City land is a hot property

Franklin — Officials know that some empty city-owned space at 8921 W. Drexel Ave. has caught the eye of several interested parties, but they will want to continue to mull how to re-use that property.

During Tuesday night's Common Council meeting, Fire Chief James Martins made the case to reserve the space - located between the Public Library and Fire Station No. 1- for a future expansion of the existing fire station at 8901 W. Drexel Ave.

That station, built in 1980, is still structurally sound but has several needs, he said.

Need for an upgraded station

For starters, the department has outgrown office and storage space, as well as room for meetings and conferences, Martins said in a letter to aldermen. Also, the existing fire station does not have bathroom provisions for female firefighters, is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and needs energy-efficient upgrades, he said.

Martins pointed to neighboring fire departments in Oak Creek, Greenfield and Hales Corners - communities that have built new headquarters or expanded current offices.

An architectural firm estimated the cost to be about $600,000, which would be cheaper than building a new station.

Combining all of those factors, the land would be prime for an expansion for the fire station, he said.

"We have an ideal opportunity to make the much needed necessary improvements to this building at a low cost to the city," Martins wrote to aldermen.

Mayor Thomas Taylor and Alderman Steve Taylor said during Tuesday night's Common Council meeting their first choice for the property would be for a fire station expansion.

"I have to put it at the top of the list," the mayor said.

Noting the plan would avoid building a new fire station, he said, "That really caught my attention. We could utilize dollars elsewhere and save some time. Given that it is city property, we're not having to spend more dollars for additional property."

Other possibilities

However, fire officials aren't the only ones who want the land.

The Parks Commission in June recommended the property be incorporated into Lions Legend Park in order to create a basketball court.

There has been interest in the property for businesses, such as a coffee shop, the mayor said, also noting that others have advocated keeping the land as green space.

Alderman Tim Solomon said he believes there is enough space for a fire station expansion and a basketball court, adding he would be against private business on the land.

City officials said there was no rush in making a decision. They will continue studying the issue before bringing it back to the Common Council in two months. The Economic Development Commission is scheduled to take it up during its Monday meeting.