ame8736:

So what is your point? You're partially right, if the city cannot mow what they have, why add more? Don't you think though that the city would make sure to keep that new "green" space looking nice because of its proximity to the police station and municipal building? If that were the case, and they did not increase the mowing budget, then yes, maintenance would be at the expense of something else, and that is wrong. However, the general feel is that the building should not come down, so does the city own it or sell it? If they own it, who pays for it? I think that you would quickly find out that it costs more to have the building than cut the grass. Think about it, if you had an empty lot that you owned next to a lot you owned that had a building, which lot would cost you more to operate? That's my point. That's why I say if the city should sell the building, and the private sector, not the taxpayer is responsible then for it.

we dont have the money now to take care of our parks and mow them. my daughter lived over by adams park and would not let her son go there because of how bad the play equipment was and at times the grass was ridiculous. now they want to add more places for the city to mow?

I still hold by my views. Anyway, I just hope it stays there and gets some TLC. Cathy, I agree, Hopefully something will get done with the old jeffris theatre fiasco. And, I hope they could find somebody to do something nice with the Monterey hotel.

Yes, Optimus...the Monterey Hotel fiasco....bet nothing has been done yet by the city to start fining Graff for the nearby teardown that's beyond the already extended completion date...I suppose with the colder weather and holiday season approaching the powers that be will decide to let him slide by until spring!

I like the idea of the privatization of that property rather than have the city "take" it over. Many of you are really missing the boat when you make "the city should do something with that building vs greenspace argument" Think about it. I'm pretty sure that mowing the grass on that little site would cost the city far less than maintaining a building. That type of near-sightedness, is what causes all of our taxes to go up in the long run. Don't get me wrong, I would hate to see that building go. It does have a certain charm and character that we do NOT see in new construction now. That's why it should be sold and privatized to an individual(s) who have a solid business plan. A caveat however; just so long as it's not sold to someone who will leave it vacant and empty for years- much like the historic Monterey hotel... Ah, I digress...

Irish Mafia, Lets take up donations and start a drive to do just that! Sounds like a good idea to me!

I think making that building into a coffee shop or little take-out deli is a good idea. I even like the cop theme. LOL. If someone does decide to buy it and make it into a little place like that there could be pictures of past Janesville officers, old "wanted" posters,memorabilia collections, show re-runs of cop shows or even have a police scanner going. It could be a way to say "thanks" to the police for doing their job and have a new place to grab a bite. I know if I had the money... I'd do it myself!

I agree with the city. This building and many others have been sitting there for years with nothing done to them. If people care so much why has nothing been with it by now? How many more theator situations do we need?

I gotta also agree with Cathy's asessment of the council and the city manager. He's totally outta touch with the peoples wishes. Let someone buy the property and make use of it. Why not have the Janesville visitors bureau there! A great place. Makes sense to me.

We are loosing our identity. Go down Milton Avenue or Deerfield Drive. It's "Anywhere USA"...not Janesville. While I don't find that building all that interesting, I guarantee I wouldn't find it in "Anywhere USA"...only Janesville.

What could be more sterotypic than a coffee/donut shop next to the police station. It'll save them time from having to drive all the way out to Dunkin Donuts.

Certainly no surprise Sheiffer considers the historic bldg blighted,therefore worthless. I hope the council makes their own decision on what to do with it and disregards Sheiffer's opinion. At least with elected officials the community can help control who gets in/out of office and represent the community at large. Representing the community at large is a foreign concept to the paid manager.

Yup, We don't need any more green space! We have enough of that! Spend the money in that building. Its better spent. Take other money from new frivilous "water parkways and green spaces" and use it for mowing the over abundance of green space we now have.

tear down tear down spend spend spend at the council meeting last night it was decided to give money to tallman house but then no money for mowing. now they want to buy a building? spend that money on mowing the grass at the parks duh!!!!!!

The city manager is against anything he sees fit. He needs to go! I've always thought that its a buetiful old building. I 'm against demolition and feel it should get a second life. As the city council president said, A doughnut or coffee shop is the perfect idea. A business which could bring more people to the downtown area. Leave the building alone and let it take new life! There is not many old unique buildings like this left.

To demolish such an historic gem would be tragic and very short-sighted. Most Americans seem to always want "new and improved" over the insight, character, and the integrity of historic architecture of our cultural past. That usually leaves communities looking completely indistinquishable with their homogenous "big-box" eyesores. I truly hope the Council choses to re-use rather than remove. As an historic home owner...while they're at it, how about instituting TOUGHER and enforceable historic district ordinances that truly protect all historic buildings in Janesville!!!!

This would just be another GREENSPACE that we could not afford to keep up.The city could always ask for volunteers to keep it mowed I guess !