Status of Proposed Observation Tower Still Up in Air

City officials have not heard from the group that proposed an observation tower for  since late January, according to the Ozaukee Press.

At that time, the Port Washington Common Council had postponed any further action on the tower until members from the Friends of the Port Washington Tower could be present at a meeting — though city officials also made clear they were mostly against the proposed location.

"I don’t want to discourage people who want to give to the city," Ald. Paul Neumyer said during the Jan. 24 meeting, "but I’m not a fan of the location — I wish (the group) could be inclined to consider (the tower) on the coal dock."

Since then, city officials "haven’t heard a word" from the group, City Administrator Mark Grams told the Ozaukee Press.

The  raised a fire ladder earlier in January in the proposed location on Upper Lake Park as a way to get a sample of the view both from 80 feet up as well as an idea what the protruding tower would look like from other areas in the city. (Patch got a ride in the bucket, .)

The Friends of the Port Washington Tower had started a Facebook page in support of its efforts, but its last post was on Jan. 12. On Jan. 24, the group responded to an e-mail from Patch, explaining that group members been discussing the city's suggestions, but had no comment on changing locations.

The proposed 80-foot observation tower would be a one-of-its-kind edifice along Lake Michigan, and was recommended for approval by the Port Washington Plan Commission in December, according to the Ozaukee Press.