(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — More than a year after Kenosha County Eye first reported widespread complaints about damage and unfinished restoration work associated with the Kenosha Fiber City project, the City of Kenosha is now asking residents to help restore affected areas by watering newly seeded parkways.
In a press release issued Tuesday, the city announced that SiFi Networks has begun what it describes as final restoration work in neighborhoods impacted by the installation of fiber-optic infrastructure. According to the city, crews are repairing parkway areas, adding topsoil where needed, hydroseeding, and installing erosion-control matting. The city also reminded residents that they are responsible for watering newly seeded areas to help ensure grass growth.
The announcement quickly drew criticism from some residents who say they have already spent months—or in some cases more than a year—dealing with damaged lawns, exposed cables, uneven terrain, weeds, broken concrete, and incomplete restoration.
One resident told Kenosha County Eye:
“The City of Kenosha tore up the parkway in almost the entire city and in people’s backyards. They waited forever to have the area reseeded. Now that they’re reseeded, they want us to personally water the parkway that is not our property. I mean, they make us cut it, which is reasonable, but making us water it too is not reasonable.”
That frustration echoes many of the complaints KCE has received since first reporting on the issue in May 2025.
Residents have described parkways left filled with clay instead of topsoil, hydroseeded areas that allegedly grew mostly weeds, exposed fiber lines that remained above ground for months, deep holes left unfilled, damaged sprinkler systems, cracked driveway aprons, broken sidewalks, and restoration work that some homeowners say never occurred.
Others reported waiting months for repairs, only to receive what they described as poor-quality restoration. Several homeowners told KCE they eventually paid out of pocket to repair damaged lawns and landscaping themselves.
Not all residents have had negative experiences. Some reported that after contacting SiFi Networks or city officials, crews returned to level soil, reseed affected areas, or otherwise address concerns. Others praised the fiber service itself, saying it was a significant improvement over existing internet options.
Still, many residents remain unhappy with the condition of their neighborhoods and the pace of restoration efforts. Complaints continue to surface from homeowners who say damaged areas remain visible long after construction crews moved on.
The city’s press release stated that residents with questions or concerns about restoration work should contact SiFi Networks directly. The city also thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as restoration activities continue throughout the community.
Mayor David Bogdala previously declined to comment when contacted by Kenosha County Eye regarding resident complaints about the project. City Hall insiders have also told KCE that concerns about restoration work are not considered a major priority.
The Kenosha Fiber City project was launched with the goal of bringing citywide fiber-optic internet service to homes and businesses, increasing broadband competition and expanding access to high-speed internet. While supporters point to those long-term benefits, critics argue the city and its contractors should have ensured that damaged properties were restored promptly and properly before asking residents to take on additional responsibilities such as watering newly seeded parkways.
For many residents, the issue is no longer about internet service. It is about whether the neighborhoods disrupted by the project will ever be restored to the condition they were in before construction began.
(Submitted Photos)
