The property at 433 Scott St. is the subject of discussion between the United Steelworkers 1327 and the city of Ripon. The union wants to purchase the property for a parking lot.
A piece of property, owned by the city of Ripon and located at 433 Scott St., has been a bone of contention between the city and the United Steelworkers Local 1327 union for some time.
The union, located next door at 443 Scott St., has petitioned the city to be able to purchase that property to be used for expansion and parking, as well as enlarging the one-way drive that now exists there. Shane Dalton, representing the union, has come before the Common Council on more than one occasion requesting to buy the property from the city.
“If we could purchase this lot, we could change that into a two-lane, therefore eliminating a blind spot,” he said during the public comment session of the Monday, June 17 Common Council meeting.
Dalton referred to the narrow, one-way road that enters the rear parking lot behind the union hall. It is the only way in or out, he said, and is not safe. He also told the council that the purchase of the property would enable the union to create more storage space for itself since it is limited to one small closet.
City Administrator Adam Sonntag said in an email to the Commonwealth last weekthat the property is not for sale since it is a part of the water master plan.
“The city is currently completing a well site investigation to help determine sites for municipal wells #10 and #11,” he said. “This property is a potential site for one of those wells and is currently under review by our engineers to determine if it will remain a viable site. The city should have more information in the next three months. Alternative options may be explored for the site if not selected for a well, including sale, redevelopment or other reasonable use that is in the best interest of the city. No timelines have been established for alternative options.”
Dalton noted that the union is a big supporter of the community, sponsoring Ripon Youth Baseball & Softball teams, holding a Dickens of a Christmas party for the public and other civic events.
“Our union doesn’t want attention for our service, but wants to continue to be able to do so,” Dalton said. “By having this extra space, it will allow our union to grow and to continue to serve our members as well as the community.”
Sonntag said that even though he has presented union representatives with the city’s perspective several times over the last three years and spoke with Dalton again last week Wednesday, it will be months before any sort of decision can be made.
“As a potential well site, I anticipate having a better idea over the next three months,” Sonntag said.
