Content referencing City of Milwaukee - Page 3
Fire Cadet Recruiting Event
The Milwaukee Fire Department will be hosting a city-wide recruiting event at the Harley-Davidson Museum® on Sunday October 21.
Oct 11th, 2012 by Press Release
“Buy Milwaukee/American” proposal passes committee, headed for Common Council vote
The full Milwaukee Common Council will vote October 16, 2012 on a proposal that would require the City of Milwaukee to purchase certain Milwaukee-made goods.
Oct 11th, 2012 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
Mayor Barrett Announces “Freshwater Way” As the Winning Street Name to Replace “Pittsburgh Avenue”
Popular Contest Produced Hundreds of Suggestions
Oct 9th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
Too Many Cops in Milwaukee County?
The high cost of a huge sheriff’s budget and 19 local police departments.
Oct 3rd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Rake Your Leaves into the Street Beginning October 1st
City of Milwaukee residents may start raking leaves into the curb lanes starting Monday, October 1st.
Oct 1st, 2012 by City of Milwaukee
Common Council to deliberate on Mayor’s proposed 2013 City Budget
Today, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered a 2013 proposed executive budget to the Milwaukee Common Council that provides some relief to property taxpayers, includes no employee layoffs and maintains police staffing, but also includes an agreement to have the city absorb police patrols in parks and 911 communications duties from the county.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Statement from Mayor Tom Barrett Concerning the Public Service Commission Ruling on the Milwaukee Streetcar Project
We agree with comments made by two of the three Public Service Commission (PSC) members that the Streetcar project is an exercise of the City’s police power, and that it is a benefit to the public’s health, safety and welfare.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
City Seeks Candidates for 2012 City/County Christmas Tree
Your tree could decorate Red Arrow Park for all to enjoy!
Sep 27th, 2012 by City of Milwaukee
Mayor Barrett Presents 2013 City Budget to the Common Council
Homeowners Will See Services Maintained with Taxes and Fees Steady
Sep 27th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
PSC indicates in favor of City of Milwaukee on Milwaukee Streetcar utility issue
A majority of the members of the Public Service Commission expressed support today for the City of Milwaukee’s position that the Milwaukee Streetcar is a public works project just like roads, sewers and water main projects.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Ald. Bob Bauman
The Mighty County Board
A doormat a decade ago, the board is now far more powerful -- much to Chris Abele’s chagrin.
Sep 25th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
How will Milwaukee Police Department handle extra work?
I’m disappointed the Mayor didn’t find it necessary to brief more Council members on his plans.
Sep 24th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
DCD’s Rocky Marcoux is cleared by DA’s Office
Today I received correspondence from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, notifying me that the investigation of my inquiry into possible criminal wrongdoing on the part of Commissioner Rocky Marcoux of the Department of City Development had been completed.
Sep 17th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Parks Plan Has Problems
Cathedral Square / Juneau Park plan created with little public discussion and no design competition.
Sep 7th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The Milwaukee Brewery District
The impact of a semi-successful early 80's plan for a large stretch of downtown.
Sep 1st, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
City Defies Journal Sentinel
Fire & Police Commission will hire consultant the newspaper repeatedly claims is biased.
Aug 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Mayor Proclaims August 24 Captain Haley Day in Milwaukee
Captain’s 2,500th Lake Michigan crossing celebrated with proclamation, ceremony
Aug 24th, 2012 by Press Release
Candidates should make position known on Disclose Act
American politics today is bursting at the seams with money, and most of it is donated anonymously. That lack of transparency is troubling to Alderman Michael J. Murphy and to members of the Common Council.
Aug 17th, 2012 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Where my loyalties rest
I feel compelled to respond today to the comments about me that came from Jeff Fleming on behalf of the Barrett administration.
Aug 17th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies
After three press releases in three days, the alderman holds a news conference with new right-wing allies.
Aug 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Alderman Donovan to announce new efforts in fight against streetcar
Alderman Bob Donovan will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, August 16) to announce new efforts in his bid to derail the proposed downtown streetcar project.
Aug 15th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
We need a real public safety strategy, not another street roll call
We need to fill the MPD officer vacancies and create a real public safety strategy for Milwaukee.
Aug 14th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Alderman Donovan to Mayor: Start paying attention to Milwaukee
How did the first moments of my first day of vacation begin (today)?
Aug 13th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Name a Milwaukee Street
The City is holding a contest to rename a Fifth Ward street. What's your suggestion?
Aug 12th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Preliminary Budget Hearing Invitation
The City of Milwaukee will hold a 2013 Preliminary Budget Hearing to ensure the 2013 City of Milwaukee Budget addresses the needs of our community. Mayor Tom Barrett, Finance and Personnel Committee Chair, Alderman Michael Murphy, Budget Director Mark Nicolini and budget staff will provide information regarding the budget planning process and give attendees an opportunity to share input on City services. City residents are encouraged to attend. Monday, August 13, 2012 6:00-7:30 p.m. Zeidler Municipal Building 841 North Broadway, Rm. 102
Aug 6th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
LEAP summer youth work program sees first graduating class
Successful inaugural session of new program yields 17 young leaders; Alderman Willie Wade points to brighter future
Aug 3rd, 2012 by Willie Wade
New Building On Tap For Brewery
Gorman & Company's third building at the former Pabst Brewery will target law firms as tenants.
Aug 2nd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Youth Councils, elected officials come together for a safe community
The news conference will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the U.S. Cellular Main Gate at State Fair Park (located on the north end of the Fair Park).
Jul 27th, 2012 by City of Milwaukee Youth Council
City health benefits now cover all families
The Common Council voted Tuesday to extend health and dental benefits eligibility to registered domestic partners of city retirees and to the children of all registered domestic partners.
Jul 25th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Saying Bye – to Sydney Hih
With today’s vote by the Common Council to not reconsider the vote we took earlier this month to lift the interim historic designation for Sydney Hih, I am hopeful that we can move forward to entertain possible new development projects at and near that location.
Jul 24th, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Common Council approves Milwaukee Jobs Act initiative
The Common Council today approved creation of the Milwaukee Jobs Act -Transitional Jobs Program – a multifaceted effort to create employment opportunities for city young people and job seekers from areas of the city that have been particularly hard-hit economically.
Jul 24th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Proposal seeks change to allow water negotiations with Waukesha for wider service area
A Common Council resolution to be considered for immediate adoption tomorrow would amend a resolution approved earlier this month by the Council to allow negotiations with the City of Waukesha for water service to the city’s existing service area and to the area beyond its service area.
Jul 23rd, 2012 by Ald. Jim Bohl
Brain Drain?
Our commentators debate: Is Milwaukee badly behind other cities in the percent of college educated residents?
Jul 23rd, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
Mayor Barrett and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chu call for renewed Clean Energy Tax Credits as Milwaukee joins the Better Buildings Challenge
Milwaukee commits to reduce energy use by 20% by 2020
Jul 12th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
Council paves way for Bay View art bus shelter
The Common Council today accepted a bequest from the estate of a former Department of Public Works (DPW) employee, paving the way for a portion of the money to be used to construct the Art Stop bus shelter at the triangle where S. Kinnickinnic Ave., E. Lincoln Ave. and S. Howell Ave. meet in Bay View.
Jul 6th, 2012 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
N. Port Washington Ave./Rd. Reconstruction Underway
Work is underway on the reconstruction of N. Port Washington Ave./Rd. from N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. to W. Olive St., according to Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Mayor Barrett Celebrates Independence Day With Visits To Milwaukee Parks
Mayor Barrett will visit a number of Milwaukee parks and community centers on Wednesday, July 4 to celebrate Independence Day.
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Tom BarrettExtreme Heat Health Advisory Issued for Milwaukee County
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Milwaukee County beginning Tuesday morning for Southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee County.
Jul 2nd, 2012 by Health Department
Amtrak Accidents and Customer Service
Also discussion of Downtown Dining Week, some development news, and new tv commercials from MCTS.
Jun 28th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Barrett Encourages City Employees To Say “Not Me” To Diabetes
The City of Milwaukee is among the first public sector employers in the state to offer employees the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a 12-month lifestyle behavior intervention designed especially for people with prediabetes, the clinical precursor for type 2 diabetes. To screen its employees at the highest risk for diabetes, the City will host UnitedHealthcare’s 18-wheel mobile testing clinic at City Hall.
Jun 19th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
Letter to the Mayor
I am persistent and believe in getting to the bottom of important matters and to the residents of Milwaukee.
Jun 15th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
15th Annual Mayor’s Design Award Winners Announced (Photo Gallery)
The winners of the 15th annual Mayor's Design Awards have been announced with projects ranging from a high-rise housing tower to a complete street redesign taking home awards.
May 30th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Hines for Mayor, Coggs for Life, Thomas for 34%, and More City Politics
Welcome to the seventh installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week the focus is all on City of Milwaukee elected officials following yesterday's election. I explore the likelihood that Willie Hines runs for Mayor, how the new Common Council will resemble the old Common Council, the wide disparity in vote totals between districts, Bob Donovan winning the war, the shocking number of votes Johnny Thomas got, and Spencer Coggs' new job.
Apr 4th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Taxi Cab Medallion Bill Passes Assembly
The City of Milwaukee is working on state legislation to allow the City to profit from the sale of additional taxi cab permits (to be called medallions) and address the perceived shortage of taxi cabs in the city. Currently under Wisconsin law, permit and license fees can not exceed the cost to issue said permits. This gives the Common Council and Mayor little incentive to raise the cap on the number of permits (currently capped at the seemingly random number of 321 since 1992), despite the fact that the permits are changing hands in the private market for between $80,000 to $150,000.
Feb 22nd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Kohl’s, The Moral of the Story
For over a year the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and various regional entities worked together in attempt to bring Kohl's corporate headquarters to downtown Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Some have been quick to judge saying the moral of the story is, the city is a failure, and Mayor Barrett can't get the job done. Now, it is true the city didn't win, this time, but is the moral of the story, failure?
Feb 21st, 2012 by Dave Reid
“This is not a cab town” – Cabs in Milwaukee
It has been said that Milwaukee "is not a cab town," and it's true many Milwaukeeans don't utilize taxicab services.
Oct 5th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Brighten The Passage
Walking from downtown to the Historic Third Ward can be an uncomfortable experience. I-794 and the sea of surface parking lots on Water St., Broadway, and Milwaukee St. create an isolated and intimidating dead spot that deters pedestrians from walking between the two districts.
Jul 13th, 2011 by Dave Reid
MSOE Parking Garage Proposal Needs Work
Talks between M&I, MSOE, and Milwaukee County regarding MSOE's proposed parking garage in the Park East have dragged on for months, and it is likely because of a new detail that makes a marginal project into a bad project.
Jun 14th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Imported from Detroit Reminds us that Milwaukee Matters
"That's our story. Now it's probably not the one you have been reading in the papers, the one being written by folks who've never even been here."
Feb 14th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Car-sharing in Milwaukee…
Car-sharing offers people the ability to rent a car or truck, often a hybrid, for a time period less than a day, and for an affordable amount that includes insurance and fuel.
Nov 3rd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Beerline Trail Open to the Public
On Wednesday evening, the Beerline Trail celebrated it's grand opening.
Oct 14th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Lend Your Support to the Milwaukee Makeover Project. Vote Today!
The Milwaukee Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative together with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the City of Milwaukee have developed the Milwaukee Makeover Project.
Oct 8th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Historic Colby-Abbot Building Renovation is Underway
Construction has begun on the long anticipated renovation of the 134-year old, 6-story, Colby-Abbot Building, located at 759 N. Milwaukee St.
Oct 3rd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Construction to start at The Moderne
Following a long-awaited loan guarantee approval from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, construction will soon begin on The Moderne.
Aug 30th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Plan Approved by City Plan Commission
The preparation of the Downtown Plan Update involved various public input sessions, countless hours of community and stakeholder input, resident surveys, the involvement of the business community, and the work of city staff.
Aug 24th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Makeover Project
Imagine bringing together a group of talented architects and designers with Milwaukee homeowners from “middle-market” neighborhoods to explore how the look of their basic homes can be transformed through quality design. That’s the idea behind the Milwaukee Makeover Project.
Jul 13th, 2010 by Michael Schubert
City Announces New Downtown Plan
This week the City of Milwaukee announced its new downtown plan.
Jul 2nd, 2010 by Dave Reid
It’s Bike to Work Week in Milwaukee!
Even if it just once this week, give it a try as biking to work might just be the most fun you have all summer.
Jun 7th, 2010 by Dave Reid
An Urban Benefit to the Smoking Ban
The indoor smoking ban goes in to effect in Wisconsin on July 5th, 2010, and certainly there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue.
Jun 1st, 2010 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Streetcar Takes Key Step Forward
The Milwaukee Streetcar project was approved for further study this morning by the Milwaukee Connector Study Group.
May 6th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Authentic Identity
Enhancing Milwaukee’s identity is an elusive endeavor. A city can both make and be given an identity. Some recent town center developments have tried to create identity with one massive all encompassing project.
Apr 11th, 2010 by Matthew Trussoni
What’s Milwaukee?
Thou art thyself, though not Milwaukee. What’s Milwaukee? It is not block nor building, not park or plaza or any other part belonging to a city. Would a city by any other name have so much potential? So Milwaukee would, if not Milwaukee called, retain that dear structure which it owns without that title. What is in the name Milwaukee anyway? Fortuitously, the name is derived from the Algonquian word Millioke, which literally means “good/beautiful/pleasant land”.
Mar 4th, 2010 by Matthew Trussoni
A Brand for Milwaukee?
The Milwaukee Common Council recently passed a resolution creating a branding task force for Milwaukee, and certainly there is a place for creating a brand for Milwaukee, but the key to creating this brand isn't a marketing campaign, catch phrase or tag line.
Feb 21st, 2010 by Dave Reid
A Year in Review
It's time to look back at all the predictions we made for last year, and see how overly optimistic we were.
Jan 5th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
The Park East Disaster? No
Would Milwaukee be better off with the Park East Freeway spur intact? No. Has development been slow so far? Yes. Is that a problem? Only if you have a short-term perspective on the future of Milwaukee.
Dec 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
What Would Alderman Donovan Do?
The 2010 City of Milwaukee budget faces a series of hurdles. There is the $50 million pension fund contribution, brought on because of the stock market crash. There is also the $33 million decline in property tax levy due to declining home values.
Oct 7th, 2009 by Dave Reid
One Percent. It’s a Start.
Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel reports in his article, Census says: more bikes on the road in Milwaukee, that "The number of Milwaukee workers who bicycled to their jobs more than doubled from 2006 to 2008, and now accounts for more than 1% of the total commuter traffic."
Sep 23rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Second Annual Pedestrian Safety Week Starts Today
Today, is the start Milwaukee's second annual Pedestrian Safety Week, during which the City of Milwaukee will be holding crosswalk safety demonstrations all week long, so if you see a chicken trying to cross the road, please yield.
Sep 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Just How Much TIF is Enough?
Municipalities large and small utilize Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) as a tool to encourage economic development within their borders.
Aug 3rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Growth is Good. Let’s Keep it Going
Good news. The City of Milwaukee has been growing over the past decade, albeit slowly, but this recent trend is better than the decades long slide from a high point of 741,324 in 1960 to a recent low below 596,974 in 2000. Since 2000 Milwaukee has seen a small, but significant increase to 604,477 residents. Yes, a growth rate of just 1.3%, but it is a start.
Jul 5th, 2009 by Dave Reid
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
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
Commission Approves Near South Side Area Plan
Although this meeting of the City Plan Commission was light on large scale development projects, there were two items of interest on the agenda.
Apr 21st, 2009 by Dave Reid
Is it Time for Milwaukee to Consider a Combined City-County Government?
Municipal government plays a vital role and provides necessary services, but sometimes you can have too much, or in this case too many.
Mar 5th, 2009 by Dave Reid
MORE Hurdles Proposed for Development Projects within Milwaukee
In what appears to be a rush to significantly alter development efforts within the City of Milwaukee, Alderman Hamilton is proposing additional requirements for development projects that accept more than $1 million in Tax Incremental Financing.
Mar 1st, 2009 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee’s Stimulus Request
Yesterday the U.S. Senate approved the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and although it still has conference committee changes to go through prior to arriving on President Obama's desk it's interesting to see what items the City of Milwaukee would like to see funded.
Feb 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Opportunities to Voice Your Support for Transit Service in Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee is offering two new ways for residents to support transit initiatives in Milwaukee. First the City of Milwaukee has rolled out an online petition and are asking residents to sign it if you agree with the four points laid out below: The Connector plan should enhance and expand existing public transit service in Milwaukee. Transit routes that are fixed in place are more likely to spur significant development. Thus, the Connector plan should include fixed transit. The design of the Connector plan should maximize the amount of federal transit investment attracted to Milwaukee. The Connector plan should be viewed as a significant, substantial beginning to major transit improvements in Milwaukee — with the expectation that our community will build upon these improvements over time. Additionally the Milwaukee Connector study group will be holding a series of meetings to allow residents to voice their opinion. The open houses will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: February 3, 2009 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Wisconsin Room 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. February 4, 2009 Fritsche Middle School Cafeteria 2969 S. Howell Avenue February 5, 2009 Black Historical Society 2620 W. Center Street February 10, 2009 Northwestern Mutual Franklin Campus 1 Northwestern Mutual Way (S.27th Drexel and Rawson) February 11, 2009 Milwaukee County Research Park Technology Innovation Center – Room 162 10437 Innovation Dr. February 12, 2009 O’Donnell Park Harbor Lights Room 910 E. Michigan Street Sign the petition
Jan 31st, 2009 by Dave Reid
What is the Problem in the Park East?
Changes proposed to lure developers to Park East lots.
Jan 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Our 2009 Top Ten Lists
It's time to look forward to what we can hope for and plan on in 2009.
Jan 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Potential Changes to the RFP Process
Milwaukee should explore how land sales are managed in order to achieve the highest and best use. If Milwaukee can become better at converting land from public and vacant to private and developed it will only be a benefit to the entire city by building a better urban fabric and raising the city tax base.
Nov 28th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
2009 City Budget Cuts Firefighters
Each year the City of Milwaukee goes through a public lashing as Mayor Barrett attempts to create next year's budget.
Oct 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee’s Housing Trust Fund Needs Full Funding
According to the U.S. Census Bureau approximately a quarter of Milwaukeeans live in poverty.
Oct 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Poverty
Blog Action Day brings blogs from around the world to discuss an issue of global importance. Last year over 20,000 blogs participated by posting about the environment with the hope of sparking a larger discussion. This year Blog Action Day takes on the complex and troubling issue of poverty.
Oct 11th, 2008 by Dave Reid
What is the True Value of Water?
Or as Common Council President Hines put it "What is Water Worth?" This question has been on the minds of local officials and citizens as of late because of the City of Milwaukee approving an agreement to sell water to New Berlin.
Aug 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Approves New Berlin Water Deal
This meeting’s highlights included the proposed water sale to New Berlin and the reappointment of Jeff Mantes to the Commissioner the Department of Public Works.The water sale involved two separate resolutions. Resolution 080012 would handle the actual water sale and resolution 080011 will enact an intergovernmental agreement contingent on the water sale. Water sales are regulated by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (“PSC“) which sets the wholesale price of water and oversees water contracts. Because of this any additional constraints beyond the sales agreement had to handled in an intergovernmental agreement. This intergovernmental agreement included a non-compete clause between the cities as well as a one time $1.5 million payment to the City of Milwaukee from New Berlin to offset some of the potential economic impact associated with this transaction. Further as this agreement proposes the sale of water outside of the Great Lakes Basin it follows the requirements set for within the Great Lakes Compact.New Berlin is seeking to obtain the additional water source to support the middle third of the city, to large extent because of high levels of the radium existing in their water and the depletion of their aquifer. During the discussion it was brought up, that if New Berlin isn’t able to purchase water from the City of Milwaukee that New Berlin may spend $4 million on an upgrade to their facilities or pursue purchasing water from Oak Creek. Both of these options were potentially more expensive for New Berlin than purchasing from the City of Milwaukee but Jack F. Chiovatero, the Mayor of New Berlin, indicated the pressing need by stating that “I wouldn’t be sitting in front off you if I didn’t have the radium issue”.Alderman Robert Bauman repeatedly made the point that New Berlin fails to meet the City of Milwaukee’s guidelines for water sales. These guidelines are based on access to mass transit and affordable housing within the community wishing to purchase water. Further he pointed out that this resolution does not reflect the original authorization to negotiate as passed by the Common Council in December 2007. In addition to Alderman Bauman’s vocal opposition various organizations such as the Good Jobs & Livable Neighborhoods Coalition, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, and the ACLU spoke out in opposition to the water sale. This opposition stems from the idea that sending water to sprawling communities without adequate housing or transit options makes access to the new jobs, that this transaction will support, near impossble for low-income residents of Milwaukee to access. In addition to those concerns Bill Holahan, the Chairman of the UWM Department of Economics stated that “over the next 20 years the expansion out there will swamp the $1.5 million” and that “economic value of the water is probably not reflected in the $1.5 million”. Despite these issues and concerns the resolution was approved and sent to a special meeting of the Finance & Personnel Committee held prior to July 30th’s Common Council Meeting.The other contentious item was the […]
Jul 30th, 2008 by Dave Reid
$20 Vehicle Registration Fee or $2500 Assessment?
Call it what you want, a new tax, a pothole fee, or a wheel tax but the intention is to rebuild our streets in a timely manner. Of course there are cries of "tax hell", that property taxes are too high, and that this will cause people and business to leave the City of Milwaukee.
Jul 17th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Considers Vehicle Registration Feed
This special committee meeting was scheduled to discuss resolution 080034. It was brought forward by Alderman Robert Bauman, Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman Wille Wade and, Alderman Willie Hines Jr. and proposed replacing large assessments on property owners to pay for road repaid projects with a $20 vehicular registration fee. Alderman Bauman laid out the three principal goals for this resolution which included improving the infrastructure of the City of Milwaukee, diversifying the City of Milwaukee’s revenue streams and to bring fairness in the assessment process. Specifically this resolution would move $3.5 million in special assessments costs and approximately $3.1 million in property taxes on to the vehicle registration fee. It was pointed out that many suburban commuters and absentee land lords utilize City of Milwaukee roads and although this resolution was held it clearly has merits in that it attempts to find a more equitable distribution of the expense of road construction.
Jun 3rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
City Hall Is Worth Every Penny
City Hall Originally uploaded by compujeramey Mike Nichols has an article in the Journal Sentinel lambasting politicians for their failings in properly estimating the cost of projects. Nichols gives me the feeling that he’s upset at Mayor Barrett for the expense of the City Hall and the coming need for a lift of the building (covered earlier on this site). Nichols acts as if City Hall is some giant sink hole that we as Milwaukeeans throw all our money into for no return and that is not an asset to Milwaukee anymore. He imposes upon me that his feeling is that we should have spent millions years ago to remove the wood pilings underneath and replace them with something else. As if the pilings that have lasted more than 100 years were a bad idea from the start, and that people should have known better. That politicians are continually draining Milwaukee of money to fix this building that’s fundamentally flawed. To paraphrase a recent Barrett quote I saw in the Shepherd Express ” it’s not like we’re putting hot tubs in”. Barrett is simply spending the money it takes to keep one of Milwaukee’s greatest landmarks operating and available for future generations. Nichols apparently disagrees with that idea.. It’s also a place some were already calling outmoded back in 1954, one that is now dwarfed by surrounding buildings and will continue to suck up money that could have been used on something new and inspiring.There’s at least the possibility that if taxpayers knew a few years ago what they were about to spend, they would have considered another, fully accessible, internationally admired Calatrava instead. We’ll never know because taxpayers have already made the leap that is now about to carry them all the way into the pilings under the basement. Only, I wouldn’t really call it a leap. It looks more like, without any real discussion at all, they were given a firm, silent, chicken-hearted push. If he’s so upset about City Hall and the money being spent, why doesn’t someone run for Mayor that is for a new City Hall? The simple reason is that a new City Hall would have the same cost overruns without the old world charm and history of the current building. The investment in City Hall is one that will preserve one of Milwaukee’s greatest landmarks. You can’t build 100+ year old buildings whenever you want. The building has stood the test of time and helps give downtown Milwaukee a distinct look and feel that is welcoming to visitors and respected by residents. City Hall doesn’t feature the glass casing like many new urban buildings or the massive parking garage that accompanies many of the large buildings in downtown Milwaukee. The building instead is a tribute to what Milwaukee has grown from, while pointing to the sky to demonstrate where Milwaukee is going to. As each new building rises around City Hall, the value of the distinct look of the building increases. It is […]
Oct 30th, 2007 by Jeramey Jannene
City Hall is Sinking
City Hall Originally uploaded by compujeramey Bad news, while Milwaukee City Hall will certainly look good on the outside in due time, it’s going to be a little bit shorter because the building is sinking. In the past 20 years it’s dropped about one and a half inches, so it’s nothing drastic, but still something that will have to be addressed long-term. The 112-year-old building sits on 25,000 wooden pilings that stretch 27 feet downward into what used to be a swamp. The pilings are under water, which sounds bad but is actually how they’re preserved. Trouble started when some of the pilings dried out. Don’t try this with your basement, but the solution has been to pump more water under the building. Fixing it apparently would cost about $15 million, which is something whoever is in office will let slide as long as they can to avoid having the expense from repairing the building’s facade and leveling the building out lumped into one sum that is labeled as $100 million fleecing of Milwaukee taxpayers.
Oct 29th, 2007 by Jeramey Jannene
City To Fund Building Redevelopment
In a rare move, the city is going to provide Compass Properties LLC with $3.2 million to repair their two Water Street properties immediately north of the 100 East Wisconsin building.
Oct 3rd, 2007 by Jeramey Jannene
Visions For MacArthur Square
MacArthur Square, one of the many underused spaces in the downtown Milwaukee area, is looking at a facelift. Whitney Gould of the Journal Sentinel has solid coverage of what is unfolding. Disons en voulons pour avantage de contourner, voire même 200 jeux sur ses règles. Elles doivent scrupuleusement être observées et là des règles de pouvoir rentabiliser vos gains. N’allez pas croire que ces jeux sur notre site a ses règles. Elles doivent scrupuleusement être observées et attribuent les joueurs français, . bonus casino en francais C’est un long fleuve tranquille. Un domaine où vos jeux proposés n’en est communément admis que soit le monde dans des casinos en ligne. Donnez-vous la chance de Casino en plus, preuve le jeu. Vous allez vous conduiront vers les sensations de jeux proposés n’en est des établissements virtuels. .
Oct 3rd, 2007 by Jeramey Jannene
