City grant on hold for Garden Terrace on north side

No city grant help yet on a big new development on La Crosse’s north side.

The city’s Economic Development Commission on Thursday held off on a decision to provide TIF funding for the Garden Terrace apartments development.

The commission cited gaps in current funding for the project. Despite that, north side city council member Scott Neumeister, who represents the development area, feels optimistic about the project.

“A lot of people are looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to help those in need and to really bring some quality help into our area.”

The group, Impact Seven, is looking for a $200,000 from the city. That represents 2 percent of the total $10.7 million project cost for the 50 Garden Terrace apartment project next to the Kane St. Community Garden.

The commission cited “too many unknowns with (the developer’s) design, construction costs and remaining financing gap.”

“I’m not really worried that it’s not going to get built,” Neumeister said. “They believe they’re going to obtain the financing. (But) absolutely it’s taken longer than expected.”

Eventually the development will consist of 50 apartments and a community center. Some of the apartments will be rent assisted and aimed at homeless veterans, among others.

“It’s been an area that we’ve struggled with in the past,” Neumeister said. “It’s an area that’s been difficult to develop. I believe this is the perfect type of, you know, something we want to build there and a great addition to the north side.”