"I don't want a 30-story tower:" Hundreds of people attend public meeting for possible new development in Bayside

BAYSIDE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of people attended a public meeting in Bayside on Thursday evening to discuss a possible new development near Brown Deer and Port Washington Road. 

Officials held the meeting to discuss how any new development would be paid for through tax increment financing. 

"It's a first step. It's about creating a project plan to explore the potential of redevelopment whether it's the current developer or someone else who would come forward for options in that area," said Andy Pederson, Village Manager.

The Community Development District is trying to decide if the area will be a tax increment district, meaning the taxes from the growth of the chosen development will go towards paying for it.

But most people didn't come to the meeting to talk about the tax increment district. Many were concerned about the Cobalt Partners proposal to build a $200 million mixed-use development featuring a 30-story residential tower. 

Some residents even put up signs in front of their home stating "No Bayside Skyscraper."

"Yes, I am with the people who planned the signs all over town. I don't want a 30-story tower standing on our door step," said one Bayside resident.

Others say this kind of development will be good for the village. 

"There's two reasons why I think it will be a success. The amenities, housing, retail, commercial, and restaurants," one resident said.

"It's next to the freeway on the freeway interchange. This is the right spot for this kind of development," another resident said. 

The Community Development Authority did not make a decision during the meeting. They will discuss the tax increment district at the next meeting which will be next week on October 4.