Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels had a lot to say during his State of the City address last night.
His speech began at 6:00 PM on the City of Manitowoc Facebook page, where he started by highlighting all the work that has been done and is planned for the downtown area. One major aspect of the future of the downtown area is the former CN Peninsula, now known as the River Point District.
“This 20+ acres of land just west of the 10th Street bridge is truly remarkable,” the Mayor stated. “There are many cities who would love the opportunity to have 20 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to their downtown and along their river.”
He also pointed to the beautification of the city through the Blight program, and the new City app, which makes communicating with the public much simpler. “What this app allows you to do is get emergency alerts for winter parking bans, snow emergencies, and tornado warnings,” Nickles explained. “You get a text right to your phone when one of those things happens. We strongly encourage you to download the app.”
Mayor Nickels also pointed to the growth of current businesses in the city, as well as the addition of several new businesses such as Ammo Inc, Kone Crane, Alliance Laundry, Robinson Metal, and Sabbatical Brewing.
Another major talking point was the former Elks Club property, now known as Bayshore Development. Lastly, Nickels addressed his 2021 City Budget, namely the $6 million set aside for road repairs, and the fact that the City’s debt is continuing to decrease.
His opponent in the upcoming Spring Election, Chris Able, issued a response to the address, which he said felt like “being on a visitor’s tour bus.”
In the video, Able issued several questions, including, “Is the wheel tax generating the expected revenues? Are those revenues meeting the needs we have to get the roads done? Why are you reporting less than two months into a 12-month budget cycle? Why is this the first State of the City in over 10 years?”
Able went on to call the speech a “sorry bit of political theater.”
He also said, “It really didn’t tell us much, except that Mr. Nickels is suddenly very eager to look like he has been doing something.”
Able’s full response can be viewed on his YouTube Channel, ABLE VOTE, and the full State of the City Address can be seen on the City of Manitowoc Facebook Page.
