Nov. 8, 2025 8:15p
(WGTD)---Former Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian was the topic of discussion for a time at a Racine City Council budget meeting this past week.
Antaramian is at the tail end of a $3,000 a month contract to consult on various redevelopment projects for Racine.
Eliminating the expenditure and thereby saving the city next year $18,000 was among a series of budget amendments put forth by Racine alders that largely failed. The motion to end Antaramian's contract early failed on a 3-10 vote.
Racine Mayor Cory Mason said Antaramian's expertise on brownfield redevelopment projects and other initiatives has been invaluable. The work involves developing strategies, networking and navigating complex state DNR and federal EPA rules. "He is remarkably good about clearing out some of this red tape and moving these projects forward," Mason said.
At the moment, Antaramian is consulting on "three or four" projects, according to Mason.
Racine last year chalked up a record $73 million in net new construction. Antaramian had a strong hand in enabling the city to reach that figure, said city Development Director Walt Williams.
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