One north La Crosse block gets support for pumping basements

One city block in north La Crosse may be allowed to pump water from residential basements during the warm weather months this year. 

The board of public works has made that recommendation for the 300 block of Liberty Street, after hearing from one family which is having trouble paying for possible pumping. 

Several families in the north La Crosse floodplain have had to pump their basements in recent years, because of persisting flooding along the Mississippi.  

City council member Barb Janssen suggested the move, saying “Hopefully, we’ll be able to come up with some…big picture solution,’ cause that entire block really needs to be addressed.”  

In other public works business, a popular north-side bar in La Crosse may get a sidewalk cafe this spring. 

The proposal for Neuie’s Vogue bar on George Street has been okayed by the city board of public works. 

The bar has asked to set up tables either on the sidewalk only, or along the sidewalk and in the street. 

Concrete barriers would be used to protect the customers from traffic if the street option is approved. 

The Wisconsin DOT would have to permit the curbside plan, because George Street is part of state Highway 35.