Welcome

neenahfirst.com is a web site intended to notify folks who reside in the first district about recent developments or other events for which they may have an interest. Although the information will be geared toward the first district, I am sure residents throughout the city will find the information both helpful and informative. Here you will also find meeting dates and times for different committees, contact information, and other valuable information.

Nick Piergrossi I am working hard to: Ensure the economic viability of our community Increase the efficiency of your tax dollars Maintain a superior communication between residents and the City of Neenah Protect property rights of Neenah citizens I represent your interests on the following committees: Public Safety and Services Committee Plan Commission Neenah/Menasha Joint Consolidation Review Committee Council Liaison to the Neenah Public Library Board of Trustees TIF Review Board City Services Review Task force

Downtown Redevelopment :

One of the most common questions I have been receiving deals with the currently proposed redevelopment project in the downtown. The former Glatfelter Mill property is being acquired by the city in order to redevelop it. The question is this, "Why is the city spending the money to buy the property and not simply allow a redeveloper to do the project?"

Well the world we live in today, right or wrong - gives governmental bodies special treatment as compared to the private sector. The city of Neenah receives environmental exemptions that the private sector is simply not entitled to. So the question is: Is it beneficial to use the special exemption, add value to the tax base, remove the environmental contamination, or simply allow a mothballed manufacturing facility to sit there on prime real estate within the downtown area until such time it is financially beneficial for the private sector to take on such a task...if ever?

Burning Tires in Downtown?:

As reported by the Post Crescent: A plan to burn shredded tires as fuel in Fox Valley Energy Center's paper sludge combustor will undergo an additional three weeks of review. Advertisement Marney Hoefer, a staff attorney for the state Department of Natural Resources, said public comments on the proposal would be accepted until Sept. 25. Hoefer said the DNR also would hold a public hearing on the issue at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at City Hall, 211 Walnut St.

"No decision will be made until after that hearing," Hoefer said. Fox Valley Energy Center applied for an exemption to its air pollution control permit to test the burning of "tire-derived fuel," instead of coal, in its combustor to reduce operating costs. The plant recycles paper sludge into steam for nearby paper mills.

The DNR made a preliminary determination that the three-month test would not present a significant hazard to public health or the environment. It initially allowed a 10-day comment period, which ended recently.

Local government officials and residents demanded a more comprehensive review. Mayor George Scherck said the potential smell from burning shredded tires could have "a major detrimental impact" on the downtown and surrounding neighborhood. "While I understand they have to meet the same emission standards that are currently in place, our experience has been that little is done relative to smell," Scherck said in an e-mail to the DNR. State Sen. Michael Ellis, R-Neenah, asked the DNR what monitoring devices would be used to determine the effect on air quality. "We can all sympathize with the company's request, but we have a responsibility to maintain air quality to protect public health and the general environment, especially for the adjacent neighborhood," Ellis said.

John Gillen, 402 E. Wisconsin Ave., has opposed the plant since its inception. The proposal to burn shredded tires has strengthened his resolve. "I am totally against it, and I hope something can be done to stop it," Gillen said.

Historic Clocktower:

If you are interested in contributing towards the revitalization of the Neenah Clocktower, please send your contribution to:

Please keep in mind that all donations are tax-deductible.