So here we go. In the spring of 2005 we stumbled across the perfect lot for our new house. At the southwest corner of S. 20th St. and W. Wood Ave. in Oak Creek, a half a city block was being divided into four lots. Close to Kathy's parents, not much farther from work for Paul than we were already living, and some great perks - it was right next door to an elementary school and a park with a playground. What else could you want?
We called the next day. They weren't ready for sale yet, but they were going through the process with the city government to have the lots divided and a new CSM (certified survey map) drawn up, and they should be ready for sale in August.
Right.
Dealing with the government is a frustrating and time-consuming process, as anyone who's ever had to do it can attest. And it's even harder when there is a problem. There was a problem. If you look at the first picture, you see that the grade rises steeply from the street, quickly reaching 6 feet above street level. This would have made for a very steep driveway. And the CSM was rejected. August came and went. Autumn came and went, and another try was rejected. Finally the city council decided to force the owners to cut the entire plot down to street level.
Next post: The results.
