by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – Sheboygan’s South Pier is ready for a major makeover. The pier, first constructed in 1873, has been included in a $51.3 million appropriation for structure repairs by the Army Corp of Engineers and work will begin this April.
Concerns about that project coinciding with the Ryder Cup Tournament taking place at Whistling Straits was voiced during last week’s meeting of the Sheboygan Redevelopment Authority. The project will require use of a grass area at the end of South Pier Drive for staging equipment and materials, effectively cutting off boardwalk access of the area for many that are expected to visit or stay in the South Pier District while attending the golf event. When asked by the Authority if the Corp was aware of the Ryder Cup, Planning and Development Director Chad Pelishek replied that they’d been informed, but that if funding is not accepted now, then the money will be spent elsewhere.
In order to remedy the situation, the Redevelopment Authority approved a Right of Entry document that will require construction of a temporary walkway on the south end of the boardwalk so users can get around. Completion of the South Pier Reconstruction is expected by the end of 2022.