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46 | I NSIGH T • D e c e m b e r 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m cropping up recently among downtown advocates is the need to increase the availability and type of housing in the downtown area to meet the needs of both current residents and those seeking to move into the area, a group that ranges from young millennials to empty- nest baby boomers. "What would really serve the downtown is to have more robust residential options," says Josh Dukelow, key accounts manager for Fox Valley Technical College and a member of the board of directors for Appleton Downtown, Inc. "People want to live downtown. Right now, they can't always find the options they want." e housing piece was one of the priorities identified by the Appleton Downtown board at a recent planning retreat, Dukelow says. Other items topping the list include attracting a corporate headquarters to the downtown area and finding additional ways to tie the redevelopment of the riverfront to the downtown area. Development leaders from several Fox River communities gathered in Appleton in November to discuss the resurgence of the river when it comes to economic development. Leaders from Appleton showed off projects such as Fratello's, the Fox River Mills, Trolley Square, the Woolen Mills and RiverHeath as some of the city's best riverfront projects. But the bluff that blocks the view between College Avenue and the riverfront creates a psychological barrier that oen keeps development in the two areas separated when in fact they are actually quite close. "I think it is even better for the community if we can partner the commercial success of downtown with the riverfront," Dukelow says. Two projects that could further enhance that connection are slowly inching towards fruition. Plans for the Fox Cities Exposition Center moved dramatically forward in November when the Appleton City Council approved the agreements and room tax increase for its construction. e other 10 communities that must also approve the room tax increase were scheduled to complete their deliberations by Nov. 30. If approved, plans can move forward for construction of a convention center on West Lawrence Street in downtown Appleton, connected to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel and estimated to cost $27.5 million. Once open, the new convention facility is projected to increase convention business nearly $5.5 million annually. A new expo center would also create new dynamics for the downtown economy, another ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT New tax laws ahead. We'll help guide you through the maze of recent changes in tax laws, IRS procedures, investment strategies, compliance, and health care laws. Don't get lost in the chaos. Call Alberts & Heling today. ALBERTS & HELING t a x e s i n v e s t m e n t s c o n s u l t i n g Alberts & Heling CPA's, LLC www.alberts-heling-cpas.com Green Bay: Fox VAlley: Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Alberts & Heling CPAs and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities. Neither Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. nor its representatives or employees provide legal or tax advice. Alberts & Heling CPA's LLC, 1977 American Dr Suite 202, Neenah WI 54956 A_AL03-0715 Insight Tax Ad 2015_Final.indd 2 8/20/15 5:02 PM with us, it's personal Helping you and your family achieve personal prosperity through business success. 920-882-4800 www.myprospera.com Prospera views your business as an integral part of your life. We ensure that both your personal and business financial matters are managed holistically. We're here for you, no matter where you are. • Starting or purchasing a business • Growing your business/ in business • Moving toward retirement Mike Sanders VP Commercial Lending Maria Young Business Development Specialist