The City of Racine Common Council voted 11–1 on Oct. 21, 2025 to rescind action taken at the Oct. 7 meeting and to authorize the Community Development Authority to move forward with acquiring a parcel adjacent to a larger vacant site at 90 Rycord Court.

Alder Mac, who sought the change, said he initially hesitated on the earlier vote but later concluded the acquisition would “square up that parcel and make it more attractive for development.” He told colleagues the site is a “prime” parcel that has been vacant for years and that acquiring the small adjoining lot would help market the larger site for development.

Alder Frazier echoed those remarks and noted the site’s current annual revenue from a so-called “boat graveyard” is modest: about $1,600 a year, he said, arguing that the city’s work to spur development supports taking the parcel off the city’s books to return it to the tax roll. Several other alderpersons said the acquisition could help the city increase net new construction.

City Attorney and staff clarified procedural points after the motion. The council’s action included language finding that a comprehensive redevelopment plan was not necessary to determine need for the acquisition and authorizing the CDA to acquire the property even though it is not in an existing redevelopment area.

Why it matters: Council members said the move could make a larger redevelopment opportunity more marketable and contribute to the net new construction figures that help the city’s levy. Several alderpersons also cautioned that the city must continue to move expeditiously on other city-owned properties to realize similar gains.

The motion to rescind and to authorize the CDA’s acquisition was moved and seconded; the clerk recorded a roll call and the motion passed with 11 votes in favor and 1 opposed. The council then approved the related finding that a comprehensive redevelopment plan was not necessary.