Muskego Residential Grant Program Needs More Work

A proposed grant program that could give residents in the reconstruction area of Janesville Road up to $3,000 to improve their properties has been sent back for more work. 

City Planner Jeff Muenkel proposed the grant program at Tuesday's  meeting. In his report to committee and Common Council members Muenkel gave background information on the idea, which was approved by the Community Development Authority (CDA).

According to the report, the grant program would "...produce visible changes to residential buildings and sites facing the road right of way, conform to community standards and benefit the community to an extent equal or greater than the personal benefit to the owner." Priority would be given to projects demonstrating the greatest impact on 'aesthetics' as viewed from the right-of-way, according to the proposal.

Grants under the proposed program would match 50%, up to $3,000, for various improvements. 

However, Finance Committee members had concerns over the precedent the program would set. Alderman Noah Fiedler said he understood the theory behind the proposed grant program, but cautioned it could lead to problems.

"I'm uncomfortable with it...I just seems like it sets a bad precedent. It seems like there are a lot of holes in it, a lot of problems," Fiedler said.

Alderman Neome Schaumberg agreed, expressing concern that it could cause any city taxpayer to ask why they can't benefit from the grants when other residents can.

Alderman Keith Werner said he would like to see grant funds be used to repair or replace property damages caused by the road reconstruction project. To that, Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti said any damages, such as lost trees, are already compensated for by the county.

Ultimately the measure was sent back for further review and revisions, and would be up to the CDA to re-submit.