Surplus designation of Sheridan Springs Road property
Lake Geneva
Summary
The city's largest open land parcel — 11 acres on Sheridan Springs Road vacant for 19 years — will be sold to the local Simple Food Group. Critics say the city never marketed the property or released its appraisal and should seek higher value; supporters say the local buyer's community ties and planned Hillmoor access make it the right choice.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jan 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
The sale price wasn't disclosed in the open-session record; critics contend the land could appraise at $1.1–3 million and argue the sale leaves money on the table, while supporters note the property returns to the tax roll.
Simple Food Group, its employees, local farmers and suppliers, and downtown businesses tied to its growth; the city gains a taxpayer on formerly vacant land.
Opponents argue taxpayers may lose potential sale value, and Hillmoor parking access may be constrained if Lot One is not retained.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Common Council - Jan 26, 2026
The city's largest open land parcel — 11 acres on Sheridan Springs Road vacant for 19 years — will be sold to the local Simple Food Group. Critics say the city never marketed the property or released its appraisal and should seek higher value; supporters say the local buyer's community ties and planned Hillmoor access make it the right choice.
Common Council - Jan 12, 2026
The city is weighing selling four parcels (11.4 acres) near Hillmor to Simple Food Group for a cafe, bakery production facility, event space and privately funded trailhead into Hillmor. Supporters say it adds tax revenue and jobs at no city cost; critics call the process opaque and object to selling to a former mayor. The council has directed staff to negotiate, 7-1.
Committee of the Whole - Jan 5, 2026
Residents pushed back on declaring city-owned land on Sheridan Springs Road as surplus, with one suggesting the Council seek at least two bids before selling. Concerns also came up about public access to appraisal documents.
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