**Updated 8:15 p.m. April 6
Member of the Sturtevant Village Board Tuesday approved an offer to purchase four properties along Durand Avenue that front the Cobble Court residential development.
The parcels – referred to in a village press release as the Cobble Court Commercial properties – are part of what was supposed to be the mixed-use Cobble Court development; commercial and retail up front with residential single- and multi-family units in the back. After the economy fell into a recession in 2008 and 2009, property owners could no longer keep up with their payments, and Racine County foreclosed late last year on the undevelopment land fronting Highway 11.
“The Village of Sturtevant plans to present an offer to purchase to Racine County,” the press release continues. “The development of these properties … is vital to the economic good health of the community and its residents.”
How much the village plans to offer is not being released at this time. Racine County Eye has sent email to Racine County Treasurer Jane Nicolai and County Executive Jonathan Delagrave asking them to contribute to the conversation.
Folding those parcels into a new economic development district has been part of board discussions, and Sturtevant Village President Steve Jansen last week introduced a proposal for new districts that include frontage on Highway 11 from the eastern to the western borders of the village.
“It’s important that the village see what can be done,” he said. “It’s definitely in the best interest of our residents to make sure those properties are developed to their full potential.”
Trustees approved hiring Milwaukee public relations firm Broydrick Group “to assist the village … with public relations regarding new development.”
According to the company’s website, they specialize in “tackling difficult, delicate and controversial issues.”
Village Administrator/Clerk Mary Cole said during the meeting Tuesday that the village will use the firm on an as-needed basis.