Wisconsin’s Forward Communities

Community Development Comprehensive Funding Program

A

Proposed Pilot Project

For Hurley Wisconsin

What is the Concept

In the past the Department of Commerce has required communities to apply for funding on an individual project basis.

In this comprehensive approach, communities identify a variety of needs where the Department of Commerce can assist the whole community over a three to five year period

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

SWOT ANALYSIS

A part of Iron County Strategic Planning in 2003

County owned land with hardwooods

Great two school systems

Great highway and forestry building

Newly remodeled Courthouse

Beautiful senior housing

Positive People

Strengths

Industrial Park

Cary Road Park

Bordered by Lake Superior

Many inland lakes and rivers

Abundant snow for winter activities

Year round recreation

Strengths

Harbor on Lake Superior

Strong religious community

Four seasons

The people

Safe

Cooperation between communities

Strengths

County agencies cooperateClose to three hospitalsNearby airportThree class A highwaysLibrariesTourism destination

Strengths

Rich heritageActive chambers, civic groups to sponsor eventsHigh volume natural gas supplyAvailability of retail space

Strengths

Short supply of housingNo shoppingSmall town causes us to loose some businessLack of meeting facilitiesLack of recreational parkingDependence on weather

Weaknesses

Regional high taxesUndesirable businessesLow wage scaleShabby appearancePerception that focus is on HurleyLack of new youthful leadership in business community (entrepreneurial spirit)

Weaknesses

Business sector lacks diversityLack of infrastructure to support high techRailroads business has diminishedLocation is challenge to bring industrySeasonal tourismLack of peak time lodging

Weaknesses

Market and develop year round tourismDevelop Entrepreneurial programsDevelopment of Saxon HarborMarket ATV trialsImprove local attitude on what tourism means for economyDevelop and market silent sports

Opportunities

Opportunity for secondary wood product industriesDevelop downtown for retailMarket south shore of Lake SuperiorExpansion of airportBecome more aware of trends in marketplaceTechnology Zone program

Opportunities

High state taxesLack of financing from state and federal fundingExisting businesses thwart development of new businessesChanging weather patterns, snowfallCompetition from Michigan on economic incentives for businessLack of access to capital resources

Threats

Change in recreational trends over long termMandates with no funding

Threats

Proposed projects for a Department of Commerce Pilot Program

City of Hurley

Goal #1

Streetscape Renovations on Silver StreetInstall historic street lightsImprove sidewalksPlace benches along the streetIncorporate landscaping

To improve the visual aspect of downtown and encourage pedestrian traffic. This can be accomplished by coordinating with planned reconstruction of Silver Street.

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

First Impressions of Hurley

A visit by Crandon residents last summer gave Hurley an idea what visitors see when they first come into Hurley:General appearance of buildings-Most good, some in need of cosmetic and cheep cleaning upThe variety of shopping-Basic were there, but not on main street.Public amenities-no pay phones, drinking fountains or benchesPublic infrastructure-streets need upgrading, sidewalks are in dire need of repair, parking was limited on main street and very rough on back streets.Landscaping-none

Goal # 1

Encourage Storefront ImprovementsGet technical assistance on designIncorporate a historic themeEstablish a funding source through loans, grants or a combination.

This will further improve the visual aspect of the downtown by encouraging more pedestrian traffic and enticing new business development

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

Cosmetic Improvements

General Appearances

Goal #1

Link Silver Street activity to Historical MuseumContinue streetscape design with sidewalks, street lights, benches and landscaping along third avenue to the Museum.

This will visually make the Museum standout and incorporate another asset for downtown and increase traffic for all businesses.

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

Streetscape connection to the museum

Historical Museum

goal #1

Develop a downtown parkEstablish a public area with a band shell, information kiosk and restrooms

This would further encourage pedestrian traffic and entice new business development

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

Goal #1

Evaluate Business NeedsSurvey business owners and identify needs for marketing and promotion. Provide technical assistance on marketing for Silver Street

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

Goal #1

Provide a loan program to rennovate second floor apartments. This will keep activity in the downtown area and provide an added customer base

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

goal #1

Reinvigorate the Hurley Downtown Development Authority to provide input and oversee developments.

Improve the Downtown Business Climate

goal #2

Improve sanitary and storm sewer collection systemMake improvements as outlined in the study completed by MSA Professional Services in January 2005.A $6.2 million project to upgrade an old dilapidated system.Incorporate downtown sewer improvements with streetscape improvements.

This would put Hurley in compliance with a regional wastewater authority and help entice new business development.

Improve Sewer and Water System

Goal #2

Develop a water well in Hurley and make distribution system improvements.Make improvements according to the study completed by MSA Professional Services in February 2005.A $2.5 million project to develop Hurley’s own well and make system improvements.

Improve Sewer and Water System

Goal #2

Reconstruct city streets.Incorporate street reconstruction with planned water and sewer improvements

Improve Sewer and Water System

Goal #3

Extend County Road D to Highway 77. This has been a community development effort for many years.This would open up over 200 acres for a mixed use development of light industrial, commercial and residential.This would take heavy truck and bus traffic off of Silver Street improving safety and traffic flowEnhance pedestrian traffic in a newly designed streetscape for Silver Street.

Extend County Road D

County D Extension

Goal #4

Build an industrial spec building.Construct a building that would house smaller spaces for new and expanding businesses.Studies from northern Wisconsin show new job growth is coming from new and expanding businesses from the local area.

Expand Industrial Park

Hurley Industrial Park

Goal #5

Construct walking/biking trails.Develop non motorized trails around the Hurley School, to Cary Park, along the riverfront and connect them to the downtown area

Construct better parking areas for snowmobile and ATV traffic in the downtown area.

Develop Recreational Opportunities

Baseline data through surveys and demographic information.Develop an evaluation and measurement toolAnnual evaluation reportFinal evaluation report

Evaluation and Documentation of Outcomes

Create a Steering Committee. This committee would be made up of key stakeholders who would advise the City Council, work with the Department of Commerce and administer the program.Identify a single contact person who would manage the day to day operation of the project

Project Management

What’s Missing

These were projects that have been discussed for Hurley in the past.

Are there others?

Prioritize

Many of these projects fit together.

But where do we start and where do we end?