In a straw poll taken on Monday, the Pewaukee (WI) Common Council conceptually backed a proposed baseball complex that would include a 2,500-seat ballpark.
A proposal is in place to redevelop the Pewaukee Golf Course into a concept called Lake Country Commons. The development would feature a 2,500-seat ballpark, along with surrounding amenities that include a smaller baseball field, a public market, and two multifamily buildings.
Officials in the Milwaukee suburb are still debating the proposal, but a straw poll conducted by its common council earlier this week showed that most members were conceptually favor the plan. Discussion will have to continue, as some concerns about the project–including the location, potential use of tax increment financing, plans for multifamily units, and traffic–were expressed during Wednesday’s meeting. More from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The unofficial tally showed council members who were conceptually in favor of the plan: Ray Grosch, Colleen Brown, Jerry Wamser and Brian Dziwulski
Alderman Brandon Bergman was not in attendance. Alderman Jeff Kara opposed the plan, citing problems such as the multifamily units, the possibility of tax incremental financing for the project and the location.
“Having owner-occupied property is always more palatable for the city of Pewaukee. There are people who want this, and a lot of people who live right around there who really don’t want it,” Kara said. ” I am not a big fan of TIF. You might be first, but you won’t be the last. I think it is one of these things that will open it up. I don’t like the location, so I am not in favor of it at this point.”
Most concerns by other council members centered on traffic, as the plan only has one access road with two emergency roads.
Pewaukee has been connected in the past with a bid for a potential summer-collegiate Northwoods League franchise.