Council members urge against placing rendering plant near Florence residential areas

The Village of Ashwaubenon Plan Commission meeting held on April 2, 2025, addressed several key topics concerning local development and community concerns. The meeting began with discussions on the potential placement of a rendering plant near residential areas in Florence. Concerns were raised about the impact on neighborhood quality, particularly regarding unpleasant odors associated with such facilities. One member referenced a recent visit to Kaukauna, noting the strong smell that residents experienced, which he described as reminiscent of his childhood, calling it the "smell of money."

The conversation then shifted to the topic of intergovernmental cooperation in economic development. A representative highlighted the existence of multi-jurisdictional tax increment districts as a tool for municipalities to collaborate on development projects. However, it was noted that such initiatives are rare in Wisconsin due to their complexity. The discussion emphasized the need for careful planning and consideration if the village were to pursue this option.

The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of these topics, indicating that the commission would need to deliberate on the implications of both the rendering plant proposal and the potential for intergovernmental collaboration in future sessions. Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of balancing economic development with community well-being.