Related Articles - Page 17
Small Changes Coming to Preservation Ordinance
One item of interest was a proposed change to how appeals of Historic Preservation Commission actions were to be handled. Alderman Bob Bauman explained that most issues related to actions by the Historic Preservation Commission are handled by the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee or the Common Council. It was pointed out that during a typical situation the Historic Preservation Commission may deny a demolition permit and then the property owner could appeal to the Common Council whereas in the case of the Transera project the Administrative Review Board stepped in due to what Alderman Bauman characterized as a “a glitch in the HPC ordinance”. Alderman Terry Witkowski supported the measure and added “I’ve been on that board for five years and this is the first time anything from historic preservation came that way,” indicating that this change wouldn’t burden the Common Council with numerous appeals. In response to this legal quirk, Alderman Bauman considered passing legislation to dissolve the board but instead brought forward an amendment to the ordinance. The amendment directed future appeals to the Common Council and restricted who may appeal a decision by the Historic Preservation Commission. This ordinance change was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Feb 3rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
East Town Shoots Itself In The Foot
We had originally speculated about the origins of the ban on carry-ins at Jazz in the Park. Our speculation was that it was really a money issue, but that we thought the East Town Association had the right to and should attempt to generate money from the event. Today we received just about all we needed to confirm our suspicions, a couple of great quotes from the Milwaukee Chief of Police Edward Flynn courtesy of the Journal Sentinel article Jazz in the Park fans have a whine and cheese party.
Jan 23rd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Northeast Side Area Plan Held at Committee
The Northeast Side Area Plan which will lay out the vision and guidelines for development within this a large portion of the city was brought forward for approval. ‘ Alderman Bob Bauman proposed two amendments both of which impacted the location of future University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee expansions. One amendment would of made it part of the plan that the City of Milwaukee wouldn’t support construction of new UWM dormitories on the East Side with the possible exception of the former Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital site. The other amendment would suggest that UWM build future dormitories in downtown Milwaukee. Alderman Bauman added that “they should re-double their efforts to locate these dormitories in the central business district”. Alderman Tony Zielinski felt the plan didn’t included enough of the proposed Milwaukee River Overlay District, saying that “I was hoping to see something more concrete”. Further discussion explained that the plan included a high level summary of the overlay district and that the specifics are still being worked out between property owners and neighborhood residents. This file was held to allow for more discussion regarding the possible amendments and to add additional content to the Bronzeville section of the plan. Also of note was Neighborhood House’s appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s denial of approval to demolish a pre-1850’s home in the Historic Concordia neighborhood. Neighborhood House had purchased the house to add parking spots and build a bus turnaround. Numerous community members spoke out in opposition to this proposal and the committee seem to recognize their concerns. Alderman Wade stated that “I’m probably not looked at as a friend of the historic preservation folks, historically” but went on to explain that he was glad to be on their side on this issue in this case. Other committee members indicated they were swayed by the citizen reaction and felt there were other options that could be explored to facilitate the bus. This resolution was denied.
Jan 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Hometown Dorm Site – Additional Project Renderings
Mandel Group's efforts to construct a new UWM dormitory on the East Side took a step forward this week after receiving approval at both the City Plan Commission and the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. This matter will be taken up by the full Common Council on December 16th, 2008 and if approved intends to break ground within 90 days.
Dec 11th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Committee Approves UWM Dorm Plan
Two significant East Side projects, New Land Enterprises' Kenilworth apartment building and Mandel Group's dormitory proposal, were on the agenda for this committee meeting.
Dec 10th, 2008 by Dave Reid
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
East Side Apartment Proposal Held by Committee
New Land Enterprises was before the committee requesting a change in zoning to construct a 5-story apartment building to be located on North Farwell Avenue and East Kenilworth.
Nov 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Development Committee Hears Southeast Side Area Plan
The Southeast Side Area Comprehensive Plan was presented for approval by the Department of City Development. It included site specific recommendations for each district based on smart growth principals such as promoting dense mixed use projects that preserve the unique character and qualities of the neighborhood. District plans were laid out for the Port of Milwaukee District, Kinnickinnic River District, Bay View District, South of Morgan, General Mitchell International Airport, Airport Gateway Area and the Airport Neighborhoods.
Oct 22nd, 2008 by Dave Reid
Aloft Hotel Project Gains Momentum
Despite delays, alterations, and setbacks the 160-room Aloft hotel project has finally started to overcome some of these hurdles.
Oct 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Zoning Committee Approves 26-Story Tower
The only item on this meeting's agenda was a request from New Land Enterprise for a change in zoning from RM7 to Detailed Planned Development which would facilitate the construction of a 26-story condominium tower on the Goll Mansion property.
Sep 30th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Zoning Committee Corrects TID #68
With the days short agenda, the item that stood out was resolution 080541. This resolution dealt with correcting an error within Tax Incremental District (“TID”) #68 (Fifth Ward – First Place). In 2007 the First Place on the River condominium development was assessed at $50 million which although it wasn’t challenged by property owner appears to of been set too high In 2008 it was re-assessed at $24 million because the project was still not completed. This change impacted the tax increment that TID #68 was to be able to collect. The resolution removes the property and re-adds it to the TID at the correct level, resetting the baseline value of the TID allowing it to begin generating increment. This change will still allow the TID to be repaid by 2029 which is within its legal lifetime. This item was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Sep 8th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Zoning Committee Approves 52-Unit Assisted Living Facility
Resolution 080422 proposed the building of an 52-unit assisted living facility at 2195 W. State St. which will serve elderly low income individuals. This project faced some opposition at City Plan Commission and the same resident appeared before this committee. An additional neighbor spoke in opposition and both residents’ argument revolved around saving one tree and preserving “historic” green space. Alderman Bob Bauman responding to this criticism by explaining that “frankly i thought this was a very positive development” and went on to make it very clear that the hill is not recognized as “historic”. It should also be pointed out that this green space is in private hands and that the current zoning regulations would stop the owner from removing the trees. Despite the neighbors’ complaints this resolution was approved and will go before the Common Council.Resolution 080195 is another resolution of interest because it proposed a variety of changes to City of Milwaukee storm water management regulations. The overriding theme of this resolution was to discourage the construction of non-permeable surfaces. These non-permeable surfaces increase the water flow into the sewer system and increase water pollution by reducing rain water’s ability to enter the ground soil for natural filtration. This resolution encourages this reduction by allowing for narrower streets and reconfigured streets that include more permeable features. Additionally it updates parking requirements to encourage less non-permeable surfaces from being developed. This resolution was approved and will go before the Common Council.
Jul 23rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
