Residents press Village of Hartland on Hartbrook Park site as bank signals willingness to negotiate

A Waukesha State Bank representative told the Village of Hartland board during public comment that the bank is willing to negotiate the sale of a roughly 3-acre parcel at 550 Hartbrook Drive and would “respect the process of eminent domain” if the village decides the site is the best location for a new police station.

Keith Vandellarschott, speaking on behalf of Waukesha State Bank, said, “if the bank receives fair and reasonable compensation, then the bank is prepared to respect the process of eminent domain, and we won't take any steps to unduly delay or postpone the process.”

Residents who spoke raised concerns about locating a municipal building on Hartbrook Park, citing recent heavy rainfall and long-term planning documents. Lori, a resident of 615 Ray Drive, asked whether eminent domain proceedings have begun and whether previously reported cost figures for proposed police, fire and village hall projects would increase taxpayers’ share; she said she had not yet received answers. Karen Wardby of 602 Rivermeadow said the park absorbs stormwater and warned that building on it could worsen flooding. Wardby said she has collected petition signatures from nearby senior housing—“I have over 50 petition signatures” from one building and “another 45” from a second—and urged trustees not to rush a decision.

Village officials said they are scheduling information sessions and are open to meeting individually with residents to answer questions. Village President Banter said two upcoming information sessions on consecutive Wednesdays will present the options under consideration and that the board would not proceed if legal or grant restrictions prevented use of a site. He said the board’s attorney advised that a resolution of necessity and an appraisal are standard steps before pursuing acquisition.

The board’s discussion and public comments repeatedly drew attention to three topics: flood risk at Hartbrook Park after recent heavy rain; whether prior grant money tied to park improvements would need to be repaid if the park were repurposed; and whether selecting the park would set a precedent for future park use. Residents and trustees urged clarity on those points before any formal action. The village’s stated next steps are information sessions and continued review; a resolution of necessity is being drafted, and an appraisal would follow if the board pursues acquisition.

No formal motion or vote to purchase or to initiate eminent domain was taken at the meeting.