Negotiations begin on sale of former Clark site

Someone is interested in buying the former Clark gas station property in downtown Grafton.

The Community Development Authority was scheduled to meet in closed session Wednesday, Jan. 6, to begin negotiating terms of a deal with a prospective buyer.

Community Development Director Jessica Wolff said the process is proceeding ahead of schedule because a recent groundwater test conducted by the Department of Natural Resources found no contamination at the site.

“Rather than waiting one more quarter for the groundwater testing, the DNR has allowed us to move forward with the case-closure process,” she said.

Wolff said the property at 1020 Washington St. is suitable for a multi-story, mixed-use building but noted that she has not received any concept plans for the location.

The village intends to combine the vacant lot with an adjacent lot to the north. The latter lot has a single-family residence that is being rented, but the village is negotiating with the owner to purchase the property.

Wolff said development for the former station site is vital because the property is in the downtown tax incremental financing district and would increase the district’s value. The property is one of the last prominent sites in downtown that needs redevelopment, along with a vacant lot near the Lumberyard Plaza and former gun shop on 12th Avenue, she said.

Once the case-closure process is completed, Wolff said the village will enter into more aggressive negotiations with the potential buyer.

“We want them to know what the village’s expectations and requirements are going to be,” she said.

The gas station went out of business in June 2016. The site was considered unsightly by village officials and residents, especially given its prominent location at the corner of 12th Avenue and Washington Street.

In March, the Ozaukee County Board approved foreclosing on the property and allowing the village to take possession of it.

The state removed fuel tanks from the site, but ground contamination was found, officials said. Crews removed contaminated soil in June and razed the structure in July.

The Village Board allocated $275,000 from its Revolving Loan Fund program to help cover unexpected costs for the project and the reconstruction of 13th Avenue near Veterans Memorial Park between Washington and North streets.

Wolff said she doesn’t know when the case-closure process will be completed but said the development is moving in the right direction.

“We are delighted that we have an interested buyer, and we want to have this property help improve our downtown area,” Wolff said.