SHEBOYGAN, WI. (WHBL) - There could soon be more development in the Town of Sheboygan.
Town officials and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation have unveiled a new proposed development space on I-43. Retail Coach director of strategy Scott Emison says the location is perfect for new development. "Natural growth of Sheboygan is going to move that direction. So we think there's movement in the market, we think we've got some leverage on particular parcels of land to really create something nice and unique there on Exit 128." The location is a 99 acre property that is currently undeveloped. Emison says it will be perfect for a multi use area, with options for retail, residential and hospitality space.
The goal of the plan is to attract developers to the area and provide a place for local residents to get high-quality retail shopping without having to leave the area. A study of the region found that the Sheboygan area is losing over a billion dollars in annual retail sales for people leaving the county to go shopping in places like Appleton, Green Bay and Milwaukee.
Town attorney Michael Bauer says that this is just a concept and nothing concrete. "We need a concept to show developers, to show investors how this area could look, what it would look like, so that people are willing to stick down some money." Emison says incentives will likely be available. "The town has already got some things in place looking at tax increment financing districts, which will be a huge help in terms of incentives for developers to really create that movement and get something going."
That area of the county has already been growing rapidly, with businesses like Walmart, Texas Roadhouse and Menards on site, and a Sam's Club being built.