Board directs staff to explore purchase of Wilmot parcel for public parking as County W reconstruction threatens spaces

The Village Board voted on July 21 to direct staff to investigate acquiring a privately‑owned parcel (tax parcel 704123030926) at the southeast corner of County Highway W and 114th Street in the Wilmot hamlet for use as a municipal parking lot. Board members raised concerns that a planned Kenosha County Highway W reconstruction project will remove an estimated 9–17 parking spaces in Wilmot, constraining parking for local businesses. Staff reported the parcel owner has expressed willingness to sell; the village did not budget for a purchase in the current year. The item on July 21 authorized staff to explore acquisition costs, site development needs (paving, stormwater/retention, curb/gutter) and potential county assistance. Trustees voted 4–2 in favor of directing staff to proceed with preliminary study and cost estimates; two trustees voted no. Trustees asked county staff to investigate potential funding or cost‑sharing; staff said Kenosha County personnel had discussed potential assistance and would follow up. The board did not commit any purchase funds at the July meeting. Why it matters: the parcel sits near Wilmot’s commercial area and could replace on‑street parking lost to the county’s road project; providing parking could support local businesses and economic vitality. Trustees asked that staff return with detailed cost estimates, number of potential spaces and county contributions before any purchase commitment. Next steps: staff to obtain parcel price information, engineer estimates for parking capacity and construction costs (paving, drainage, curb/gutter or gravel option), and to report back so the board can consider budget implications later in the process.