OUR PLACE
The Hillmoor property remains in the early stages of planning.
Different organizations, businesses, and groups are sharing dreams and possibilities for the property. Ideas are still being presented and the list has not been narrowed down. Alderpersons Esposito and Fesenmaier requested the discussion and recommendation regarding that the Knowles Nelson Grant for Hillmoor Wetlands be added to Monday night’s city council meeting agenda. The Knowles Nelson Grant was first brought to the city’s attention in April 2023.
The Geneva Lakes Conservancy (GLC) director spoke in favor of the grant and its usefulness in the restoration of the Hillmoor property. The GLC presented potential plans that included three and a half miles of hiking trails the wetlands and the savannah on the Hillmoor property. The GLC worked for months developing plans for the trails, including materials that would positionally be used, areas where bridges would be placed, boardwalks for flood risk areas, and also recommended the direction and routes of trails. The conservancy did the work on how to fund the project by looking at grants available, and the Knowles Nelson Grant was discovered to be able to fill that need. The conservancy requested permission to apply for the funds. The grant would cover half of the cost. The deadline to apply was May 1, 2023. Due to the grant application not being submitted in time, the grant process would need to be started over, as the initial qualification year ended.
Monday night, January 8, 2024, at the Lake Geneva City Council meeting, the Geneva Lakes Conservancy representative read a statement from the GLC acknowledging the significance of the city acquiring the Hillmoor property. The GLC also applauded the efforts of the Lake Geneva YMCA for its effort in wanting to develop a community structure and provide usable outdoor space. The need for a plan that enhances the natural beauty and provides recreational outdoor space the community wants is a challenging project. At this point, the GLC believes the city’s plan for Hillmoor is in the early stages. The GLC feels it has no other choice than to withdraw from making another request for the grant application submission approval. The conservancy did let the city council know it is still open and more than willing to apply for the grant or any other potential grants if the city reaches out and is willing to help in the efforts to restore the property and the wetlands.
The city council was divided on another grant application, some stating there was not enough information on the grant, and expressing feelings about how the GLC might be moving too fast, as the city hasn’t come to any definite plans for the property yet. The one opinion all council members shared was their appreciation for the GLC’s efforts regarding the Hillmoor property and the natural development it so passionately has worked to come into being. The Hillmoor property was purchased for the people and those people are getting anxious to get out there and use it.
Hopefully, a 2024 decision will be made, plans will be approved, and the property environmentally added to for the public’s enjoyment.
