
Wisconsin Supreme Court denies petition for review in Osceola Bluffs development case
The order, issued Thursday, means that the Wisconsin Court of Appeals' ruling is final, and developers can proceed with plans to build a 99-unit apartment complex in Osceola on the bluffs of the St. Croix River.
'We are pleased with the court's decision and look forward to moving ahead with the Osceola Bluffs development,' Village Administrator Devin Swanberg said in a statement. 'This project represents significant economic and community benefits for the Village, and we're excited to take the next steps.'
Forest Lake-based developer Gaughan Cos. plans to build a new apartment complex on site of the former Osceola Medical Center, located at 301 River St., which has been vacant for more than 15 years.
The St. Croix Scenic Coalition in December asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review a November decision by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals stating that the St. Croix Scenic Coalition did not have standing to challenge the Village of Osceola's approval of the apartment complex.
The appellate court reversed a Polk County Circuit Court judge's ruling in April 2024 that the proposed Osceola Bluffs Development violated state St. Croix River protections and impedes views along the river bluffs. The appellate court also instructed the circuit court to dismiss a petition challenging the Village's approval of the development.
The circuit court on Friday 'officially dismissed the petition for writ of certiorari, closing the case and lifting the temporary restraining order on the property,' Swanberg said.
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