Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

New Arlington Heights Park Opens Soon

Ribbon cutting set for first MKE Plays playground at Arlington Heights Park

Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land

Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.

New Building Arises in 30th St. Corridor

It's part of the huge 30th St. Industrial Corridor, which could transform the city.

Cold Spring Park Neighborhood Announces Groundbreaking for Community Garden and Gathering Green

The Cold Spring Park Garden and Gathering Green is located on the southeast corner of 28th St. and McKinley Boulevard.

Leading the Way in Green Infrastructure

Outpost Foods in Mequon and All Peoples Church on N. 2nd St. have sophisticated green systems.

City Constructing New Green Alleys

One permeable alley captures 15,000 gallons of water, reducing flow into sewerage system.

How to Design a Public Space

Officials meet with residents about proposed greenway, and the citizens’ suggestions are a surprise.

Ald. Witkowski’s District Goes Green

The new Urban Orchard is latest project in his "Garden District."

Garden District Urban Orchard project will be unveiled on Friday

Sustainable system likely the first of its kind in Milwaukee

Supervisor Jason Haas to Join Ald. Witkowski to Showcase and Dedicate New Sustainable Urban Orchard

News Conference to Be Held at 9 a.m. Friday at Garden District Farmers’ Market

North End Redefines Water Street

Third phase of transformational project fills the gap between Downtown and the Lower East Side.

Every Drop Counts

Milwaukee’s sewerage district is leading an incremental revolution, to manage every drop of rain where it falls.

Get Rid of Nasty Household Chemicals

Friday & Saturday at State Fair Park

From Gray to Green

The sewerage district has moved from tunnels and pipes to greenways, rain barrels and permeable pavement. Part 2 of a series.

MMSD Reports First Combined Sewer Overflow of 2015

Storm Update – April 8 & 9, 2015

Bipartisan Majority Favors Conservation Program

Survey shows nearly 90% in Wisconsin favor state stewardship program; will legislature protect program Walker wants to kill?

Charlie Sykes’ Private Island

His surprisingly modest Mequon Cape Cod is surrounded by and benefits from all kinds of publicly-funded, socialistic services.

MMSD Settles With Boston Store

Suit posed question: is Deep Tunnel depleting water table and causing downtown buildings to sink?

What Is Milwaukee Water Commons?

The recently-formed grassroots group, which looks to make sure all citizens benefit from Milwaukee's water resources, holds a fundraiser.

Milwaukee’s Clean Water Advantage

Few cities have such control over their watershed, which gives Milwaukee an edge for cleanup efforts. Part II of series

Charrette and PlaceMaking Discussions Shape 30th Street Corridor

A neighborhood design charrette is taking place on Tuesday, January 20th from 5:30 pm to 7 pm

Is Milwaukee the Leading Freshwater City?

Perhaps no American city provides more access to its rivers and lake shore. First of a series.

Milwaukee’s Miraculous Water Hub

Almost overnight, the city has become an international leader in water technology, says the national media. Are they right?

99.5% Captured and Cleaned in 2014

Out of all the rain, melting snow and stormwater that entered MMSD's regional sewer system in 2014, the District captured and cleaned 99.5%.

Celebrating the First Homeowner in New Program

Happy press conference as program combining government, banks and non-profits brings homeowners back to city.

The Gateway to Milwaukee and partners break ground on Urban Orchard

A collaborative effort has formed to address urban flooding and storm drainage concerns while beautifying an otherwise unused space

The Land of Brownfields

The 30th St. Corridor can’t succeed unless the contaminated land is healed. The process is already underway. Fifth story of a series.

MMSD Statement on Washington Ralley for Water Infrastructure & Jobs

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Executive Director Kevin L. Shafer’s Statement on Today’s National Water Rally in Washington D.C.

Can 30th Street Corridor Be Reclaimed?

The redevelopment effort includes a huge swath of the city, and countless players and plans. First of a series.

Is Milwaukee One of the World’s Greenest Cities?

So says OnEarth magazine. Is it right?

New York Discovers Our Sinking City

City Hall, Milwaukee Rep and Mitchell buildings are sinking. Is Deep Tunnel the culprit? The Times is not sure.

Taste of Third Coast is Delicious

New event by Blue Jacket offered great food from local restaurants and raised money for Great Lakes Alliance.

The Remarkable Impact of the Deep Tunnel

Once widely maligned, the project was the key to transforming the Milwaukee River.

Get Rid of Household Hazardous Waste Friday & Saturday at State Fair Park

(For Milwaukee County residents ONLY)

Transforming the State’s Largest Public Housing Development

City bulldozed 332 barracks-style units at Westlawn and replaced them with more urban styles.

The Sadly Sinking City

A declining water table is causing wooden piles below downtown buildings to rot. The latest casualty: a 1904 building across from the convention center was demolished.

North End Phase Gets $2 Million in Funding

And the Pedal Tavern gets approved, with caveats, in Common Council actions.

Top Lobbyists Will Replace Your Windows!

Bill Broydrick's Window Replacement Co., new women political candidates, and a MacArthur genius comes to town.

Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address

Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery

Telephone Company Rip-Off

Now that the telecom industry is deregulated, AT&T can gouge customers with late fees.

Gramling and West Elected MMSD Commission Chair & Vice Chair

Commissioners of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) today unanimously elected Ben Gramling as Chair of the MMSD Commission for 2014 and Fox Point Village President Michael West as Vice Chair.

Sewerage District a National Leader

MMSD leading the way in finding green solutions to storm water pollution.

Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail!

Celebration Saturday of newest part of trail whose origins go back more than a decade.

Reclaiming a River

Volunteer clean-up of KK River latest example of long-term efforts to transform the urban stream.

27 Different Drugs Found in Lake Michigan

Milwaukee water safe but MMSD official says capturing pharmaceuticals is going to be challenge.

A Giant of Renewable Energy

Innovative MMSD facility turns waste into methane gas, and may produce 2 million cubic feet per day.

What Sue Ann Says

The busy life of ex-first lady Sue Ann Thompson, who runs a foundation and writes a magazine column.

The Greening of Shorewood

The suburb’s embrace of green roofs, rain barrels and rain gardens is a model for others, including Milwaukee.

Future Milwaukee names new executive director

Christine Hill to lead popular community leadership program

Milwaukee Leads The Way on Water Testing

After the cryptosporidium crisis city became a national leader, whose system tests for more than 500 chemicals.

New Bike Trails Coming to Milwaukee

Three Bridges Park and the extension of the KK bike trail will bring excitement -- and great biking opportunities -- to the city.

New Green Education School to Open

New MPS school, Milwaukee Environmental Sciences, is modeled on programs in more than 150 schools in 31 states.

Five-Story Mixed-Use Building for Capitol Drive Moves Forward

The $9 million project combines a charter school, job training center, and an apartment complex and sports a green roof.

City of Milwaukee Brings Back Popular Compost Bin Distribution Event on May 4th

Residents encouraged to reduce waste, save money, learn more about composting

Milwaukee Jobs Act components get boost from Council

The Common Council has approved changes that will make it easier for groups and businesses to help implement key components of the Milwaukee Jobs Act, which could help put dozens of city residents in new jobs this summer.

Biggest Taxer in Town

Over the last five years property taxes have been driven by just one of the five local taxing units: Milwaukee Public Schools.

Concerned citizen brings health and safety issue to light

I am very concerned about safety and health violations that have been brought to light related to the ongoing Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) demolition project of certain properties along the Kinnickinnic River.

Sewerage District to fund more than half of private lateral repair costs

Sewerage District to fund more than half of private lateral repair costs

Milwaukee Sustainability Planning and Homeowner Resource Event

Residents are invited to attend a free City of Milwaukee sustainability planning and homeowner resource event on Thursday evening.

Future of Transit Event, Urban Milwaukee Store Grand Opening, and More

Welcome to the eighth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I invite you to a handful of Urban Milwaukee events, challenge you to name the new river skimmer, and share a fair amount of development news and information about new restaurants in Milwaukee.

Green Development Planned for S. 2nd Street

Kaufmann LeSage, led by Juli Kaufmann, plans to develop a four-story 30,000 square foot environmentally-friendly commercial building, located at 538 S. 2nd Street in the Historic Walker's Point Neighborhood. The project, known as the Milwaukee Fix,will take green development to the next level, going beyond LEED standards.

Beerline Trail Open to the Public

On Wednesday evening, the Beerline Trail celebrated it's grand opening.

S. 2nd Street Redesign Approved by the Common Council

The proposed improvement of S. 2nd Street, in Walker's Point, was up for approval at the December 22nd meeting of the Milwaukee Common Council.

S. 2nd Street Street Re-design Approved at Committee

For over a year business owners, property owners, and residents in Walker's Point have worked to have S. 2nd Street rebuilt with people in mind. The plan, as UrbanMilwaukee.com has covered in past, includes narrowing the street from 58 feet to 50 feet, removing travel lanes, and adding bike lanes, street trees, and new lighting with the goal of creating a street conducive to multiple modes of transportation, be it walking, biking, or driving.

Committee Approves Plan to Allow Plants

In some cities residents have been allowed to plant a variety of plants and flowers in the area between the curb and the sidewalk in an effort to beautify the neighborhood.  This practice has generally been illegal within the City of Milwaukee but this may soon changes as file number 081117 intends to implement a planting policy that would allow planting within this strip of land.  The file originally intended to allow this new policy within the 13th District but Alderman Robert Bauman recommended the 4th district to be included as well.  After some discussion the file was amended to allow this planting practice throughout the City of Milwaukee.  It was approved and will now go before the full Common Council. After being held at the January 28th, 2009 meeting of the Public Works Committee, the file which would allow the City of Milwaukee to apply for a 2009 Stormwater Best Management Practices Partnership grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District that will be used in part for the construction of a green roof on the central library was brought back before the committee.  It appears the confusion over the value of moving forward with this file was cleared up as it was quickly approved this time with no discussion and will now go before the full Common Council.

Green Initiatives Stalled by City Committee

In the name of cost savings two green efforts were stalled during today’s meeting of the Public Works Committee. The first item to run into issues with the committee was the Central Library’s resolution that would of allowed them to apply for a $250,000 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Stormwater Best Management Practices Partnership grant.  This grant was to be used in conjunction with $950,000 of city funds in the construction of a green roof on the Central Library.  The existing roof is in disrepair and will be in need of replacement in the near future.  Although it was presented that this green roof could potentially double the lifetime of the roof, concerns were raised over the cost of construction.  Additionally it was estimated that the green roof was would save $3,500 in energy costs per year.   Lost on the conversation regarding the increased cost was that this grant has an education component that goes above and beyond the building of a new roof.  Alderman Bob Donovan expressed his thoughts on the costs when he said “everybody likes green, well we’ve gotta have the green money”.  This file was held at the call of the chair which opens up the possibility that the City of Milwaukee could miss the deadline to request the grant. The second resolution of importance that was held up proposed having the State of Wisconsin paint bike lanes on to West Forest Home Avenue between South 68th Street and South 45th Street after completing a road construction project.  In reference to problems experienced with recently painted lane markings Alderman Robert Bauman complained that “what we’re painting doesn’t last even in months”.  Alderman Joe Dudzik argued that if the City of Milwaukee can’t keep the roads painted properly for drivers, then the City of Milwaukee can’t add the additional burden of new markings to maintain.  This file was also held to the call of the chair.

Seven Reasons To Replace The Hoan Bridge

Both the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Business Journal of Milwaukee have covered the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's announcement that they're examining options for the future of the Hoan Bridge as the day nears when it will need costly repairs. We thought it was time to weigh in.

Common Council Approves New Berlin Water Deal

This meeting included three highly debated resolutions, the “Wheel Tax”, the 9to5 direct legislation regarding sick pay, the water sale to New Berlin and the retirement of one of the most highly respected government officials.  Marty Collins the outgoing Commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood Services gave a heartfelt farewell speech stating “I’m proud to be a public servant”.  Then he left with some suggestions and encouraged the Common Council and city staff to promote creativity to find solutions.When the resolution known as the “Wheel Tax” came up for discussion Alderman Jim Witkowiak offered an amendment that would cap the fee at $20 for the duration of the current Common Council.  Although Alderman Michael Murphy explained that this amendment wasn’t meaningful because it could simply be overridden with a resolution in the future.  Another amendment was offered by Alderman Joe Dudzik that would allow a portion of the vehicle registration fee to support street maintenance.  Again it was suggested that this amendment had little value because it will be up to the budgetary process to determine that actual spending.  Both of these amendments and the overall resolution passed with a veto proof majority and will no go to the Mayor for action.Another hot button resolution was the piece of direct legislation brought forward by the group 9to5, National Association of Women by obtaining 42,000 signatures in sixty days.  The intention of the resolution is to force employers within the City of Milwaukee to give all employees paid sick time.  Alderman Bob Donovan spoke out against the resolution saying that “this resolution may end up hurting the very same people it is intended to help”.  Alderman Jim Bohl also expressed his concerns that this would resolution hurt business and that “if jobs leave this community there are no benefits to be had”.  The Common Council had two options regarding this resolution, either adopt it immediately without changes or let it go to binding referendum.  The Common Council voted to let it go to referendum.The most hotly debated issue of the day was the proposed water sale and the associated intergovernmental agreement with New Berlin.  Alderman Robert Bauman initially questioned the legality of the water sale saying that his concerns were “beyond the question of policy” because this transaction was outside the bounds of what the Common Council had approved in December of 2007.  He questioned if the sale was proper because the original authorization to negotiate was in reference to an area of New Berlin within the current Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (“MMSD”) service area while this transaction included a portion of New Berlin that is planned to be in the MMSD service area sometime in the future.  Alderman Murphy agreed that “the department made a mistake without a doubt” but that the City of Milwaukee needs to move forward with this transaction or New Berlin may find another solution.The intergovernmental agreement with New Berlin included a non-compete clause and a $1.5 million payment to the City of Milwaukee.  The non-compete […]

Lottery Takes a Gamble

"We did a study of machines early in the lottery, but there was concern about underage people getting access to the machines."

Jeff Stone Punk’d?

Seems like somebody is messing around with Rep. Jeff Stone's campaign identity.

A Doctorate Denied

How the FBI Thwarted Marquette’s 1964 Plan to Award an Honorary Doctorate to Martin Luther King.

Crisses Averted

Barrett and Walker Announce Plan for Ballots in Milwaukee

Feds Stop Funding School, Library Internet and Phone Service

Two months ago, the federal grants stopped.

Tower De Force

Mandel’s Groundbreaking High Rise

Let My People Shop!

Ald. Zielinski is upset, because Jewel Osco has taken steps to prevent a new grocery store in his district.

Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat

The disarray of the Republican 20th Senate District has convinced the Democratic Party to field a write-in candidate for primary.

“Groundbreaking” for Bridge

Clark Picks Up Two State Endorsements

Two of Wisconsin’s elder statespeople jumped on the Wesley Clark for President bandwagon recently. Former alderman, secretary of state and attorney Vel Phillips, who most recently issued the oath of office to Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt says she backs the Arkansas general for president. With her support, she joins such black leaders as Charles Rangel and Andrew Young. Phillips was at a fundraiser for Clark Tuesday, January 27th at the home of Julilly W. Kohler. Phillips said she had just got off the phone with Henry Aaron who has offered to send her airplane tickets and to put her up in Atlanta February 6th for his birthday party. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m going to go,” said Vel, to the dismay of partygoers who could not imagine turning down any invitation from Henry Aaron, with or without free air travel and lodging. She still hadn’t decided by Sunday. Vel Phillips faces many decisions. When she left the Common Council, she bought the old roll-top desk aldermen once used until the present gems were installed. The desk will probably go to the Historical Society of Wisconsin. Why not the city-owned Milwaukee Public Library? “Well, the historical society already has a full-size statue of me,” Phillips said. Good enough reason. The attendees, including Frank Gimbel (who has a huge Clark sign posted in his east side yard), Mort and Dani Gendelman, Curry First, Dennis Conta and about 40 others filled the Kohler residence to talk up their man and to dine on way too much food provided from such disparate sources as Sam’s Club and Watermark restaurant. A special guest of honor was to have been former Senator Gaylord Nelson, ranked fourth on a list of the most important Wisconsinites in history. He’s the only one of the top five who is still alive. Alas! Nelson hadn’t even made it as far as the end of the driveway of his Kensington, Maryland home in days, so he called in his visit by speakerphone. Heavy snowfall complicated by quaint Maryland snow removal traditions kept him home, Nelson said. He endorses Clark for president, the Earth Day founder told the attendees in Milwaukee. Nelson speaks very slowly these days. The delivery, although halting, does nothing to mute the intellectual vigor and wit of Nelson. Regarding his choice of the military man for president, the anti-Vietnam War ex-Senator said, “People were wondering how could Gaylord Nelson support a general for president?” (Pause.) “Well, George Washington was a general.” (Pause.) “And he was a pretty good president.” (Laughter.) Apparently, Nelson held republican president Dwight D. Eisenhower in high regard. He noted that General Ike warned us about the military-industrial complex. “This is a fascinating race,” Nelson said, (Pause.) But there is a long way to go.” The State of Wisconsin constitution, as amended, does not give the Lieutenant Governor much to do. This suited Scott McCallum fine, but Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is a restless sort and has been an early supporter and campaign groupie of […]