The city of Madison may buy property from developer Lincoln Capital Acquisition to create a 15-acre public park with wetlands and open space next to a large housing project planned near the former east side Oscar Mayer plant, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Plans for the area face contention, however, between neighbors who want to establish a natural conservation park — which would set aside lands to preserve certain natural resources — and the Parks Division — which is looking to develop an oversize neighborhood park with amenities like a picnic shelter, playground, open space, and more.
The 5.7-acre wetland area up for purchase is situated next to the site of a city-approved $192.8 million low-cost housing project with 553 units in two buildings. The property has a large natural area with open space, trees, and wetlands, and the developer is required to dedicate 9.3 acres of it to the Parks Division.
The City Council will reach a decision on the purchase on Tuesday.
