Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Village has been contracting with an engineer to design the project and review various design options. The project cost includes the cost for property acquisition, easements, engineering costs, legal expenses, and construction. The total project cost includes a 10% contingency. The total project cost has increased from previous estimates because of concerns of soil contamination and the costs associated with handling the soils properly. We are currently awaiting the results of soil testing; however, based on preliminary results, it is very likely that these costs will come down.

The Village will be utilizing grant funding, funding from TID #2, and existing Stormwater User Fees that residents already pay. Taxpayers will not see any increase on their property taxes for this project. 

Yes! The Village has successfully secured the following grants:

• $75,000 through the Fund for Lake Michigan
• $85,000 through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District (MMSD) Green Infrastructure Partnership Program
• $200,000 through the Fund for Lake Michigan
• $300,000 through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Once the Village has finalized construction plans and an approved project, we plan to apply for other grant opportunities. 

The Village is actively pursuing the Vibrant Spaces grant through the Waukesha Economic Development Corporation to use for the proposed green space in the northeast corner of the project site. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has told the Village that they would not permit any significant repair to the Creek because it is a non-permitted structure.

The intent is that the entire existing culvert will be infilled using excavation materials from the site. 

The proposed sidewalk will be 6' wide, the same as other paths in the Village. 

Currently, the plans show a right-turn "out", left-turn "out", and one-way "in" on Watertown Plank Road. The Village is actively pursuing discussions with the owners of the Park & Shop to relocate the Park & Shop sign in order to accommodate this traffic pattern. 

There is ongoing coordination with the property owners to design a new parking lot configuration. However, the parking lot is on private property, and the final design of the parking lot will be up to the property owners. Existing parking will remain west of Sendik's. 

There are no plans for this section of the Creek at this time. The Creek will still flow under Watertown Plank Road and will daylight south of Watertown Plank and flow into the new channel. 

The Village plans to go out to bid in January or February of 2025 with the intention of shovels being in the ground by spring of 2025.