Bethel Lutheran Gets OK from CDA for New Sign, Other Improvements

There was no disagreement that making improvements to which faces Janesville Road on 420 feet of frontage, would help improve the look of the area.

However, members of the Community Development Authority struggled briefly Tuesday night with agreeing to give the church $3000 in grant money for the improvements that would beautify the space. 

Chairman of the CDA Rob Glazier told the group that they may be setting a precedent in giving the money to a church, as it doesn't exactly fit the description of a commercial property. Previously the group has made exemptions for residential properties from the grant program, but institutional properties still create a "gray area," which many felt would have to be dealt with on a case by case basis.

"This is uncharted territory," Glazier said. "This isn't improving the tax base. However living in the area directly around the church, I know it will definitely improve the area. If the idea in putting sidewalks and paths along the roads to encourage traffic, this would make it much more attractive."

Community Development Director Jeff Muenkel told the group that they had the authority to approve such a grant without having to make changes to the grant program, and recommended approval.

Church members were on hand to present their plans for improvements, which total more than $31,000 and will include the replacement of their monument sign, parking lot improvements and landscaping. The sign is technically now on county land and will be destroyed during the road widening planned for this summer. A new sign will feature an interactive message board, similar to those seen at the Muskego Public Library and other businesses.

Noting that the grant represented less than 10 percent of the costs that the congregation would bear, board members felt the "spirit of the grant program" would include such institutional businesses, and that there has not been much use of the program to date.

"Aesthetically it will improve the area," said Bob Mueller. "We've been inviting people to come to us for aid, and really we haven't heard from many."

The matter will be forwarded on to the Common Council next week for final approval.