The Pleasant Prairie Village Board, during a Monday evening meeting, will consider allowing the Village Administrator to obtain a third party opinion regarding the impact of a proposed residential development on the Chiwaukee Prairie. There have been conflicting professional opinions related to the impact the proposed Elkshire Development could have on the hydrologically significant Chiwaukee Prairie. A developer has proposed to build Elkshire on land between Sheridan Road and the C&NW railroad, south of 116th Street. In response to the differing opinions, the Village, the Developer and the Regional Planning Commission drafted a request for proposal (RFP) seeking an independent review and evaluation.

The review will consider current studies prepared by both the Developer and the U.S. Geological Society/Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Respondents to the RFP were interviewed by a team consisting of members from each of the parties involved. The resulting recommendation is to enter into a contract with Northern Environmental of Mequon for an independent review and opinion. The cost of the contract is expected to be approximately $12,000. The developer has entered into an agreement with the Village to cover the entire cost of the contract should the recommendation be approved by the Village Board.

"Our primary objective in this case is to ensure the safety and long term viability of the Chiwaukee Prairie Preserve," commented Village Administrator Mike Pollocoff. "There is a unique and complex groundwater system that impacts the hydrology of the area. It is our responsibility to take great care to develop adjacent lands in a way that won't damage this ecosystem." If awarded the contract, Northern Environmental will evaluate the existing groundwater modeling efforts and take into account: studies from the two groups above, information from local experts and historical geologic information. They would then provide a report of their assessment of the impact the development would have on the hydrology of the Preserve. The Village Board meeting will be held this evening at 6:30pm in the Village Hall Auditorium, 9915 39th Avenue, Pleasant Prairie.