Council approves sale of three city lots to Troy Engman for single-family home; one alder dissents

The Wausau Common Council voted 9–1 on Sept. 23 to approve the sale of three city-owned lots to Troy Engman for construction of a single-family home. Alder Larson moved the resolution; Alder Lukens seconded.

Alder Larson said the buyer is a former resident who wants to return to the neighborhood and called the proposed home “exactly what the neighborhood has been asking for.” Alder Killian said she would not support the sale because she believes the $3,500 price does not reflect the lots’ value; she said a $19,000 price would have at least covered prior city expenditures.

City staff confirmed the property has reached final closure with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with continuing obligations; staff said the buyer will be required to follow the final closure letter and accompanying soil-management obligations during construction. Staff also said the buyer must meet flood-plain construction requirements and obtain necessary approvals from the building advisory committee.

On the council floor, Alder Watson noted the parcel has been in city ownership for more than 20 years and described the sale as an opportunity to return the property to productive use. Public-facing staff said remediation for this site will involve soil-management steps tied to the DNR continuing obligations and that construction likely will be on a slab, minimizing invasive remediation.

The motion passed with one dissenting vote. Councilmembers said the new owner will be responsible for construction approvals and compliance with the DNR continuing obligations.