Environmental concerns have county officials forcing eviction of Cudahy Sportsmen's Club

CUDAHY (WITI) -- The Cudahy Sportsmen's Club has been a mainstay on the South Shore since 1932 -- but it's the club's proximity to the shore that has Milwaukee County leaders forcing an eviction. Environmental concerns began to surface 30 years ago. The club is now deemed an environmental hazard to wildlife and the general public.

"This will probably be our last year at this site," Cudahy Sportsmen's Club President Tom Ahmad said.

Ahmad says the Cudahy Sportsmen's Club is like his second home.

"In 1976 when I started here I was trap help.  Now I`m the club president," Ahmad said.

Some believe the club hasn't always been the best neighbor. In November, Milwaukee County terminated its lease with the organization. It has occupied space in Warnimont Park for generations, but it also left behind a toxic legacy.

"There have been reports and obviously they use a lot of lead and clay pigeons and wadding," Milwaukee County Parks Director John Dargle said.

The trash has been building up at the edge of Lake Michigan. Dargle says a lot of it is lead-based, and an environmental nightmare.

"I`m going to recommend, based on the current conditions, that we try to relocate," Dargle said.

The club can stay on the property for one more year -- but on Tuesday, January 27th, the Milwaukee County Board will begin to hear alternative locations for the club -- including one that's 100 yards south of the current site.

"We`d like to stay right here in the park," Ahmad said.

Ahmad says while he isn't keen on relocating, he is cooperating with the Parks Department and the DNR as soil and water tests begin.

"There are always alternatives. There are always things that can get pushed off," Ahmad said.

Both sides agree the club is a unique attraction for a county park. Soon, we'll find out if it has a shot at a new, safer site.

Related stories: