents and council members discussed informal outreach to developers and the possibility of a commemorative sign or naming, but the council did not vote on a naming request during the March 18 session.