SB 306

This bill expands the authorized uses of three parcels of lakebed that were

granted by the state to the City of Racine between 1917 and 1963 and that remain

unsubmerged through the use of lakebed fill.

Identified parcels

The bill identifies three parcels to which the bill applies:

1. One parcel of submerged land conveyed to the City of Racine in 1917 for the

purpose of a public park.

2. One parcel of partly submerged land conveyed to the City of Racine in 1937

for the purpose of providing various public facilities, including docks, wharves,

highways, and parks.

3. One parcel of partly submerged land conveyed to the City of Racine in 1963

for the purpose of providing various public facilities, including docks, wharves,

highways, and parks, and for providing water recreation.

General use

This bill provides that the owner of the identified parcels may use the parcels

for any public or public-private use, including the placement, replacement, or repair

of structures, subject to restrictions. “Public-private use” means any use authorized

by resolution of the common council of the city of Racine under a public-private

partnership that is consistent with a public development plan. The bill makes the

following restrictions on all uses of the specified parcels:

1. The 15 vertical feet above the surface of the lakebed fill may not be conveyed

out of public ownership or converted to a private use.

2. Public use of the parcel must provide or increase public recreation, arts,

event, or civic opportunities in or near navigable waters or increase or improve public

access to navigable water.

3. The public owner of the parcel must maintain control over any private

interest in and use of the parcel through use of specified contractual requirements.

4. At least 20 percent of property tax revenues generated from a public-private

partnership must be dedicated to support and improve public access to and

enjoyment of navigable waters or recreational opportunities within the parcels.

5. The majority of the land area of the parcels must remain in public ownership,

be open to the public, and not be subject to public-private use.

Hotel development

The bill further authorizes the development of a hotel at a specified location on

a portion of the identified parcels, subject to the following requirements:

1. The hotel must have an observation deck on the uppermost story or rooftop

that offers views of Lake Michigan and is accessible to the public.

2. The hotel must have a restaurant on the uppermost story or rooftop that

offers views of Lake Michigan and is accessible to the public.

3. The operator of the hotel must operate an adjacent municipal conference