The Portage City Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the common council adopt a resolution amending the project plan and boundaries of Tax Incremental District No. 8 to add territory for a proposed multifamily development.

John Cameron, a municipal advisor with Ehlers, told commissioners the district — created in June 2014 as a mixed‑use tax increment district — is being proposed for a first amendment to add territory to the south for a planned three‑building, 72‑unit market‑rate multifamily development. "This would go before the common council, this coming Monday, the 20 fourth," Cameron said during the presentation. He said the developers’ project is currently estimated to generate a little over $12,000,000 of new taxable value and that the associated development incentives shown in the project plan total approximately $1,800,000 on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis.

Cameron and city staff explained how the municipal revenue obligation (MRO) works: it typically is included in the development agreement and is not a general obligation of the city, so payment depends on the development’s performance. Cameron said the amendment itself does not obligate the city to enter into an MRO; approving the amendment would make the parcels eligible for incentives if the city later chooses to negotiate a development agreement.

City staff said the proposed addition involves an approximately 5‑acre parcel (parcel 2442.102) plus three nearby parcels, and that the developers, Todd Nelson and Bill Clemens, have submitted a site plan and stormwater management plan that will come before the commission on December 15 along with a conditional‑use permit for a large group development. Staff noted the proposal would retain roughly 2 acres as green space.

Commissioners questioned whether the projection included an expansion of a nearby assisted‑living facility; staff and Cameron clarified the projection did not include that expansion and said any such expansion would only increase increment to the district. Commissioners also discussed whether pedestrian infrastructure or nearby projects could be financed through the TID; Cameron said sidewalk or pedestrian work could be included in the project as part of the incentive if a clear benefit to TID 8 is demonstrated and incorporated into the development agreement.

Commissioner Egan moved to recommend the resolution to the common council; Commissioner Sulik seconded. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with all present voting in the affirmative (Commissioner Foster recorded as excused). The commission’s recommendation means the item will proceed to the common council and then to the joint review board as required under the TID process.