Officials tout positive changes in community

Village, town, school leaders say growth keeps Grafton on cutting edge
By 
JOE POIRIER
Ozaukee Press Staff

Local officials touted continued growth and redevelopment in Grafton during the annual State of the Community luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the River Room on the Milwaukee.

The event included presentations by village, town and school leaders

Village President Jim Brunnquell said more than 150 people moved into the village in 2019, and permits have been issued to build 45 new single-family houses in 2020.

He said the village is working with a developer to revive the south commercial business district, which includes the former Shopko and Pick ’n Save stores, as a mixed-use development.

Brunnquell also said the village is working with Ozaukee County to forgive back taxes on the former Clark gas station in downtown Grafton so the village can purchase and clean up the property by spring for redevelopment. 

The former Senor Luna restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue that has been vacant for seven years is also expected to be redeveloped for mixed use, Brunnquell added.

“That’s our gateway project,” he said.

Town Chairman Lester Bartel said there has been growth in the town with a number of young families moving in recently. 

The former schoolhouse at Lakefield and Port Washington roads has been purchased and will become a dog boarding and training facility. 

“That’s the last schoolhouse in the town, and we’re happy to see it will be put to good use,” said Bartel, who also noted that Yonder Travel Lounge set up shop in a log cabin on Port Washington Road that was vacant for years. 

Bartel said a site is being sought for a new town hall, noting the current facility is in the village. Bartel said a new location is necessary to provide more parking and greater accessibility for residents to attend meetings and vote.

A new location would provide additional amenities like recycling and yard waste disposal, he added. 

School Supt. Jeff Nelson said the School District achieved the highest rating by the Department of Public Instruction’s annual report card for the second straight year. 

The vast majority of projects in the district’s $39.9 school referendum that was approved by voters in 2017 are complete, Nelson noted. The district is now addressing its high school athletic field complex, including installing turf on the football field, and is seeking sponsorships from area businesses.

Nelson also said the district is focused on introducing engineering and coding lessons to elementary school students and wants to attract more young female students to the disciplines.

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Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

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