Muskego — There is still no accord on a controversial proposal to expand Muskego's downtown redevelopment district to include homes.
The Community Development Authority tried to reach a consensus last week, but wound up calling for an analysis of the pros and cons for homes being in the district. That analysis will be presented at the CDA's Aug. 17 meeting.
The current redevelopment district generally includes both sides of Janesville Road from Pioneer Drive east to about Glen Cove.
The new proposal would expand the redevelopment district west on Janesville Road to Racine Avenue, encompassing many homes along with some businesses. Part of the reason for the proposed expansion west on Janesville is so that the commercial area at Janesville and Racine can be part of the redevelopment efforts.
Homeowners would experience an advantage to being in the redevelopment district, said Jeff Muenkel, community development director. They could be eligible for grants or loans to fix up their homes or grounds if they are affected by the upcoming Janesville Road widening project, he said.
But some residents at last month's hearing before the CDA worried that being in a redevelopment district would make it more likely for a business to pop up next door.
Indeed, Muenkel said that businesses would find it easier to locate in a redevelopment district than elsewhere in the city because the CDA can help them in the form of grants and loans.
"It's always an advantage to be in a redevelopment district," Muenkel said.
Further, some residents raised worries that with a commercial area east of them and a commercial area to the west, their homes would be swallowed up by businesses, even though that would take a rezoning.
Aldermen Dan Soltysiak and Kert Harenda who serve on the CDA tend to side with those residents.
If he were one of the homeowners, Soltysiak said, "I'd prefer not to be in one because of the opportunity for a business being built next door."
But opinion differed as to whether business development would be more likely near homes in the redevelopment district.
"That can happen even without a redevelopment district," CDA member Kathy Chiaverotti said.
But some residents also did not want to be in the redevelopment district because their homes would then be declared "blighted." Muenkel said the designation is just a formality.
NEXT STEP
WHAT: Community Development Authority decision on including homes in an expanded downtown redevelopment district
WHEN: 6 p.m. Aug. 17
WHERE: Muskego City Hall, S8200 Racine Ave.
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