Greendale Village Board Will Match Up to $100,000 for Hose Tower Project

The has agreed to match funds raised by the Greendale Historical Society in the amount of up to $50,000 in 2011 and another $50,000 in 2012 for the renovation and re-purposing of the Grounds Building and Hose Tower.

The Board of Trustees voted 5-1 on Tuesday to go along with the agreement. The Village will retain full ownership of Grounds Building and Hose Tower. The project is expected to be completed by July 31, 2013 in time for Greendale’s 75th anniversary.

The Historical Society will continue its leadership in the project and shall be responsible for the following:

• Seek funds for the Project from all possible sources.
• Provide building program, design and architectural plans for the Project.
• Contribute $25,000 to the Project in 2011.
• Seek community partners for the Project.
• Communicate with the Village in regard to the Project.
• Enter into contracts as needed to complete some or the entire Project, subject to sufficient funding being raised.
• Participate in and support the process of developing a conceptual plan in accordance with State and Federal requirements for historic buildings for the future use of the Municipal Parking Lot Area which includes the former Police Station, Grounds Building and Hose tower, and Municipal Parking Lot.

Upon Trustee Allen Sikorski’s request the Historical Society verbally agreed to give monthly reports to the Village on fundraising progress and actions. Village manager Todd Michaels said it would be a public process and would have to go through the planning commission.

Trustee Carl Genz, who voted against the agreement, said that while he’s fond of the project he has concerns about spending money during difficult economic times.

“I just don’t know with the economy if now is the right time," said Genz at the meeting. "I’ve talked to a lot people in this village that wouldn't mind having matching funds to repair their own houses…I love the idea but I have problem with the matching funds part."

During the meeting a resident commended for the Village and the Historical Society in their efforts in restoring the "deteriorating village buildings."

Another resident who was opposed said that if this decision would be put up to a referendum it would not pass.

Trustee Sally Chadwick said, “This is our building. We have a responsibility to the people of Greendale because we all own those buildings… It seems to me we have been post-poning it and we have reached that point.... The Historical Society has come forward to help us take that positive step.”