Who Should Pay for Roadwork on Hwy. 33 and Hwy. LL?

Property owners facing proposed five-figure special assessments on the construction project on State Hwy. 33 and County Hwy. LL had some questions Tuesday night for the Port Washington Common Council.

According to construction estimates, property owners would pay $54.90 per linear foot of property along the road construction, and $3.19 per linear foot of property that will get a new sidewalk. The final resolution for the special assessments won't come before the council until the project is complete and the city has been billed. Although the road project also goes through Saukville, that village will not levy any assessment.

For Steven Boyea, who owns at 2440 Hwy. 33, this adds up to $21,656 on his store's property. He thinks Port Washington should follow Saukville's example.

He said the benefits of the construction project — which include a new median, expansion to four lanes, new sidewalks and new lighting — should be paid for by the whole community.

"You’re asking me to spend more money for a benefit that doesn’t appear to be there," Boyea said. "The real benefit is to the communities. Saukville is going to pay their share. Port Washington is going to shove it on the backs of the citizens who live there."

Tim Voeller, general counsel for , which based on the estimates could have to pay about $16,000, asked the aldermen for clarification on what the special assessment would fund.

"I just want to remind you that under state law, the city does have to show that projects do have special benefits to the property owners, and it’s not just a community-wide benefit," Voeller said.

Port Washington City Engineer Rob Vanden Noven said the special assessments will only pay for the roadwork and sidewalks. The special assessments will cover 25 percent of the cost of that work, with state and federal funds paying for the remainder.

City Administrator Mark Grams said the special assessment policy has been used for properties on County Hwy. LL in the past.

“We have been consistent on special assessments on projects like this, where you’re going from a rural setting to an urban setting," Grams said.

"It's just comes down to every community doing things differently," Vanden Noven said, referencing Saukville's decision.

Vanden Noven also provided an update on construction. He said State Hwy. 33 will be open Thursday afternoon, on the eastbound stretch from Northwoods Road to Freeman Drive. County Hwy. LL will be open some time next week.