Muskego Plan Commission OKs Rezoning on Borst, Lalicata Sites

The Muskego Plan Commission approved the rezoning of the environmentally significant land owned by Nancy Borst, who is looking to sell much of the land to the city.

The redesignation of portions of the land to Conservation for the city's portion, and residential country estates for the portions that Borst is retaining mark another point of progress in the purchase of the land. The portions the city is purchasing involve a 46.2 acre parcel on the southern half, and another 57 acre piece to the north.

The property is vital to the Little Muskego watershed, and will be developed as a 'passive park' area with hiking trails but no recreational structures built. The land is located to the west of Racine Avenue, off of Field Drive.

The commission also approved a rezoning of a triangular piece of land where the Sauced restaurant stands. The land was residential in zoning, but owners were advised that a change to a business service center was more desirable, especially if future businesses wanted to take out loans. 

However, commissioner Jim Burke questioned "how can it happen that a business can be established in a residential area in the first place?"

Burke indicated he was also concerned about expansion, but a review of the lines for right of way, which surrounds the property indicated very little could be done. It was also pointed out that Sobek's resort, which sits to the west of the land is on a parcel deemed as a lakeshore business district, established 100 years ago when the trolley lines brought vacationers to the area.

Planning director Jeff Muenkel also explained that the use had been within the parameters of the zoning and assured the commission that any expansion would still require a building site and operation plan that require their approval.

Marlene Lalicata, who was present at the meeting, also told the commission, "we're in our 70s, we have no interest in expanding the business. We just saw this as something we should have done."