Planning a better Superior

Feb. 10--Just a few years ago, Superior's population was 27,244, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, but 2015 census estimates show the population at 26,817.

Several small businesses and two major retailers have closed their doors over the last year or so.

Coupled with an aging housing stock, a median income of $40,198 in 2015 census estimates -- compared to $53,357 for the state of Wisconsin -- Superior has some work to do to slough off its economic woes and turn itself around.

And all four candidates vying to be the city's next mayor have ideas for addressing the city's challenges.

Brent Fennessey, 34, Kalee Hermanson, 31, Mike Herrick, 58, and Jim Paine, 35, are all hoping to the guide the city to a better future.

"I am realistic and understanding," said Hermanson, a member of the city's Plan Commission. "I spent countless hours learning about the complexities of our city, and have thought out realistic opportunities for positive change now and into the future."

She said her passion and dedication to this "beautiful city" will drive her actions as mayor.

"My assets include integrity, trust, leadership, being a lifelong resident and the experience that I have acquired while serving eight years on the City Council and serving on various committees, said Herrick, who has served as the 8th District councilor for almost eight years.

"I really like to tell people I have a strong sense of vision; I can clearly articulate where I want to take the city," said Paine, vice chairman of the Douglas County Board.

"I have seen what it takes to run a successful business, and look forward to bringing that experience and eagerness to prosper to the city of Superior," said Fennessey, who represents the 5th District on the Council.

Housing

For Superior, the 900-pound gorilla in the room is housing.

A study by Maxfield Research and Consulting last year revealed 934 new housing units -- across all housing types -- will be needed over 10 years to meet demand.

Nearly 80 percent of all available housing in the city was constructed before 1990 -- about 37 percent was constructed before 1940, according to U.S. Census estimates.

"The city currently has put their vacant lots for sale for individuals to purchase," Herrick said. "I would like to encourage citizens to look at these parcels if they would like a building site that is more affordable than those sites that are for sale from an independent developer ... I would like to work with local banks to develop a program for low-interest loans for individuals to upgrade their current properties. I currently live in a home that was built in 1894. My wife and I have been working on our house doing upgrades when time permits. It is a work in progress. I would like to look into what programs may be available from the state to help in renovating existing housing stock."

However, Herrick said there are projects in the works that will help, such as Cottages of Superior in South Superior and future apartments at the soon to be renovated Lurye Building, which is planned for mixed use, retail and residential.

"We need housing at all levels with an emphasis on market rate housing that will expand our tax base to pay for city services," Fennessey said. "Within the first 30 days of taking office, I will form a Housing Task Force."

He said the task force will address four major areas -- new housing development, mixed use, maintenance of the current housing stock and senior housing.

"I truly believe that we have too many homes that are being taken down and razed over the past few years, and nothing new is going up in their place," Hermanson said. "As mayor, I want to establish a vacant housing recycling program. That's one in which homes were previously razed or are pending being razed would be sold for extremely minimal amounts and offering incentive on repairs and renovations."

Hermanson said she would also like to establish a rental housing inspection program to ensure the safety of housing for people who rent.

"I really believe in the importance of rehabilitation," Paine said. "Every campaign I have seen in the last couple of most local offices talks about our aging housing stock and how that's one of our biggest challenges. But to be honest, I see it as one of our biggest opportunities. Our housing stock is very historic and even some of the most blighted properties are very savable."

Paine said many Midwest communities tackle aging housing by incentivizing the sale of older homes -- selling the property for as little as $1 in exchange for renovations, which is a much more affordable option over building new for young families, but he acknowledged that new housing is essential -- particularly mixed-use housing.

Economy

Paying for new housing and renovations takes money, and for many that is a challenge in Superior.

All of the candidates have ideas for turning around the city's fortunes.

"I will utilize the previous administration's economic development committee, Hermanson said. "I will put together a strong group of diverse people who have a desire to work around the clock to bring in industry and new business. We can also utilize special grants and programs to recruit and maintain those large businesses."

By partnering with "our world-class schools," Hermanson said the city can create and maintain jobs for young professionals, existing residents and the kind of opportunity where people can stay in Superior to raise their families.

"We can work to make sure we are seeking those high-paying jobs," Hermanson said. "Tourism, restaurants and retail is great, but really, we need that manufacturing business ... to highlight those businesses."

She said she plans to talk to manufacturers to determine what kinds of businesses would help them be successful and target those kinds of businesses for recruitment.

"Before I go out looking for new businesses and try to lure them here, offering incentives, I want to make sure we incentivize and reward businesses that have already invested here," Paine said. "One they've already proven they can make it in this environment and that's a sound investment so we know those jobs are here to stay. Second, they actually care about this place and they're here for more reasons than just economics. When you look around at the businesses and big industries that are here ... they have a connection to this place. They didn't just chose it for the economics."

He said those locally-grown businesses have demonstrated their worth.

"I'm not a big believer in development for development's sake and I think too many communities give away the farm trying to lure big businesses that have no investment in our community, and are willing to pack it up and leave as soon as the economics get challenging," Paine said. "So I want to make sure we continue to invest in this community."

Herrick said recruitment is an important component of growing Superior's economy.

The city must continually seek out growing companies and offer them incentives that will attract them to Superior," Herrick said. "Business growth continues in the Twin Cities. I want to contact those businesses that offer livable wages, that are growing and expanding in the Twin Cities and offer them incentives to relocate here. Some of those incentives could be tax credits and utility installments."

One of the advantages Superior has is Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Superior that have the capacity to adjust and create training for any type of business, Herrick said.

"We need to focus on fostering an economic environment where businesses want to invest in Superior," Fennessey said. "We can't solely focus on bringing in new businesses into Superior; business retention needs to also be a top priority. Progress is being made on the buildings that once held big box stores and I would expect those filled by the end of the year."

Fennessey said in addition, the city needs to focus on niche retail for locations on Tower Avenue and Belknap Street that will enhance what the Twin Ports has to offer.

"At the same time we focus on bringing retail back to Superior, we will also focus on bringing industry here," Fennessey said. "Current industries in Superior are finding success, and we need to keep building upon that. It's important to have a mix of diverse businesses as a way to weather the economic ups and downs, and maintain the current jobs we have to offer."

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