Town losing patience with dilapidated Waubeka Mill, receiving street complaints

By LINDA FAUSEL

Ozaukee Press staff

Fredonia Town Chairman Lance Leider kept it short but not exactly sweet when giving an update on a long-time thorn in the town’s side on the agenda during the Board Meeting last Wednesday at the Government Center.  

Referring to  the Disposition of the Waubeka Mill/Button Factory — Leider appeared frustrated as he spoke.   

“We’ve had complaints that the road is closed,” Leider said.

“The road is closed for safety reasons. The building could fall into the road and the area is blocked in front of it. Some people have decided to move the sign and we have no control over that. It’s still a safety issue and everyone knows it.”

Charles Sheridan, whose family owns the properties, was not in attendance. Contacted later by phone, Sheridan said he continues to work toward a solution.

“We requested a building variance and permit two weeks ago to do some repair work on the mill. We’re waiting to hear about that,” he said.

The former mill property was sold to Sheridan’s Waubeka Development in May of 2019. County records show that Sheridan also owns the button factory across the river from the mill.

Sheridan said his goal is to get both buildings restored or to donate a part of the property to the county in the hopes it would help demolish the smaller building which is in “very bad condition.”

“We are not sitting on this,” he said. “We are trying to make some progress. I don’t make the world, I just live in it.”