City seeks appraisals for properties on Little Muskego Lake

Muskego - The proposal for a park along Little Muskego Lake keeps advancing, as the Muskego Common Council voted last week to move forward with the property appraisal process, 4-2.

Aldermen Kert Harenda and Neil Borgman voted against the proposal, calling the proposal "premature." Alderman Dan Soltysiak was absent at the meeting.

The appraisal process will cost the city $15,000 to $25,000, said Community Development Director Jeff Muenkel. It will let the city know the value of the properties along Janesville Road that would need to be bought for the park to come to fruition.

Some residents who attended the meeting spoke against the project, but a few residents showed their support to proceed.

"I have heard what a dump the downtown area is and this is a chance to rectify that," said longtime resident William Schneider.

A minority of attendees agreed, but those who did felt the park proposal would add value to Muskego's downtown area and allow people who don't live on the lake to have the opportunity to enjoy it too.

Alderman Harenda felt the same as most residents, but also felt the project needed more time and research before any money was spent.

"The smart thing would be to plan it out right," Harenda said. "Because this is a lot of money."

Harenda did not fully disregard the plan - in fact, he said he was "excited" about it - but was weary about costs and issues that might arise if development started, cost like maintenance fees, park staff costs and a possible expense for a boat launch.

Residents against the project didn't understand why more public hearings, meetings and referendums weren't being done when the city is talking about spending a large amount of money.

Phil Ziegler, from InPro Corp. in the city, spoke in favor for the proposal and believes the project will help promote the city, making Muskego more competitive to surrounding areas.

"If you are not growing, you're dying," Ziegler said.

After an appraisal is done and a purchase price is found, the information will come back to the council again, where a vote will be taken to proceed or not.