we asked several business leaders in those communities to look into the future and make a wish list for development – both fantasy and reality.
Here’s what they said:
Barb Riley, Director of Business Development, Riley Construction:
“While I enjoy the large amount of work available making it easier to obtain work, what I really want to see for both communities – because I own a business in one (Kenosha) and live in another, but do business in both –
I’d like to see well thought out and well planned growth. If it goes too fast it gets too out of control and it’ll end up doing some damage to the community. If it’s well thought out, well planned and controlled, it’ll be good for the communities. I would take that over
an over-abundance of work that I could just keep obtaining.” And her fantasy? “I would love to see – I’ve always loved to see – less competition, but that’s a fantasy.”
Matt Wagner, Executive Director
Downtown Racine Corporation:
“Within five years, I’d like to see two anchor developments completed and thriving and see our retail base make a strong comeback.” Wagner notes he’s a realist and expects the Downtown plan to proceed as planned.
Russ Weyers, Executive Vice President, Johnson Bank:
“I would say that the community (Racine) figures out how to put its
public education issues behind it and move forward. That may be a fantasy.
I think if I could pick one thing that would help the community, that would be the biggest thing. I think it will
happen. I hope it happens. I’m not a fantasy-type guy. I’m pretty much a realist. If that could happen, the population of Racine would be very happy.”
Brian Kult, President,
Johnson Bank-Kenosha Market:
“From a realistic standpoint, I would say that as we continue to have growth, all areas of government, education, and municipalities are able to work together to find solutions to accommodate it from infrastructures and from schools providing educated employees for the work force. I also hope the community leaders are able to really continue to have a vision for the future.”
And Kult’s fantasy? “I would say that housing prices continue to stay below the average as we continue to grow because that’s not going to happen.”
