August 2, 2026 – Kewaskum, Wi – Neighbors in the Village of Kewaskum believe it is important to bring the following concerns to the attention of all Kewaskum residents regarding the proposed Smokey’s Crossing TID #6 development on the north end of town behind Foundry 45.
It was stated the ongoing costs associated with the proposed subdivision—including snow removal, garbage collection, road maintenance, and other municipal services—would initially be borne by current residents rather than by the new development.
There was also discussion it could take years before property tax revenue generated by the new subdivision would offset these expenses. If that is the case, existing property taxes could increase to absorb the costs associated with more than 300 additional housing units, along with the infrastructure improvements needed to support the project.
We should also ask: Who will pay for the necessary upgrades to the Village’s water system? Our water bills are already expensive. Will existing residents be expected to shoulder those costs as well?
These are important issues that deserve open discussion by the entire community. Many residents are concerned that key decisions have been made during numerous closed-door meetings by the Village Board under the direction of Village Administrator Adam Gitter and Village President Michael “Fuzz” Martin. Both publicly supported this development and have since resigned, leaving the current board and taxpayers to address the long-term consequences of those decisions.
Many of us chose to move to Kewaskum because of its small-town character and strong sense of community. We do not want to see it become another densely developed community.
It is also worth asking why another large residential development is being proposed when recently completed developments (Regal Place TID #5), still have homes that remain unsold. What is the current financial status of those previous developments? Have their projected benefits been realized before another large project is approved?
Has actual market demand for additional housing been demonstrated? Will additional apartment units reduce occupancy in existing apartment buildings? How might this affect businesses that have served our community for many years?
Have comprehensive studies been completed to evaluate the impact this development could have on public safety, traffic, utilities, schools, emergency services, natural resources, and the environment? Have potential impacts on eagle nesting areas, the river, blastomycosis risks associated with disturbing soil near the river, and surrounding property values all been thoroughly evaluated?
Residents choose Kewaskum because they value its rural, small-town atmosphere. Continued large-scale development may change that character and could affect both the desirability of our community and the value of our homes.
Another concern is that existing ordinances and development restrictions are reportedly being reviewed or modified to accommodate this project. On June 1, 2026, Ordinance 2026-03 was passed, increasing the maximum allowable building height from 35 feet to 60 feet for this development of high-rise apartments.
If zoning regulations and ordinances are amended for one project, those changes could affect future development throughout the Village—not just this subdivision. Future projects could include taller buildings, reduced setbacks, increased outdoor lighting, higher noise levels, or businesses located closer to residential neighborhoods than current regulations allow. These protections exist for every property owner and deserve careful public consideration before being changed.
A large indoor sports facility is in the conceptual plan which will accommodate (8) full-size basketball courts, a hotel and restaurant. Kewaskum, currently, has (6) full-size courts in the school district.
This proposal affects far more than those who live near the development. Residents throughout Kewaskum should understand this project has the potential to impact our schools, increase demands on our fire and police departments, place additional strain on mail delivery and other public services, and significantly increase traffic on Highway 45.
Finally, we are being told this project will revitalize the downtown business district. If improvements to private businesses or commercial real estate are needed, should existing taxpayers be expected to finance those improvements? Public funds should benefit the community as a whole—not subsidize private development without a clear and measurable public benefit.
Before moving forward, residents deserve complete transparency regarding the financial impacts, infrastructure costs, long-term tax consequences, and demonstrated need for this development. To date, many of these questions have not been answered with documented research or publicly available studies. Residents deserve facts, data, and transparency—not assumptions or opinions.
The people of Kewaskum elected their representatives to protect the interests of the community. Decisions that will affect our town for generations should be made openly, thoughtfully, and with meaningful public input.
Please contact your Village Board members and Planning Commission members to share your thoughts. Contact information is available on the Village of Kewaskum website.
Upcoming Meetings
– Village Board Meeting: August 3 at 7 p.m.
– Planning Commission Meeting: August 25 at 7 p.m.
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