Feature
KRM and RTA Update
The Wisconsin state budget is now at a point where it will go to a conference committee after the Senate approved their version of the budget yesterday. The conference committee will reconcile the difference between the Assembly and Senate versions, and send the budget off to Governor Doyle. Doyle will then use his line-item veto power on certain language he doesn't like, and Wisconsin have a budget.
Jun 18th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Council Creates Streetcar Committee
The proposed snow and ice fee increase, the furloughs, the possible use of eminent domain for economic development, and the formation of a streetcar committee were topics of interest at this Common Council meeting.
Jun 18th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Close the Libraries? Lease the Water Works?
Massive layoffs, extended furloughs, service cuts, significant tax and fee increases all are possibilities in the next year for the City of Milwaukee. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with the gap in the pension fund, a decline in the assessed value of property in the city, and a likely decline in state shared revenue the fiscal picture for the City of Milwaukee doesn't look so bright. At today's Common Council meeting the debate around a snow and ice fee increase and the furloughing of city employees were brought about by this startling economic outlook for the City of Milwaukee.
Jun 16th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Old World Third Street Is A Good Place To Do Business
If you haven't had the chance to check out Old World Third Street in Milwaukee's Westown neighborhood in a while, make it a point to do so. The past year has brought a lot of new businesses to the street, including enough new restaurants to feed you for a week. Brick 3 Pizza, Capone's, a greatly expanded Wisconsin Cheese Mart, Notte, Molly Cool's, Bootleggers, Milwaukee Brat House, Suite. All new businesses that opened since the spring of 2008, and all businesses that appear to be thriving.
Jun 12th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
City to Use Eminent Domain?
This meeting had a couple of topics of particular interest, the use of eminent domain, and TIF policy.
Jun 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
UPAF, My Ride, and Sunday Streets for Milwaukee?
This past weekend I took part in the United Performing Arts Fund’s 29th annual Miller Lite Ride for the Arts, it was great to see thousands of people show up bright and early to take part in the ride. This event brought together two goals, supporting the arts and promoting more bike riding, that fit perfectly with the creation of a vibrant city. The day of the ride was cold, and it rained part of the way through, but the experience of seeing so much of Milwaukee at a pace where you can actually take it in got me thinking.
Jun 9th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Renewable Energy in the Midwest
The production of renewable energy continues to move forward in the Midwest as new projects are proposed and government adjusts to make construction of new developments easier. The most noteworthy is the planned 39 acre urban solar power plant in the City of Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood.
Jun 9th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Police District Boundaries Redrawn – Will Affect New UWM Dorm
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn has had his new police district boundaries approved by the Common Council Public Safety Committee. The new boundaries will have the most significant effects on the East and South sides of Milwaukee.
Jun 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Jazz in the Park Starts Today, Kinda
The stage is in place. The vendors are setting up. Metro Market is soon to be buzzing with shoppers. Friends and neighbors are preparing to skip out of work a little early, run home grab the chairs, a bottle of something, and head to Cathedral Square. Yes, it's opening night at Jazz in the Park, kinda. Because that is how it use to work.
Jun 4th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Traditional Neighborhood Development Partners Solar Village Renderings
Traditional Neighborhood Development Partners was one of the seven firms that submitted a proposal for Bay View's Solar Village project.
May 30th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Apparently, My Mom Isn’t Welcome in Bay View
Recently I moved my mother from a single family home into a low-income subsidized senior housing development.
May 28th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Miller Park vs Busch Stadium – Milwaukee vs St. Louis
After a recent weekend trip to take in three Milwaukee Brewers games in St. Louis versus the rival St. Louis Cardinals, I spent a significant time reflecting on the differences (and similarities) between the stadiums each team calls home. Miller Park is located 3.2 miles from Milwaukee City Hall, while Busch Stadium is located 1/5th (0.2) of a mile from the iconic Arch. Miller Park has the roof, Busch Stadium has the view. Busch Stadium has the proposed Ballpark Village, Miller Park has its own sales tax. Miller Park has gameday bus service, Busch Stadium is located on a light rail line. And least important for the sake of this analysis, they each have their namesake beer. With all of that considered, which stadium does more for the city?
May 28th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
