LAKE GENEVA — A rare piece of undeveloped farmland along Highway 120 in Lake Geneva could soon have new owners. The Geneva Lakes YMCA is in contract for the northern half and the city itself is pursuing the southern half for a possible police and fire headquarters.
The Geneva Lakes YMCA announced in an e-mail to members Monday afternoon.
The planned purchase on the corner of Highway 120 and Townline Road would replace the current Lake Geneva YMCA branch and is in addition to a proposed new YMCA facility in Delavan.
"This is an ideal location for our future YMCA branch in Lake Geneva," Geneva Lakes CEO Mike Kramp said in the press release sent to members. "Near Symphony Bay, across from Veterans Park, and alongside the bike trail, this site allows us to connect with individuals and families of all ages."
Hours after the YMCA's announcement, Lake Geneva City Council voted to purchase half of the field along Highway 120 and Bloomfield Road for the police department and the fire department. The city will have six months to evaluate the site for emergency management services before fully committing to the purchase.
The open field backs up to Symphony Bay, a community of homes for people over the age of 55.
"Watching the farmer work the field back here brings back a lot of memories," said Keith Hensler, who said the view of the cornfield was a selling point for his decision to move to Symphony Bay. "The first thing they were telling us four years ago when we bought the lot was that the farmer was eventually going to sell."
"When I moved in, I used to just look at the cornfield because the street behind me did not exist yet," said Karen Larvick, whose view of the cornfield is now obstructed by other Symphony Bay houses.
Hensler is on board with the possible developments compared to what else could rise on the farm.
"A YMCA would be better for the neighbors here," Hensler said. "It's better than apartments or building a subdivision that way. Better of the evils, I guess."
Larvick also welcomes the YMCA if they choose to built, but she has more concerns about the police and fire department proposal.
"We have to try to keep up with the needs of the community, so I understand that," Larvick said. "On the other hand, we're going to see a lot more activity, more traffic, and more noise."
Neither project is even in the design phase, so any possible development on the field is likely several years away.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
