Oak Creek, Milwaukee County May Swap Lands

It almost feels like a fantasy-football trade.

The city of Oak Creek and Milwaukee County may swap land on Drexel Avenue under a proposal the Common Council is scheduled to take up Tuesday.

Under the pending agreement, the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture would receive from Oak Creek about 34 total acres: 8245 S. 20th St., 2211 W. Drexel Ave. and 2301 W. Drexel Ave. 

In exchange, the city gets 2200 W. Drexel Ave. - about 18 acres on the north side of Drexel just east of 27th Street. 

The county has long wanted the land it is to receive. Known as the Esch Honadel Woods, the county wants to preserve the land and its "significant natural resources," according to a letter from Parks Director Sue Black to the Milwaukee County Board.

Oak Creek, meanwhile, sees the 18 acres it would get as "more usable" than the Esch Honadel Woods, a report to council members said. Northwestern Mutual, which owns property nearby, has also been involved with the talks.

Local and state officials are preparing for the reconstruction of Drexel Avenue and the new Drexel interchange, set for 2012. Officials say new development at 2200 W. Drexel Ave. could add jobs and taxable value to the city.

The land could even be used for a new elementary school, according to the report. 

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at , 8640 S. Howell Ave.

The agreement also needs approval from the National Park Service, state Department of Natural Resources and Milwaukee County.