Mar. 3, 2025 9p
(WGTD)---Kenosha Mayor Dave Bogdala--on the job for less than a year--gave his first 'state of the city' address Monday night.
It was filled with a long list of accomplishments and positives: Crime down 12% last year. Property inspections up 80%. Building permits up 12%. He also cited various public works projects, mentioned new industries and referenced the thriving downtown and the fledgling Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood.
In addition, Bogdala used the speech to restate his vision for the city. "We're building a city that is forward-thinking, opportunity-driven and committed to prosperity for all," said Bogdala, continuing: "The work is far from over, but one thing is clear: Kenosha is flourishing. And together we're shaping a future filled with promise."
The speech was delivered just before the start of a regularly-scheduled council meeting.
Within minutes, the topic swung to one of the city's big challenges: The housing shortage. Marietta Huff, representing Immanuel Methodist Church, requested during citizens' comments that the council consider relaxing an ordinance that prohibits churches from temporarily housing homeless individuals. During a recent cold spell, the church opened its basement to about 20 people, in apparent violation of a city ordinance. Huff appeared with and introduced two women who were homeless.
Later in the meeting, the council, at the request of administration, deferred for two weeks consideration of a proposal to build "affordable" apartments in the Wilson neighborhood. Some single-family homeowners in the area had complained.
The Bear Development project would be located just north of 45th St. and east of 39th Ave. The 94 units--with about half reserved for seniors--would be built in two wings, four-stories tall.
The alderman of the area, Anthony Kennedy, reluctantly supports the project. "I'm not excited, but I see the need," Kennedy said at a recent Plan Commission meeting. The apartments would be suited, he said, for tenants pulling down incomes in line with those of new teachers and firefighters.
Mayor Bogdala requested the deferral to give the developer time to work through a few additional things.
Bogdala recently announced an initiative designed to increase the number of new homes on vacant city lots that can be sold for less than $350,000.
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