BP Land Sale Moves On To County

The Common Council gave its approval to move forward on a purchase of land at the corner of Janesville Road and Lannon Drive.

The site formerly held the BP gas station, and despite the understanding that some risk is involved in cleaning up the site, which is considered slightly contaminated, the council saw more benefit in controlling what happens next on the site.

Alderman Kert Harenda, who had requested more time to review an environmental study already done on the property, said he was concerned that no ground water information was available, but admitted he has seen other cities take the risk in acquiring properties like it.

Alderman Dan Soltysiak saw the purchase as a way to "spur economic development, as long as we can make a sale on it to cover our costs. This is one of those instances where we can create development when other private businesses may not want to spend the money to clean it up first."

The city will also be eligible to apply for a state grant to assist with the cost of clean up, at as much as 78 percent.

The county board will not likely take this issue up until its December meeting.