Giant pile of dirt upsetting people
Residents of West Allis, Wisconsin are growing angry about a towering mound of dirt alongside interstate 894 near Greenfield Avenue. As WDJT 58 News reports, the hill of dirt, nicknamed “Mount Stallis,” (“Stallis” is a shortened nickname for West Allis used by locals) grew larger and larger and now is the cause of numerous complaints. Mount Stallis sits on state controlled land reserved for possible future freeway expansion and is composed of the excess dirt from a nearby Wisconsin Department of Transportation interchange project.
Business owners near the hill are upset that their establishments can no longer be seen from the freeway, and others say that it’s ugly and is causing a layer of dust or mud everywhere. Ken Jelacic, lives near the mound and told the station, “It’s just a mess and there’s dust everywhere…I can’t see anything now west of my house, nothing but a big hill.” Mary Ziegler, owner of the shop, Half Nuts, said, “People are talking about it already and kind of making fun of it and ‘Gee, too bad for you guys.’” When John Fisco, chairman of Christian literature non-profit, ProBuColls was asked if he felt his hands were tied he responded, “Without a doubt. You don’t fight the state of Wisconsin.”
Alderman Michael May agrees that the hill is an “eyesore” but explained, “We like to say state is king and it’s their land. They have the right to do with it what they want.” Alderman May did note that some residents appreciate the mound because they say it blocks freeway traffic noise.
The addition of grass and trees are planned for the hill to beautify the current eyesore. Another idea being discussed is installing solar panels on the mound to generate energy they can sell to the Wisconsin Energy Corporation for city revenue.
Video and more info: WDJT, West Allis Now
