Mukwonago family claims they were denied permit to build on own property, files lawsuit against town

MUKWONAGO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Mukwonago family is suing the town after they say they were denied a permit to build a reception hall on their own property. 

The Greenwald family owns Millennium Manor Gardens in Mukwonago and the family is looking to build a reception hall, but some neighbors aren't having it and neither is the city. 

It was supposed to be a space the community could use, but Ron Spears, a representative for the Greenwald family, says the town of Mukwonago is trying to prevent it from happening. 

"We just didn't feel we were treated fairly in the process. The banquet hall facility or reception center is going to be at the very end of the garden area," said Spear. 

The banquet hall was the vision of the family's late daughter Sherry, but in order to make it happen, they needed a condition use permit. 

CBS 58 spoke with a neighbor who wanted to remain anonymous. She says she was one of the few neighbors in the area who approved of the development. 

"I get the ones that their property butts right up to the Greenwald property, it could get a little loud, but right where I sit, I don't see a problem with it."

But not everyone is on board. Some residents made signs and even developed a website against the proposal. He says that was enough for the town to change its requirements for the permit, so they filed a lawsuit. 

"We just hope that they can take a second look at this whole process and determine that everything that we've done has been upfront and proper and they will change their mindset on allowing this facility to occur," Spear said. 

The family representative says money made from the events would go to pay for the upkeep of the property and the remaining funds would go to local charities.