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Many residents opposed the development, saying it could increase traffic, worsen flooding and disrupt the natural habitat of eagles and pelicans. In December 2024, the city held a neighborhood meeting at the Hedberg Public Library, which residents packed to voice concerns about the proposal.

Cassandra Pope, a current city council candidate, said during that 2024 meeting that approving the project could put already at-risk residents in danger.

“If the city approves the project, it would be putting already at-risk members of the community, who don’t have the money for extra flood insurance, at further risk of losing personal belongings and homes to flooding,” Pope said at the time.

In an interview Tuesday with ����Vlog��ý, Pope said she was thrilled to hear about Monday’s unanimous vote.

“I had tears in my eyes,” she said. “That piece of land is near and dear to my heart. Living just steps from there, I just so appreciate the city’s decision to turn that land into conservancy. It shows a much better use for that land.”

Pope said she understands the need for additional housing, including affordable housing, but believes the proposal was misplaced.

“It was the right plan but the wrong space,” she said.

The city originally purchased the property at 101 Rockport Road to remove blighted structures, provide greater river access for the community, expand open space and allow for a future paved bike trail extension along the riverfront.

The property, formerly the site of an Accudyne Industries facility, is considered a brownfield with residual soil and groundwater contamination. In 2005, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a closure notice for the site with no requirement for additional engineering controls or a cap.

City officials determined a residential development would be financially prohibitive because of the environmental investigation and mitigation likely required for redevelopment.

In May 2025, the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee recommended the property be designated as a city park.

As the Plan Commission and Planning Division finalize a rewrite of the city’s zoning and subdivision code, a citywide remapping will accompany the new ordinances. Under the updated map, the property at 101 Rockport Road would be zoned “C-Conservancy,” formally implementing its parkland designation.

The zoning change, along with the broader zoning map and updated ordinances, is expected to return to the council for final adoption later this spring following a recommendation from the Plan Commission.

Council member Heather Miller said she supported the rezoning and called the land a beautiful natural area.

“There is a great deal of wildlife,” Miller said. “And if you’re lucky enough to see any of the pelicans or the eagles, I would highly recommend you stop in, especially as spring comes about. It’s beautiful. So, I’m happy to support this.”