ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village Board approved a Site Plan Review of a 54-unit affordable housing project at Crossing Meadows during Monday’s meeting.

The proposal came from Gerrard Corporation out of La Crosse, and the site would contain a combination of one, two and three-bedroom units with both underground and exterior parking and geothermal heating and cooling. The plan also includes $1 million in solar panels.

The Plan Commission recommended the approval of the site plan July 15, and the area was rezoned from agricultural to multi-family in April, allowing the development to fit the requirements.

Gerrard Corporation also made a proposal for a senior housing facility at the old junior high site, but the Community Development Authority ended up recommending another proposal to the village board July 31.

The initial plan for the development was for the building to have a “U” shape, but adjustments were made for it to take on a “J” shape.

“So that we wouldn’t upset the current easement agreement that was signed onto back in 2006,” Paul Gerrard said. “We are far enough away. We meet all of your setbacks. So the project can move forward.”

Xcel Siren Donation

The board approved Xcel Energy’s siren donation that would donate sirens to the village in exchange for the village taking on the maintenance responsibilities from Xcel.

Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy said of the six sirens in Ellsworth, one was already maintained by the village, and the budgeted cost was $600 this year. The cost may increase if the village opts to have inspections done on the sirens.

It will cost the village to maintain the sirens, but Roy said they are saving money by taking in the donations as sirens have a lifespan of about 20 years and cost about $30,000. Ellsworth’s sirens are 10 years old, marking the halfway point of the expected lifespan.

Public comment

During public comment, Christopher Whelan spoke on the building at 245 N. Broadway St., which was on the closed session agenda for the meeting.

Whelan owns 243 Broadway St. (YB Urban?), and said the building is dilapidated, and the village’s process to do something about it has been ongoing since 2016. Four years ago, Whelan said there was a legal battle with the village administration at the time that eventually led to an inspection of the site. Whelan said there is a “gaping” hole in the roof, and it is collapsing in on itself, raising problems for their property.

“It is affecting our building,” Whelan said. “I just want the ball to roll.”

Whelan also cited mold and said he believes it is a place wild animals are likely living.

Whelan ultimately said they want to do more construction but do not know if they are able to due to lack of communication.

“I want to do more construction on my building, but I’m afraid to because there are certain aspects and certain parts of the building that I actually can’t,” Whelan said.

Other business

• Approved a strategic plan RFP. Roy explained the approval would be to gather offers for a consultant to help the village board put together a strategic plan. Members of the board expressed concern on the cost of a consultant, as Roy estimated it could cost $14,000, but Roy said the board can still reject all offers when they come in.
• Approved the creation of a Municipal Code section for Village Attorney Informed Consent.
• Authorized $171,000 in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects and equipment.
• After reconvening from closed session, the board approved a development agreement with oversight from the village administrator, village attorney and Ehlers, Inc.