Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Purchase topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kenosha committees approve purchase of house at 11308 Burlington Road amid questions about price and inspection
Summary
Corporate counsel told committees the county will buy the house at 11308 Burlington Road for $425,000 to create a buffer around an adjacent county‑owned residential site; several supervisors pressed for inspections and questioned whether the county is overpaying and acting as a real‑estate investor.
Kenosha County’s Public Works and Finance committees approved a resolution to acquire a residential property at 11308 Burlington Road for $425,000 to provide a buffer next to an existing county‑owned property used for mandated residential placement.
Corporate counsel Joel presented the purchase as a strategic move to protect the county’s existing site and provide future redevelopment flexibility. “It really allows us to sort of control our own destiny in regards to the property that we already own,” Joel said, adding that the parcel sits on roughly one‑third of an acre and was priced the same as the adjacent purchase last year.
Several supervisors voiced concern about due diligence and price. Supervisor Gabe (speaker 8) criticized the timing and the market analysis, saying the property was not listed on MLS and asserting the county may be paying “$100,000 to $150,000 more” than market value. He urged caution and opposed the purchase. Others, including supervisors who had supported the prior, more urgent purchase, argued acquiring the parcel now could prevent future complications if a developer sought the neighboring land.
Committee members questioned whether a formal home inspection had been performed. Corporate counsel said the person who prepared the market analysis likely visited the house and that county facilities staff (Matt Mascherino) has seen it and could appear for the board. Some supervisors sought a purchase contingent on a home inspection and reassessment of price; counsel advised that the signed agreement is contingent upon board approval and that substantive post‑offer changes may be legally problematic.
Despite disagreement, both committees voted to approve the purchase and the matter will be on the County Board agenda. Committee members asked counsel to provide additional inspection details and to have facilities staff available to describe the property's condition at the board meeting.
