JANESVILLE — Center Avenue is set for reconstruction, the future of the former GM site remains uncertain and the Rock County Health Department has declared the south side a nutrition desert.

Could these challenges for city leaders also be a spark to address the south side of Janesville’s most pressing issues?

A forum Wednesday organized by the non-partisan, good government group Rock County Civics Academy will bring together a panel of residents and city leaders to discuss a long-term plan for the south side.

It is a followup to last month’s forum exploring what would need to be done to bring a full-service grocery story to the south side.

Among the topics will be the proposed Tax Increment Financing District 42 that could be a lifeline to the region, affordable housing and workforce recruiting and the need for a full-service grocery store. 

With the city redoing its growth master plan, many say now is the time to bring all of these elements into focus.

Join the Rock County Civics Academy Wednesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. in the commons of Allen Hall at UW Rock County to sort it all out. 

Those attending will be able to ask questions of the panelists.

The forum will stream live on the Rock County Civics Academy Facebook page.

Panelists include:

• Courtney Nathan, Rock County Public Health Strategist
• Cathy Erdman, long time southside resident and an organizer of SNOW, a community coalition of concerned citizens
• Gale Price, VP of business development at Blackhawk State Bank and former city of Janesville Economic Development Director
• City Council member Richard Neeno
• City Council member Heather Miller, a southside resident

The forum will lay out the facts and put together a plan of action to address the perfect storm settling over the south side.