The Wisconsin DOT presented the most recent plans for the reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange.  The project team argued that because of the age of the interchange, number of accidents, and predicted congestion that the interchange needs to be rebuilt and widened.  They presented multiple options, all of which included the relocation of at least 13 residential homes, one business and would cut the parking lot at State Fair in half.  It was pointed out that the under the plans now being considered there will be no impact to the Honey Creek Business Park.  The design includes additional lanes and new frontage roads, referred to as Texas U-Turns, that essentially double the footprint of the highway.  Alderman Bauman expressed that the Wisconsin DOT seems to always push for freeway expansion saying that “no one ever talks about the no build option” and that “this a stealth widening of the Milwaukee freeway system”.

In response to a series of questions and comments regarding transit options, Ms. Brown, from the Wisconsin DOT, responded that “transit is not considered as part of the construction of the interchange”.  Alderman Murphy expressed the committee’s belief that the Wisconsin DOT has ignored multi-modal options at the expense of the City of Milwaukee saying that “the way they (Wisconsin DOT) set up this planning they specifically excluded it”.  Wisconsin DOT staff repeatedly pointed to SEWRPC’s planning as their guiding direction and Ms. Brown reiterated “that (rail) is not an option given the schedule and time frame”.  Near the end of the meeting Alderman Bauman summed up the committee’s message to the Wisconsin DOT saying “carry back the message you don’t have any happy campers”.

Alderman Bauman lead the efforts to bring forward a resolution that would have the City of Milwaukee request that Milwaukee County withdraw from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (”SEWRPC”). This drastic change has been brewing for years as SEWRPC has been seen as being unresponsive to requests from Milwaukee. Alderman Bauman gave a long and passionate introduction explaining how, “it (SEWRPC) does not serve the city of Milwaukee and its citizens.” He expounded on his feelings and expressed his view that SEWRPC has a suburban bias which he wrapped up with “where you work, where you office, and who you associate with informs your view.”

SEWRPC Executive Director Phil Evenson responded to Alderman Bauman’s comments by explaining the legal hurdles that would be involved in Milwaukee County withdrawing from SEWRPC and defended the organization’s actions. He point out that last Thursday they created a committee to handle the housing study that has been on hold since the 1970’s. Ken Yunker, who will take over for Phil Evenson after the new year, added that the housing study had been delayed because of a loss of federal funding dating back to the early 1980’s. This discussion seemed to remind the committee of one of their long standing issue with SEWRPC, in that SEWRPC has at least appeared to be non-responsive to Milwaukee’s interests.

Common Council President Hines addressed concerns that this resolution would appear to hurt regional cooperation, stating that “while we all embrace regional cooperation it can’t be a one way street, it has to be something that goes both ways.” Alderman Murphy expressed his frustration stating that “the current governing structure is inherently biased against urban areas,” but made it clear that he doesn’t want to withdraw from SEWRPC. Specifically, he made it clear that his intention is to call for a change in the structure of their governing body to better represent the population each county. At this point Alderman Donovan, Bohl, and Kovac each chimed in to make their intentions clear, that they agreed with Murphy’s comments.

While this resolution on the surface may seem as if Milwaukee is turning its back on regionalism, the committee made it clear that the real issue is making sure that SEWRPC’s governance appropriately reflects the population make up of the region it represents. This resolution was passed with Alderman Bauman’s amendment that included requesting the federal government not to re-certify SEWRPC in its current configuration, and will now go before the full Common Council.