Port Council clears way for sale of bluff land

Port Washington officials last week reaffirmed their actions in preparing to sell more than 35 acres of land along the south bluff to Black Cap Halcyon for the Prairie’s Edge subdivision.

The action was required by a title company in preparation for the sale, City Attorney Eric Eberhardt told the Common Council.

Black Cap Halcyon will purchase the property from the city for $2.2 million by July 2, an action that the resolution states will occur if the city has extended sanitary sewer and water services to the edge of the land by that date — something officials said will be done.

The resolution also authorized the mayor, city clerk, administrator, treasurer and attorney to execute the sale of the property. 

Prairie’s Edge is expected to be the largest  subdivision in the city, adding almost $60 million to the city’s tax base through a mix of 238 residential units and 40,000 square feet of commercial space while also ensuring public access to the south beach and bluff.

The project, which is to be completed by 2023, is being built on land the city received from We Energies in 2004 as part of an agreement allowing the utility to convert its plant to natural gas without city objections.  

Groundbreaking could occur as soon as this fall, City Administrator Mark Grams said.

But even as aldermen approved the resolution, officials questioned a “for sale” sign that popped up at the corner of Division and South Wisconsin streets.

The sign, which advertises 6.3 acres of land for sale, is on city land earmarked for retention ponds in the area, City Administrator Mark Grams said Tuesday.

 The sign was placed on the property by We Energies, which is marketing five parcels on Division Street that total 6.3 acres, said Cathy Schulze, a We Energies senior communications specialist.

 A couple of the lots are north of Western Avenue, she said, and the rest are south of Western.

“The sign probably should have been placed closer to the lots,” Schulze said.