Show Menu

Department of City Development

2008 Downtown Planning Process Begins

The Department of City Development recently held a Downtown Plan Update Kick-Off event introducing the upcoming planning process that will set the stage for Downtown Milwaukee’s development for the next ten years. As part of the kickoff DCD released the Downtown Plan Update Report which pointed out the successes of the 1999 Downtown Plan such as the revamped Intermodal Station, the removing of the Park East Freeway, the Riverwalk expansion and the Milwaukee Public Market. The report also pointed out ongoing issues that still need to be addressed such as the abundance of surface lots, the lack of affordable rental and condominium units, and the need for further pedestrian improvements. The 1999 Downtown Plan proved how effective this process is in improving the City but the time has come to update it for the next ten years. Continuing on these efforts the City is beginning work on the 2008 Downtown Plan. As part of this planning process the city is conducting an online survey asking residents for their input into the process. If you have thoughts on what will help Downtown Milwaukee’s continued growth you can participate in the survey by completing the Downtown Plan Community Survey.

Jan 24th, 2008 by Dave Reid

Public Works Committee Approves Parking Study

Johnny Vassallo‘s efforts to convert the Posner Building at 152 W. Wisconsin Ave. into a boutique hotel have come to an end. The new plans for the building involve the Milwaukee Hotel Associates LLC purchasing the property from Johnny Vassallo and developing it into a 160 unit Holiday Inn. Resolution 071222 passed by committee will, if adopted by the full council, allow Milwaukee Hotel Associates LLC to lease 50 parking spots in the city garage located at 724 N. 2nd St to support the Holiday Inn. Resolution 070976 passed by committee will, if adopted by the full council, direct the Department of City Development to conduct a parking study in conjunction with the upcoming downtown plan. This resolution impacts development because the perceived lack of parking and the demand by developers for large amounts of “free” parking has often driven TIF requests, such as Manpower’s $25 million garage. What this resolution intends to accomplish will be to have a planned strategic approach to parking integrated into future planning efforts to facilitate future development.

Jan 3rd, 2008 by Dave Reid

Alderman Michael D’Amato not running for re-election

During his 12 years in office Alderman Michael D’Amato played a large role in encouraging new development in Milwaukee. More recently in his role as Chairman of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee he oversaw countless proposals, and more often than not was supportive of development projects. During this past year he struggled with Eastside residents to over approval of New Land Enterprise’s Downer Ave. development and although the project is moving forward, the city is now being sued. And at the same time he pushed policy and the Department of City Development in a failed attempt at obtaining a TIF to help fund RSC & Associates proposed Park East development. Despite what was probably a frustrating year for Alderman Michael D’Amato, the news he won’t be running for re-election comes as a surprise. Without knowing D’Amato’s future plans or his reasons for not running again it, is still safe to say it will be difficult to replace his experience and dedication.

Nov 27th, 2007 by Dave Reid

Plenty of Horne