In recent weeks discussion has grown rather large over the future of Crystal Ridge Ski Hill. The most recent action was made by the Common Council last Tuesday with a decision to have the Parks Commission review the city's special use permit for the ski hill to operate. Mayor Taylor and his supporters are arguing heavily that the ski hill's operator and Milwaukee County seem to have failed in their promise to bring the former landfill up-to-par so the area can hold various sporting activities during the Spring-Fall months.
With this in mind, several aldermen last week mentioned the thought of a possible takeover of the ski hill by the City of Franklin, with some strongly suggesting against the notion altogether. A takeover of the ski hill by the city would quite a feat, and would require the signing off of Milwaukee County, which currently controls the property. Even with that major hurdle, it looks like city leaders are poised to take the offensive.
If things begin to happen, it will be interesting to see how the puzzle pieces come together, and who's involved in the process. Hometown developer Jim O'Malley has long been desiring for a revitalization of the ski hill to include activities and events on the land during the warmer months of the year, especially along the lines of soccer. O'Malley also brought up an idea to transform parts of the Crystal Ridge area into sporting fields and an outdoor amphitheater back in 2008.
I believe these ideas have promise and merit if the right people are involved and the community takes a strong stand with its leaders. If the city's leaders take a direction towards revoking the ski hill's special use permit, this is perhaps one of a few times in recent years where someone at Franklin City Hall has stuck out his/her neck for an issue that could be controversial. Yes, some families and residents are likely to oppose anything done to Crystal Ridge other than keeping it the status quo. As you've read on here numerous times in the past, I've been critical towards Franklin leaders lacking desire to have a strong vision with ideas and concepts to support it. For once, I'd be pleased to see something happen, and it looks like Mayor Taylor will be taking the lead on it.
My views on Crystal Ridge are that I support any initiative that will bring forward community activities and events for Franklin residents on the lands surrounding the ski hill during the warmer months of the year. I believe such an initiative can be done with strong community support, not only from Franklin but also from Greendale and potentially Hales Corners as well. The lands surrounding the ski hill provide the area with a regional potential of being a hub for sporting events, drawing in children and their families from around the metropolitan area. That helps boost our local businesses and economy, and spurs additional interest by families to consider buying a home in Franklin. I believe there is a huge opportunity to make the ski hill and its surrounding lands a successful recreational area.
