City leaders look at redevelopment possibilities of Oscar Mayer plant

Madison city leaders are trying to put together a vision for the site of the soon-to-be vacant Oscar Mayer plant.

Mayor Paul Soglin said neighbors should be patient because it could be a while before the site is developed.

He said one outbuilding may be saved, but the rest of the site might be taken down.

Soglin said the city is not interested in housing or retail because the city wants something that will generate jobs in the area and a solid wage base.

“We do have to be prepared for a long period of time,” Soglin said. “These kinds of sites often do not get developed for up to 10 years. Secondly, it’s very very unlikely that anyone can utilize the manufacturing site itself.”

Soglin expects the redevelopment to be in the range of $10 to $20 million.

Kraft-Heinz announced last November they would be closing the plant after 100 years. The plan it expected to fully close in March.