Illegal dumping impacting Sheboygan neighborhood
The fines for illegal dumping in the City of Sheboygan range from $50 to $2,000
SHEBOYGAN — For months, residents in Sheboygan’s Gateway Neighborhood have had to look at a pile of garbage on Erie Avenue.
Despite the signage in the windows, the RUFF Rage Room is no longer located at the EBCO Venture Center in the 1200 block of Erie Avenue but junk continues to pile up outside. The illegal dumping is occurring under the cover of darkness, usually after 9 PM according to neighbors. The owner, Nathan Taylor of Kohler, is responsible for the upkeep of the property.
Located just feet away from Sheboygan's busiest intersection, the eyesore has been seen by thousands who use Erie Avenue to get downtown or to the lakefront.
In June 1988, the Nemeschoff Chair Company purchased the EBCO Contract Furniture Company. In 1992, Tim Ebenreiter proposed selling the building to the City of Sheboygan for $150,000 for a Senior Center. The cost of demolition was estimated at $69,000. The city passed on the offer and he turned the complex into a incubator space for woodworking, warehousing, band practices, artist studios, and dog training. Ebenreiter passed away in January 2023 at the age of 76.
READ MORE: City of Sheboygan condemns EBCO Complex
Earlier this year, the City of Sheboygan condemned the 93,000-square-foot building, forcing the Rage Room, RUFF Academy, and other businesses to be evicted. According to documents obtained by WKTS News, building inspectors noted finding open wiring, extension cords being used in place of permanent wiring and obstructions near electrical panels. There has been no word if repairs will be made as the building has been put up for sale with speculation apartments will be built.
$1.2 million is the asking price for the expansive property, which spans over 1.4 acres. "Positioned near one of Sheboygan's busiest intersections, this prime location offers high visibility and accessibility, making it ideal for various commercial uses," according to the real estate listing. “Located in a qualified low-income census tract, this site may also offer potential incentives for re-development.”
In today’s society, it is easier for some to dump trash illegally if they know someone else has done it first. It doesn’t make it right. This is called the Broken Window Syndrome. The fines for illegal dumping in the City of Sheboygan range from $50 to $2,000 depending on the severity and number of violations. In some cases, jail time can be imposed.
To report illegal dumping in the City of Sheboygan, call (920) 459-3333 or visit sheboyganwi.gov.
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