Germantown approves $140,250 share to buy right-of-way for sewer route under Richfield IGA

The Village of Germantown voted July 21 to fund half of a $280,500 purchase for approximately 7.7 acres of land needed as right-of-way for a planned sewer-and-water route established under an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Richfield. Under the IGA, Germantown pays half the acquisition cost; the village's share of the current parcel is $140,250, which the board approved. Village staff described the parcel as the second of three necessary parcels between Freistadt Road and the railroad; acquiring the remaining parcel is underway and may require additional negotiations or, if necessary, eminent-domain steps per the original authorization. Why it matters: the right-of-way is intended to allow construction of water and sewer mains and to preserve the option to build a roadway over those utilities. Village trustees and staff said the route was reviewed and recommended by the Utility Advisory Committee, the Public Works and Highway Committee, and the Plan Commission. Board discussion covered the status of the final parcel (adjacent to the railroad) and the village's decision to pause earlier work on a potential railroad crossing until all right-of-way is secured. Staff cautioned the railroad often opposes new crossings and may seek exchanges (closing other crossings) or other conditions; village staff said they believe there is a reasonable case for the crossing but cannot guarantee approval. Next steps: the village will continue negotiated acquisitions and, if needed, use eminent-domain procedures started earlier in the process. Staff said a facilities-plan update and neighborhood coordination will continue as property is acquired and design work proceeds.