The Oscar Mayer plant came to Madison in 1919 and became a fixture of the Northside, employing thousands of workers over the years. In 2015, owner Kraft Heinz announced that the Madison plant would be closing and the headquarters moved to Chicago. The factory closed in June 2017, and Reich Brothers Holdings purchased the property a few months later. What are the plans for this site—and what effects might they have on the surrounding neighborhood and community?
In today’s segment, guest host Denise DeMarb is in the studio with Alder Rebecca Kemble and Satya Rhodes-Conway, a member of the Oscar Mayer Strategic Committee. They discuss the issues surrounding the ongoing plans for the former Oscar Mayer site, including transit, housing, access to food, and the need for family-supporting jobs. They emphasize the importance of equitable development and encourage community members to voice their opinions.
Image: “Oscar Mayer Plant across the Lake Mendota” by Corey Coyle, licensed under CC BY 3.0 / text added