Main Street proposes new downtown streetscape redesign project

TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk Main Street Inc. is proposing a project to redesign the streetscape in downtown Tomahawk.

Main Street Executive Director Jennifer Turkiewicz formally presented the proposal during the City of Tomahawk Board of Public Works meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, April 28.

The project stems from the removal of numerous ash trees along W. Wisconsin Ave. over the last several years.

The trees were removed due to emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees by eating the tissues under the bark.

Native to northeastern Asia, EAB was first detected in the United States in 2002 and is thought to have been introduced from China through the wood from shipping crates, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The invasive species was first found in Wisconsin in 2008. The DNR has said EAB is expected to kill more than 99% of Wisconsin's white, black and green ash trees, as well as their ornamental varieties.

EAB was first detected in the City of Tomahawk in the summer of 2023, after which, city and contracted crews worked to take down affected trees.

Due to EAB's high impact and mortality rates, all ash trees within the city, including those downtown, will eventually be removed and replaced with trees of other species.

In a written proposal provided to the board, Turkiewicz explained that with ash trees being taken down along W. Wisconsin Ave., Main Street is looking to be proactive in replacing them in an effort to keep downtown from “looking unkempt.”

The organization also hopes to go one step further by “(enhancing) the visual appeal, accessibility and overall experience” of the downtown area “while supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.”

According to the proposal, the proposed design includes updated landscaping, improved pedestrian features, decorative lighting and coordinated streetscape furnishings that “reflect the character and identity” of the Tomahawk community.

“Our goal is to create a cohesive and attractive public space that encourages people to spend more time downtown, supports economic vitality and aligns with our long-term community development goals,” the proposal stated. “The design has been developed with careful consideration of safety, maintenance and functionality while preserving the charm and heritage of the district.”

Turkiewicz told the board that Main Street will seek to utilize fundraising and grants to take on the project.

Main Street is also requesting help from the city via contributions of in-kind services and physical donations, rather than monetary support.

“This would involve city personnel engaging directly in the removal of ash trees – either by performing the work themselves or hiring a qualified, insured contractor – as well as stump grinding and clearing pavers from the tree wells,” the proposal said. “Additionally, boulders that were extracted during the bridge reconstruction could be donated by the city, with delivery and placement included at no extra charge, or managed by a reputable contractor, if needed.”

During the meeting, City of Tomahawk Streets Department Leadperson Nick Rosenmeier said he’s attended meetings with Main Street and JT Landscape Architecture, the project’s architect. Rosenmeier said the planning process has been “productive” and “cohesive.”

Regarding the city’s involvement in the project, Rosenmeier said things should work out.

“All (Main Street is) asking from us is some manpower … and a little bit of time and effort,” Rosenmeier stated.

Main Street said it will continue to organize volunteer committees responsible for watering, weeding and maintaining the garden wells and requested that upon the completion of the project, the city would assume responsibility of ownership.

After discussion, the board ultimately voted to allow Main Street to move forward with the project.

“Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the improvement of our community,” Main Street stated. “We look forward to working together to bring this vision to life.”