Batavia land deal getting done

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke said he expects an announcement on a land deal between Mooseheart and the school and park districts in the coming weeks.

"In the last few weeks, I can tell you it's heated up," Schielke told a Batavia Chamber of Commerce group Tuesday. "I'm very optimistic that the school and park districts will be able to acquire some land."

The groups were criticized last year for considering eminent domain in their quest to get Mooseheart land for a high school addition.

The boards later rescinded that vote, and both groups agreed to negotiate.

Mooseheart and school officials declined to comment further Tuesday, although Superintendent Jack Barshinger said Schielke's remarks were accurate.

"We don't want to negotiate this in public," he said.

Batavia voters approved $5 million in bonds to buy Mooseheart land in 2003, but that authority will expire next year.

Schielke spoke to chamber members at his annual Mayors Breakfast on Tuesday. He also addressed the possibility of a second bridge in town, new businesses and the year ahead.

The city is putting together a citizens advisory group to study the possibility of a second bridge. Schielke said a lot of study would be involved in the issue, with a decision not coming until 2009 or 2010.

"This is not going to be a short-term issue," he said.

Although business in downtown has suffered with the bridge construction, businesses on the west side of town are continuing to grow, he said.

The Wal-Mart on Randall Road is planning to break ground within the next few weeks on an expansion to make it a Super Wal-Mart with a grocery store, Schielke said.

Menards is planning an expansion as well, while a new buffet restaurant at Main Street and Randall and the long-awaited Fuddruckers are expected soon, he said.

Although the city has lost several businesses downtown, officials have received calls from people interested in moving businesses there once the bridge project is finished, he said.