De Pere · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Main Avenue slope design
The city had to pick how to fix the weedy, unmowable slope by the railroad bridge on Main Avenue as part of the upcoming DOT project. Prairie plantings won out over half-a-million-dollar concrete — cheaper, prettier, and what most nearby residents wanted.
Broadway/Cook Intersection Safety
The crash-prone Broadway and Cook intersection may finally get help: a state grant would replace the old signals and add left-turn arrows to clear the sight-line problem causing accidents. The city pays only 10%.
South Bridge Connector project agreements
The city reworked its cost-sharing deal with Brown County so TID funds cover segments 15 and 16 while the county absorbs segment 18, which had no funding besides borrowing. The city's total corridor share has dropped sharply, easing pressure on general borrowing and taxpayers.
Pedestrian safety at Wisconsin/George and De Pere High School roundabout
A resident says crossing Wisconsin and George Streets is so difficult some people avoid the farmers market, and students struggle at the high school roundabout. Her ideas — no left turns on green, longer crossing signals, flashing beacons — will go to the Parking and Traffic Committee in October.
Grant Street railroad crossing disrepair
Residents have complained about the rough railroad crossing on Grant Street. CN Railroad hasn't responded to repair requests since February; if the railroad keeps ignoring the city, the council could refer the matter to the state Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, which can force action.
Four-way stop request at Suburban and Grant
Residents asked for an all-way stop near the route to West De Pere High School, but a traffic study didn't support it and staff said no. A traffic circle may be considered when the county rebuilds Grant Street years from now.
Pedestrian beacons on Broadway
Flashing crosswalk beacons are planned at Broadway & Randall and Broadway & Cass in the 2027 budget, targeting two of the toughest four-lane crossings downtown near a bus stop and Fox River Trail access.
South Broadway resurfacing and potential bike lane
The DOT is resurfacing South Broadway next year, and Alderperson Hansen wants the city to ask about extending a bike lane from Merrill Street to Bomier Street. Staff will check with the state and report back.
State transportation fund sustainability
De Pere joined the call for a long-term, sustainable fix to Wisconsin's transportation fund — a signal to Madison that local road needs aren't being met.
STH 32 Reconstruction Easement Payments
Property owners along STH 32 between Eighth and Third Streets will be paid for temporary limited easements needed for the road reconstruction.
Transportation utility legal status
Alderperson Hansen asked for an update on the transportation utility idea that was tabled years ago amid court cases — a potential new way to fund street maintenance.
2026 Street Reconstruction and Repair Contracts
Ontario Street gets rebuilt and concrete street repairs are funded citywide for 2026, with the MSC Expansion contract coming in under budget.
Old Plank Road resurfacing agreement with Ledgeview
De Pere and the Town of Ledgeview will split the pulverize-and-pave job on their shared stretch of Old Plank Road by front footage, similar to last year's O'Keefe Road deal.
Ninth Street strip mall driveway traffic concerns
A resident worries the new strip mall's connecting driveway to Festival Foods will create turning conflicts near the post office, Shell station and Walgreens. Staff will study it once the development is functioning.
Four-way stop request denied at Charles and Michigan
A resident request for a four-way stop didn't come close to traffic warrants — 561 and 324 vehicles per day versus thresholds measured in vehicles per hour. No change to the intersection.
Sidewalk connections from downtown to Voyageur Park
Resident Mike Bragelman told the Council there's no safe pedestrian route from downtown to Voyageur Park, especially in winter. The matter will go to the Parking and Traffic Committee.
Generations Boulevard street renaming
Southbridge, Red Maple and Rockland Roads on the Southern Bridge Bypass will be renamed Generations Boulevard.
Traffic regulation changes near Braisher Park and Scheuring Road
New no-parking zones on Martin and Washington Streets near Braisher Park, plus a no-stopping zone on Scheuring Road near Patriot Way. Should improve safety and parking turnover around the park.