Wauwatosa Common Council votes to demolish and replace library and City Hall
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The City of Wauwatosa is moving forward with plans for a new City Hall and library.
The city's full Common Council voted 10 to 1 to advance the more than $107.2 million project, one of four options proposed.
The plan involves the demolition of the existing building and replacing it with an all-new building on the site. "This has been a source of pride for 70 years, but it's worn out. It's outlived its useful life," said Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride about the building, constructed in 1957.
"City Hall is not fulfilling the function it was designed for. The library is in desperate need of repair and outgrowing its space." -- Mayor Dennis McBride
According to the City of Wauwatosa, the Common Council heard from residents that they wanted the features of option four but had concerns about the cost. The council voted to cap the taxpayer-funded portion of the project at $67.8 million. The city says that comes to about $20 per month over 20 years for the average household.
Survey results show 1,397 responded to the online survey, 95% of whom are Wauwatosa residents. The most popular option was the first, doing only the required updates. The other three options were similar in response, ranging from 20% to 22%. Some expressed frustration on Facebook writing, "really disappointing that you asked for public feedback and then do the opposite." However, Mayor McBride said upgrades are a necessity, and alders voted in the best interest of residents.
The City of Wauwatosa says the goal is to cover the remaining $27.4 million balance "through grants, private fundraising, value engineering and other non-taxpayer sources."
"We're operating not just for today but for 70 years from now." -- Mayor Dennis McBride
Since this option involves razing the entire existing building, the city says public feedback will "directly inform the design."
An update on an initial site plan is expected in November.
Future meeting dates and opportunities for input will be announced when available.
You can learn more through this link.