Muskego Common Council Moves Forward on Appraisals for Proposed Lake Project

The last night voted 4-2 to move ahead with securing appraisals for properties situated on Little Muskego Lake along Janesville Road. The two opposing votes came from Aldermen Kert Harenda and Neil Borgman.  Alderman Dan Soltysiak was absent from the meeting.

The four properties, collectively known as the Dilworth/Cherek/Gardetto properties, have been offered up for sale to the city by their respective owners if the city is interested.

Harenda and  Borgman cited fears of what could potentially amount to unknown and out-of-control costs and stating that more research and analysis should be conducted before spending money to secure appraisals.

Harenda's and Borgman's comments echoed many of the concerns that opponents of the proposal cited during the meeting's public comment time. They expressed fears and doubts ranging from unknown costs and potential safety issues if the proposal puts more boat traffic on the lake, to an increase in taxes.

Jean LaFratta asked the council prior to their vote, "I have one question; with such a large purchase, why doesn't it have to go to a referendum? Who gives you guys the right to decide how to spend our money on such purchases?"

Phil Ziegler, who is the President of InPro Corporation in Muskego, spoke during the public comment period in favor of the measure. 

"I try to stay out of politics in Muskego, but I see the impact this lake park would have.  I am more interested in the vision and courage to make a decision that will impact us 10, 20 - 50 years from now.  Look at yourself as entrepreneurs - If you're not growing, you're dying," he said. 

"When we're at job fairs, people ask us 'why Muskego?' This will be a feather in the cap for Muskego."

William Schneider, who has lived in Muskego for 37 years, agreed with Zieglar, and cited a common theme with backers.

"Back in the 1980s we had a referendum, and it was ignored.  We now have a chance to buy that land, and I've heard what a dump the downtown area is and this is a chance to rectify that," Schneider said.

However, Ken Preis also stated a common concern among those opposed to a park.

"These properties can't be sold at market value, and it's us taxpayers who will be paying for it. We have concerns about traffic on the lake, and I have concerns about my taxes going up.  Help us with the taxes here, we don't need any more," he said.

Many of the plan's opponents also directed anger at the property owners, accusing them of trying to dump their properties off on the backs of tax payers in a soft housing market because they cannot find private buyers. They also argued that the city already has Idle Isle.

Proponents of the plan also argued that this is the last opportunity the city has to purchase land on Little Muskego Lake for public green space and cited that it would serve as a great catalyst for further development and quality of life in the city.

According to Jeff Muenkel, city planner, the next step would be to gather an appraisal on the properties to obtain an idea of what the value would be.