Greg Buckley
City Manager Greg Buckley said this week that Two Rivers is involved in what he termed “an ambitious plan” to develop the former Fisher-Scientific/Hamilton manufacturing site.
Buckley tells SeehaferNews.com the two sides have exchanged appraisals and arrived at “preliminary terms” to negotiate the purchase of the entire property. He explains “not all of the details have been worked out yet, and it hinges notably on environmental liability insurance coverage and making sure the city isn’t left with any undue liability.”
The proposal is to the point where the city council has approved the borrowing of funds this year to purchase the land for an estimated $1.25 to $1.5 million. Buckley says community plans for development have a “clear intent” that the water’s edge remains public with walkways and dockage for transient boating along the river.
The City Manager added there are another 7-or-so acres away from the water, overlooking views from Rogers Street Fishing Village and toward the lake, which would present phenomenal redevelopment opportunities.
Buckley also gave an update on plans by architect John Durbrow to transform the former Emerald Hills Golf Course into an Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary.
Conservancy zoning for the Van der Brohe Arboretum has been approved and evidence of walkways on the property can be observed from Riverview Drive and State Highway 42.
The City Manager termed it a “very unique, very ambitious beautiful vision for the former golf course.”
