Some Manitowoc residents spoke against the city purchasing a parcel of land for possible future park development.
The land is located at the end of Sylvan Drive, adjacent to River Heights Park.
According to city documents, the land is an ideal area for a future trailhead.
The land could also be utilized for parking to enhance access to the park.
Resident Dan Schultz told the council last night (June 16th) that, to him, it’s not a good use of taxpayers’ money.
He also said the city would be paying more for other improvements to the park because of the Manitowoc River.
“You should stop by in the springtime, and you see the river rolling through,” Schultz said to the council. “It’s up on the hill, partway up the hill, and it’s moving fast. Maybe not every year would you have to go in there and spend a lot of money to maintain that park, but many years you would have to.”
Another resident on River Heights Drive was also concerned about the safety of the park but also noted to the council that to her, street parking is not a problem.
She told the council, “The most cars that have ever been parked on our street with people going to that park were five. And that was only one time. I don’t actually think parking at this park is an issue at all.”
Manitowoc Sixth District Alderman Eric Sitkietwitz was also against the purchase, saying the city doesn’t have a plan for the land or park.
“I don’t see this development happening for quite a few years, if not at all,” he said. “This lot is not buildable were it suitable were with how the easement goes. So, I don’t know the rush to purchase, and it doesn’t make sense for me long term for this property.”
Council President Mike Cummings explained why he voted in favor.
“If we don’t purchase this property now with it being up for sale, that we might lose the ability to purchase that at any point in the future,” he described. “And looking at the long-term aspects whether it happens in 30 year, 40 years, 50 years. Right now, we have a 23.99 acre park that the city does have without even the ability to have a trailhead at some point.”
Mayor Justin Nickels explained to the Common Council that the money for the purchase comes from the Parkland Dedication Fund, and not from the general tax base.
But he also noted that other work done in the park would be.
The council voted 8-1 in favor of purchasing the land for almost $60,000.
