94-Year-Old Farmer Wins Eminent Domain Battle

By Tom Murray
TMJ4
May. 29, 2010

OAK CREEK – Nearly a century of living and Earl Giefer is still on the tractor. The city wanted the 94-year-old farmer’s land for a development, but is now backing off.
Giefer told TODAY’S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray he wants “to be left alone, completely.”

In the name of eminent domain, some city officials wanted to buy the property at S. Howell Ave. and W. Oakwood Road for up to $1.2 million. They offered to let Giefer live out his days on the farm before taking it over.

“I don’t need all this aggravation,” Giefer said. “Aggravated me so much I can’t take it anymore.”

Giefer’s attorney rejected the city’s offer, believing the 25-acre land is worth more. Yet Geifer, who inherited the property in 1931, seems more interested in keeping the farm in the family than ever selling.

The city is giving in.

“I acknowledge and respect the feelings of Mr. Giefer and his family in this matter,” Mayor Dick Bolender wrote in a release sent out Friday afternoon. “That is why I am advising the Common Council and Community Development Authority of the City of Oak Creek to immediately discontinue the process.”

Alderman Ken Gehl represents the southern section of the city where the farm is located.

“This has been a PR nightmare,” Gehl said. “I’m hearing from the citizens of Oak Creek and I don’t think it’s the right move at this time.”

You might think Giefer is the David who beat Goliath City Hall, but he doesn’t believe this really is over.

“You can’t beat city hall,” he said. “They could change their mind in a minute or two.”

City officials insist they will leave Giefer alone and expect the decision will be made official with a Common Council vote at next Tuesday’s meeting.