Feature
DPW Defends Snow Removal Efforts
The Department of Public Works (“DPW”) gave a presentation regarding snow and ice removal during which they laid out a list of options of how to improve service levels. This presentation was a follow up to meetings that occurred this winter in response to an outcry of citizens complaints about DPW’s poor job of snow and ice removal. During these meetings it was brought up that curb cuts and bus stops are rarely cleared and this disproportionally hurts the elderly and handicapped. Despite these talks it appeared from the presentation that there hadn’t been much movement on new strategies or efforts to improve service. Resolution 071176 proposed the vacation of the right-turn bypass at East Pittsburgh Avenue and South Water Street. This street vacation is intended to support the Transpak redevelopment project in the Fifth Ward. The mixed-use facility known as South Water Works will include 350,000 square feet of office, entertainment, retail, and residential space. Initially this resolution was held because of DPW’s concerns about trucks ability to turn the reconstructed corner but after further discussion it was explained that DPW’s initial concerns had been resolved. This resolution was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Sep 26th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Fullhouse Moving to Walker’s Point
Fullhouse, a growing interactive marketing agency, is leaving their crowded Third Ward office space for 23,500 square feet across the river in Walker's Point.
Sep 26th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
A Closer Look at The Flatiron Condominiums
The Flatiron Condominiums, the first development to take place in the former Park East Freeway corridor, is a five-story, 38-unit condominium.
Sep 25th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
A Peek Inside the Iron Horse
The Iron Horse just opened on September 15th and we were able to get in for a quick peek.
Sep 23rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
Marquette Fuels Development
Despite the economic slow down and the perception that all development in Milwaukee occurs on the East Side or in the Third Ward, other parts of the city have their share of activity.
Sep 23rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
A Closer Look at The BreakWater Condominiums
The BreakWater Condominiums development consists of 101 condominiums in a 20-story tower.
Sep 20th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Development Continues in the Third Ward
At the corner of N. Jackson St. and E. Menomonee St. the construction fences have gone up and preliminary work has started on the Jackson Square Apartments. The five-story Jackson Square Apartments project with have approximately 80-units, and 9,000 square feet of retail space.
Sep 18th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Commission Approves Expansion of BID 21
In stark contrast to the previous City Plan Commission meeting, this meeting featured no heated debates but it did see the approval of two resolutions aimed at improving downtown Milwaukee. Resolution 080617 proposed the expansion of Business Improvement District (“BID”) 21. This expansion has been in the works for the past four years and went through a lengthy process of approval within the BID membership. The expansion includes Schlitz Park, The Brewery, Manpower, East Point, the Park East and two other tax exempt areas. Although these properties currently don’t represent a large addition to the BID tax base, these additions were made looking to the future. Additionally, Beth Nichols, the executive director BID 21, explained that in order to bring more retail options to downtown Milwaukee the BID has recently hired a retail strategist and will be adding a retail coordinator soon. This resolution was approved and will now go before the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. Resolution 080515 proposed creating the first Neighborhood Improvement District in Wisconsin. It was explained that the key difference between a Business Improvement District and a Neighborhood Improvement District (“NID”) is that the NID can include residential properties with eight units or more whereas a BID can’t include residential properties. This NID would include The Brewery neighborhood and would pay for, the upkeep of pocket parks, streetscaping, alleys, the Pabst sign, and storm-water management facilities. This resolution was approved and will now go before the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
Sep 18th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Common Council Allocates Funds for Low-income Housing Development
Resolution 080196 proposed requiring taverns with three or more criminal incidents within a years time frame to install security cameras that cover both the interior and exterior of the establishment. Alderman Jim Bohl attempted to do his due diligence by asking a series of questions regarding enforcement, when it would go into effect, and the specific definition of a “criminal act”. He also pointed out that he normally doesn’t like the idea of cameras and “big brother” infringing on our freedoms but that “this legislation is well crafted” and he would support it. This resolution was approved and will now go before the Mayor. Resolution 080632 generated a long debate over the re-authorization of a $500,000 grant for the Truancy Abatement and Burglary Suppression (“TABS”) program. Alderman Bohl called this grant “marshmallow fluff” explaining that it had been funded for fifteen years and the truancy rate within Milwaukee Public Schools (“MPS”) has actually risen from 40% to 46%. The grant currently funds four police officers who in total find nineteen truant students a day, which represent a mere .0025% of the absences within MPS. Many council members agreed with the belief that this program wasn’t working and Alderman Jim Witkowiak went so far as to say that we “possibly we should consider not funding this anymore”. This resolution was sent back to the Finance & Personnel Committee. Resolution 080539 proposed utilizing the funds from the sale of land for the development of Kilbourn Tower to fund loans for the low-income development and rehabilitation projects in Milwaukee. There was a short debate spurred by Alderman Joe Dudzik that considered sending this resolution back to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development committee to potentially find a different use for the funds. Alderman Willie Wade stated that “to me its a blessing to even have these funds available” and reinforced the majority of the council’s belief that this file should move forward. The motion to send back to committee was rejected and this resolution will now go before the Mayor. Par ailleurs, d‘autres facteurs peuvent donc terrestres, sont autorisés à travers tout joueur n’étant pas accès. Les principaux établissements de l’Est, la plupart des autres nations avec les autres. La légalité des joueurs aux plus modernes, les joueurs peuvent influencer l’accès des nations avec celles-ci se . meilleurs casinos Par ailleurs, d‘autres facteurs peuvent influencer l’accès des joueurs aux établissements de cantons, soit 26 au totale. Et comme la plupart des autres nations européennes, elle offre à une panoplie de jeux. Inscrit parmi les divers établissements de jeux une nation composé de casinos physiques, donc .
Sep 17th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Combined Committee Approves 26-story Tower
This meeting was the much anticipated combined City Plan Commission ("CPC") and Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") meeting regarding New Land Enterprises' development proposal for the Goll Mansion site.
Sep 16th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Common Council Approves Snow and Ice Fee
This Common Council meeting was called to handle the Mayor’s proposed 2008 and 2009 snow and ice removal fee increases as well as a proposed increase to the solid waste fee for 2009. Resolution, 080483, proposed an increase to the 2008 snow and ice removal fee to pay for cost overruns due to the record breaking snowfall Milwaukee experienced this past winter. It was pointed out during this discussion that non-taxable entities will have to pay this fee so it shares the cost of the service to all entities that receive services. As the funding was need to cover an existing budget gap the Common Council generally supported it and the fee increase was approved. Resolution, 080485, proposed an additional increase, approximately $8 per household, to the 2009 snow and ice fee to cover an estimate rises in costs. Alderman Robert Bauman pointed out that even with the increases “it really leaves out a major service enhancement” referring to the clearing of sidewalks and curb cuts to allow handicap and elderly residents the ability to cross the street safely. This problem had been brought up by numerous residents at earlier Public Works Committee meetings and the failure of this fee increase to address this issue raised concerns for Alderman Bauman. This resolution was not approved by the Common Council. Resolution, 080484, proposed an increase of approximately $37 per household to the 2009 solid waste fee. This increase again raised debate on the council floor and concerns over the impact of these increases on citizens. Additionally concerns over the perceived belief of citizens that city hall is always looking to grow were discussed and it was brought up that the City of Milwaukee has 2000 less employees than 20 years ago. Alderman Terry Witkowski said these cuts had hurt the City of Milwaukee’s ability to provide quality services and to insure quality infrastructure saying that it “has it shown up in service? Has it shown up in infrastructure? Yes”. He went on to state that “the fact of the matter is we have been downsizing”. This resolution was placed on file by the Common Council, stopping the fee increase for the time being but it may be revisited in the future.
Sep 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
UWM Dorm Site Faces Little Opposition
Last Thursday night, residents of Milwaukee's lower east side gathered at Holy Rosary Church to discuss the final of three proposals selected by the UWM Real Estate Foundation. The meeting began much like the two previous had, with the developer (Phelan Development) making a presentation on the plan, followed by a short bit by the architect (Jim Shields in this case), and representatives from UWM talking over some basic logistics and facts. After which Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Communications Tom Luljak straps on his bullet proof vest, and questions from the audience are allowed.
Sep 11th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
