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City Plan Commission

Ald. Bohl Pushes Commission To Deny Density

A land division request to create twelve lots for single-family housing on the South Side of W. Bobolink Ave and West of W Appleton Ave met criticisms of being to dense and not being consistent with the neighborhood. Although this development is not indicative of the urban development happening throughout the City of Milwaukee it points out the divide between the urban and suburban parts of the city. Throughout the vast majority of the city you’ll find density numbers far in excess of 2.9 households per acre where in this part of the city local Alderman Jim Bohl argued that 2.9 households per acre was too dense for the neighborhood and therefore undesirable. Despite these tremendously low density numbers and evidence presented showing that there are developments in the area with similar density numbers it was apparent Bohl would push for less housing to be built on the site. The commission held this resolution to allow the developer to work with Bohl and the neighborhood on a reworked plan.

Apr 22nd, 2008 by Dave Reid

City Plan Commission Approves Zoning for 20-story Building

Resolution 071500 would change the zoning for the properties located at 700 East Kibourn Ave. and 711 East Kibourn Ave. to General Planned Development and would specify the maximum height and density of the project. As reported earlier New Land Enterprises intends to build two mixed-use buildings with up to 20-stories and 230 residential units each. Despite the project being in the neighborhood of Yankee Hill, Juneau Village Towers, The Regency, University Club and Kilbourn Tower a handful of neighbors expressed their belief that a 20-story building wasn’t consistent with the neighborhood Alderman Bauman spoke briefly on the project saying that he “enthusiastically supports this project” and went on to indicate the proposed buildings fit the neighborhood. This resolution was approved by the commission and will now go before Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee for approval. Resolution 071176 proposed the vacation of the eastbound right-hand turn lane from East Pittsburgh Ave to South Water Street. The removal of the turn lane would support the mixed-use development of the adjacent property by improving access to the site for a potential retail tenant. This resolution was approved by the commission and will now go before Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee for approval.

Apr 2nd, 2008 by Dave Reid

City Plan Commission Approves Empowerment Village

One item of note was the request for a changing in zoning from Industrial Heavy and Park to General Planned Development that had been held at the last City Plan Commission meeting. The approval of this resolution would be next step in allowing the Empowerment Village low income housing project to be built on a city owned lot near the Kinnickinnic River. It was held because local environmental groups had planned on utilizing the property for expanded green space and argued that the City of Milwaukee should work with the developer to find another vacant lot. After further review the Department of City Development (DCD) determined this was the best available city lot in that part of the city, that there significant time sensitive need for this type of housing project, and therefore recommended approval. Despite the recommendation Alderman Tony Zielinski continued his opposition to this project saying “the point is there are other options and I hope we don’t act on this”. The Commission took the advice of DCD and approved the resolution send it on the the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee. The site location is pictured below via Google Maps Street View. View Larger Map

Mar 6th, 2008 by Dave Reid

The Roundup