Green Bay considers rezoning former Georgia-Pacific paper mill

The Green Bay Planning Commission in the United States approved on Monday, January 15, by a five-to-one vote, the recommendation to rezone the former Georgia-Pacific paper mill at 500 Day Street from industrial use to downtown urban use. The city council is now set to review and discuss the proposal during its meeting on January 21.

The mill, officially closed in September 2023 after 122 years of operation, was put up for sale. Despite the commission’s decision to move forward, Georgia-Pacific has requested more time for potential investors to submit their offers.

Chris Brennan, Public Affairs Manager for Georgia-Pacific’s Green Bay Operations, asked the commission to delay its decision by 30 to 60 days, noting that the site has already been toured by 10 to 12 potential buyers, some of whom have returned for follow-up visits. “Our objective is to ensure that any future use is physically and financially feasible and mutually beneficial to the community, Georgia-Pacific, and the potential buyer. Also, we would like to ensure that the positive and productive relationship that Georgia-Pacific has had with the city over the past few decades continues,” Brennan stated.

However, commission members argued that delaying the decision would only slow down the process, which involves several stakeholders. Jim Hutchinson, a city alder and member of the Planning Commission, highlighted the importance of engaging with the buyers to understand their vision for the site’s future.

With the commission’s recommendation now approved, the city council will decide whether to rezone the site or send the case back to the Planning Commission for further consideration.