De Pere · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendments
Two proposed map changes would re-designate land for multi-family residential — one on Chicago Street and one on North Ashland Avenue — signaling where housing could be built.
Downtown shipping container conditional use
A downtown developer wants to use a shipping container as a food-and-beer venue behind Pasquale's and the future Nicolet Aleworks. Commissioners are wary of bare containers but intrigued enough to have staff draft design rules for a future vote.
Bellmark Plant 7 expansion zoning
Belmark, which took over a warehouse site originally planned for Bedford Paper, keeps expanding. The amendment extends its original deal — roughly $1.1 million in pay-go and land assistance over about 14 years — against an estimated $8.8 million increase in building value.
June 2026 Zoning Code Amendments
Annual technical updates to the zoning code: multifamily setbacks, a new 'pay-loan deposit business' category, egress windows, EV charging placement near building entrances, home-business rules, rooftop HVAC, street trees, fences and signs.
Historic building balcony at 301-305 Main Avenue
The owner of a contributing building in the Main Avenue Historic District won approval for a modern balcony on its highly visible east facade. Because the building isn't locally designated, the Historic Preservation Commission has no say — a tension between downtown vitality and historic character.