Plan to sell north side La Crosse park likely on hold

The ultimate fate of a north side La Crosse park likely won’t be decided for another month.

The move to declare the 8.5 acre Wittenberg Park surplus property and put a for sale sign on it has been stalled so the city can collect public feedback on the plan.

With little notice, the city’s park board last month agreed to allowing the park to be sold so it can become some sort of housing development.

The city’s planning office has recommended to go ahead with the idea despite it being inconsistent with a land use master plan adopted several years ago.

City planner Jason Gilman says the idea doesn’t mean there won’t be green space on the site that’s right next to the interstate off of Highway 35.

He told WIZM the park could be “a public-private partnership to improve the park space” along with an “investment which could benefit the city.”

Among the reasons in favor cited by planning staff for selling off at least part of the park is high crime in the area and potential future demand for more housing.

Proceeds from a sale of the park land would be reinvested into other north side parks.