Bay View

Chill on the Hill Concert Series Begins Tonight

The music begins at 6:00 P.M. with the headliner taking the stage at 6:30.

The Art And Artisans Behind The Sugar Maple

The Sugar Maple offers one of the best beer selections in Milwaukee.

Jackie Sitkowski

She works with Habitat Young Professionals and loves the city's unpretentiousness.

A Steady Rise to District Captain

District Six Captain Diana Rowe is the face of a changing Milwaukee Police Department.

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.

Bay View Books and Music

In the digital age, this shop still collects the real thing: old books that collectors treasure.

A Leader for the Northwest Side

How Stephanie Harling and the Havenwoods Economic Development Corp. are improving the neighborhood they serve.

Crowd Cheers for Comics

Collector Troy Freund displays his comics collection at unusual Bay View gallery space.

The Blackbird’s Kitschy Sense of Cool

The Bay View hangout has the feel of a cozy North Woods bar.

16th Annual Mayor’s Design Awards Announced

Which are the best designs? You be the judge.

6th Annual Fair Trade Crawl

Shop at 24 local businesses throughout Milwaukee, the only major U.S. city that’s a “Fair Trade Town.”

Milwaukee’s Time of Terror

A new book recounts the police station bombing of 1917, and Clarence Darrow’s defense of the anarchists charged with the crime.

Frances Ullenberg

Her family was musical but Ullenberg became an ad designer who tries to “sneak in” a little art.

MPS budget plan doubles most elementary schools’ funding for art, music, physical education teachers

Budget proposal released Wednesday is focused on investing as much as possible in classrooms

Art Jamboree Gets Crazy

The event demonstrated how to make art using lasers, molten plastic, and even beer.

Milwaukeeans Inspired by Steinbeck’s Social Message

Milwaukee-born actor and educator Paul McComas performed from John Steinbeck's work at Marquette, and local activists testified to the novelist's impact.

The 141-Year-History of Puddler’s Hall

Bay View’s old labor union hall still has a strong sense of community.

Christian Ott

A Director of "Coffee Education" learns the city isn't dangerous.

Mr. Webo’s

A “Blue Ribbon” clean dining winner offers Mexican fare in Bay View.

Horny Goat’s Unique Flavors

The huge brewpub has volleyball, fire pits, boat slips and ever-changing beers.

Avalon Theater auctioning off vintage production equipment, seating

The renovation of the Bay View neighborhood’s historic Avalon Theater will take another step forward this week, as the owner of the building makes way for improvements by auctioning off vintage production equipment, projectors, lighting, popcorn machines and seating, according to Alderman Tony Zielinski.

Robert Kraig

An activist with a Ph.D, the Citizen Action leader is working to change history.

School Switcheroo?

Maryland Avenue Montessori might swap buildings with Cass Street School. And poor Sweet Water's building is available for lease.

Board approves plan to transform MPS’ Bay View High School

School to build on science/technology/engineering/arts/math programs to focus on innovation and creativity; middle school to be phased out; smaller 9th-grade class next year; students, staff will be asked to recommit

Shay Linkus

The Chef de Cuisine at Odd Duck says Milwaukee's restaurants have much friendlier relationships than in other cities.

Shelly Lalonde

A world traveler with 25 years experience framing art, Lalonde is a survivor in a tough economy.

Haunted by its History

Built in 1890, the White House is Milwaukee's second oldest tavern, and just perhaps, one of its most haunted.

Pizza and the Park East

Pizza Man and The Couture win approvals and a Park East hotel is also likely to be okayed.

Marina Dimitrijevic’s Bay View Beauty

Traditional architecture meets Space Age vinyl in the 21st Century dwelling of the Milwaukee County board chair.

Mr. WEBO’s restaurant will serve up new take on Mexican to Bay View neighborhood

A new restaurant serving Mexican food and even delivering to residents’ doors is the latest addition planned for the Bay View culinary scene, according to Alderman Tony Zielinski.

Chairwoman Dimitrijevic Announces Appointment of Parks Proponent and Bay View Resident to Advisory Commission

Parks, Energy and Environment Committee unanimously approves Chairwoman’s pick of Patty Pritchard Thompson

Restaurant will be another high quality addition to Bay View and Milwaukee

Alderman Zielinski said Ciervo Blanco will be another high quality development and dining option for the neighborhood, the 14th Aldermanic District, and the city.

Wonder Wonder Sound

A Third Ward studio sweats the details to create and mix unique tunes and sound effects.

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.

Neighborhood business chips in to help Boulevard Theatre

The din of busy shoppers, pedestrians and outside diners on the soon-to-be expanded sidewalks of S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood will have minimal impact on the quiet ambience of the Boulevard Theatre.

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.

Public Safety Meeting

This is one of the safest and best neighborhoods in the City of Milwaukee.

Restaurant expansion another positive for Kinnickinnic Ave. business district

The owner of Guanajuato Restaurant, located at 2301 S Howell Ave., has purchased the vacant building at 2317 S. Howell Ave.

The Milwaukee Makerspace, an Urban Community Workshop

Milwaukee’s urban dwellers may love being in a downtown apartment or a well-maintained condo, but those places may not have a space where you can fire up a table saw or plug in a welder. So, if you’re looking for a space to work on your projects or a group of people you can learn from and collaborate with, consider stopping by Milwaukee Makerspace.

Are Milwaukee’s Historic Preservation Laws Too Strong or Too Weak? Yes

Are Milwaukee's historic preservation laws too strong or too weak? Should the entire ordinance be re-written, or is just a revision in order? Alderman Witkowski's proposed overhaul to Milwaukee's historic preservation ordinance sparked these very questions.

Historic Preservation, Miller Park Sales Tax, The War on Bob Donovan, and More

Welcome to the sixth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I take an initial look at Alderman Witkowski's attempt to redefine Milwaukee's historic preservation ordinance, the Miller Park sales tax's sunset, the ugly turn Juarez versus Donovan has taken, and more.

Dimitrijevic, Buresh duke it out in 4th Supervisory District

Newcomer Bill Buresh vs. Sup. Marina Dimitrijevic. “He’s a fake Democrat,” she says. She’s in the “pocket of some special interest groups,” Buresh responds.

A Year in Review

As the US economy continued it slow recovery from the Great Recession, Milwaukee was left with a couple of failed development projects to complete or redefine, a changing real estate market, the opportunity to make small infrastructure changes, and questions about the future of transit.

Introducing the Bayshore – Airport Express Bus Service

Due in large part to a reduction in state aid starting in 2012, the Milwaukee County Transit System had planned for a massive reduction in service. Thanks to some last minute creative planning by those at MCTS, the vast majority of those cuts are on track to be avoided thanks to the use of CMAQ funds. The CMAQ funds, allocated out of a competitive bidding process, will provide funding to institute "express service" for two years along a number of key corridors which will replace segments of a number of routes. A public meeting, hosted by Supervisors Marina Dimitrijevic, Jason Haas, and Patricia Jursik, on the proposed Bayshore - Airport Express service was recently held to present the service to the community and answer any questions on the upcoming questions.

Apartment Proposal on Kinnickinnic is Recommended for Approval by City Plan Commission

HKS Holdings LLC. proposal for a $12 million mixed-use apartment building in Bay View was recommend for approval at the December 6th, 2010 City Plan Commission meeting.

$12 Million Mixed-Use Building Proposed in Bay View

HKS Holdings, LLC is proposing a $12 million 5-story mixed-use building, which would be located on the southeast corner of Kinnickinnic Ave. and Conway St. in Bay View.

Alterra opts for new construction in Bay View project (Renderings)

Alterra Coffee Roasters Inc. recently dropped plans to retrofit the Maritime Bank building, located between Kinnickinnic Ave. and Howell Ave., in Bay View, opting for new construction.

Shelby Keefe

The Milwaukee-based painter's work graces the poster for this year's Lakefront Festival of Arts, happening at the MAM this weekend.

Alterra Going International

Alterra Coffee, through a partnership with Mars Drinks, will now be available worldwide for the Mars FLAVIA single-serve system.

Ban Sticker Advertisements on Cars

Undoubtedly if you've walked around the East Side of Milwaukee for an extended period of time you've encountered a "Part Time Cash" sticker on the window of a car, or laying next to the curb. And therein lies the problem.

Tony Zielinski to Run for Lieutenant Governor

Milwaukee Alderman Tony Zielinski will announce his candidacy for the position of Lieutenant Governor on Friday.

$100 Million Worth of Development Approved by the Common Council

The $11 million Hide House project was the most hotly debated development project at the July 28th meeting of the Common Council, though the most significant action in terms of dollars was the approval of the Rivianna.

Historic Preservation Commission Delays Hide House Project With Quick Adjournment

The development team of General Capital Group and Joseph Development was before the Historic Preservation Commission to request a certificate of appropriateness which would allow them to demolish a portion of the Hide House complex, a former tannery at 2625 S. Greeley St. in Bay View.

The Abuse of Historic Preservation

Saving and restoring historic buildings is vital to any city.

South Shore Listening Session Recap

Following the veto of Milwaukee County transit sales tax by Governor Doyle, Representative Christine Sinicki, Senate Jeff Plale, and Representative Jon Richards held a listening session at the South Shore Park Pavilion.

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.

Expect The Hoan Bridge Debate To Heat Up

Like the temperature outside, the Hoan Bridge reconstruction debate will heat up over the next few weeks. Alderman Robert Bauman, who represents downtown Milwaukee and the north end of the bridge, recently issued a press release that details how the city will likely position itself on the issue with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

Traditional Neighborhood Development Partners Solar Village Renderings

Traditional Neighborhood Development Partners was one of the seven firms that submitted a proposal for Bay View's Solar Village project.

Apparently, My Mom Isn’t Welcome in Bay View

Recently I moved my mother from a single family home into a low-income subsidized senior housing development.

You’ll Never Drive Drunk If…

St. Patrick's Day is always one of my favorite days of the year, though often the day after is one of my least favorite, because everybody comes out and has a good time.

Biking Santas Invade Milwaukee

Meghan Arnold, one of the many biking santas you may have been lucky to see in downtown on Saturday, has an excellent write-up of the event complete with photos.  The story comes complete with details of a rendevous with the police and enough mentions of Diablos Rojos restaurants to make Mike Eitel blush.  Oh, and there is plenty of discussion of Lakefront Brewery beer.

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.

One Way to Replace The Hoan Bridge and Build a Better Milwaukee

The replacement of the Hoan Bridge and its associated freeway ramps with a grade level route offers many opportunities but will also require the rerouting of a portion of the 40,000 motorists that travel over the Hoan Bridge each day.

Zoning Committee Approves Multiple Land Sales

Resolution 080271 would authorize the land sale of nineteen City of Milwaukee (RACM) properties to create three mixed-use developments within the Haymarket Square neighborhood. These three development would consist of the Sixth Street Market, Vineyard Place, and Walnut Hill.

Zoning Committee Halts Empowerment Village

Although, this Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting had a light schedule it did have one item of significance. Resolution 071292 and resolution 071181 made up the proposal for the re-zoning and sale of the city owned land located at the intersection of South Fifth Court and West Rosedale Avenue. This project which is better known as Empowerment Village pitted members in support of affordable housing versus environmental groups over a piece of city owned land. The environmental groups challenged the city’s right to sell the land and argued that during the Southeast Side Planning process this land had always been planned as a green space that would include a bike trail along the Kinnickinnic River. Alderman Michael Murphy pointed out that “we have to balance the needs”. But despite his words and Cardinal Capital‘s efforts to work with the environmental groups to alleviate their concerns by decreasing the size of the building, by paying for the bike trail to be built and by putting a conservation easement in place to protect much of the land as open space a compromise couldn’t be found. The committee voted to place on file these resolutions essentially denying this project from moving forward. The site location is pictured below via Google Maps Street View. View Larger Map

Status of Kinnickinnic River Dredging

Abandoned Wreck Originally uploaded by Retinal Fetish Previously, I had mentioned that a Kinnickinnic River Trail is in the works that would link up areas south and west of the Port of Milwaukee that don’t have good non-car access to downtown and the rest of urban Milwaukee. A key part of making that trail more attractive is the dredging of the Kinnickinnic River which would make it cleaner and more appealing for fish and trail-users alike. The dredging will ultimately help encourage development along the river corridor and hopefully a Riverwalk extension to the area. The deal currently is contingent on the EPA chipping in roughly $2 million from its Great Lakes Legacy Act program to cover the costs of expanding the Army Corps of Engineers’ disposal facility next to the ferry terminal. The Port of Milwaukee is set to pick up the remaining 35 percent of the costs to expand the facility. If the EPA doesn’t pick up the expansion costs, the deal is supposedly dead in the water. My bets are on it happening, one way or another. I’m looking forward to a cleaner Kinnickinnic already.

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

New Orleans

The Simpsons’ producers apologize to the citizens of New Orleans.

Broadband News – Thanks for Nothing

Access to the Wi-Fi zones requires a $19.95 per month membership in SBC DSL.

Changes at the Election Commission

Art Dealer in Jail

Don’t bother calling Kennedy Fine Arts in Northbrook, Illinois. Don’t even try to leave a message, because the voice mailbox is full. Of course, it is easy to see why – James F. Kennedy, the art dealer, has been sitting in the Milwaukee County jail without bail since May 7th, and it looks like he’ll be there at least until a hearing date on May 18th, according to a jail spokesperson. (According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Kennedy’s offense occurred May 10th.) He is charged with a felony under statute 976.03(13), “extradition – arrest prior to requisition.” Milwaukeeworld.com told you two weeks ago that an individual was trying to peddle fake Picassos in the Milwaukee area. Although Kennedy is held on an unrelated out-of-state warrant, he is the fellow who was trying to pass off the fakes in our community. Apparently police did not have enough evidence to charge him with a crime in the matter – mere possession of fake artwork is not a crime, and there was insufficient evidence he had tried to sell the works, they say – Kennedy’s van was seized along with some 300 works of art that were allegedly fakes. He was arrested on Milwaukee Street, and is from Northbrook, Illinois. It is doubtful that Kennedy was the author of the fakes, and it is likely that he is a player in a much larger art fraud ring. So, just to remind you once again, if you have purchased any “Picasso” drawings in the last couple of weeks, contact a reputable art dealer or law enforcement authorities. Kennedy was born on May 17, 1957, so it looks like he will be spending his birthday in jail. Concordia Gets Bush President George W. Bush visited the Ozaukee County megalopolis of Mequon Thursday to deliver the commencement address at Concordia University at the Lutheran school’s very secure lakeside campus. Milwaukeeworld correspondent Patrick C. Horne, a Mequon resident, was at the intersection of Port Washington Road and Highland Road where Bush supporters and detractors hoped the presidential motorcade would pass. Of course, it didn’t, since the president’s motorcade traveled along Lake Shore Drive, far removed from the supporters, detractors, and reality. “We’ve got protestors on one side and the republicans on the other side,” Horne said via cellular telephone while awaiting the motorcade’s non-arrival. “We’ve got TV people on the other side, we’ve got Secret Service, we’ve got Germantown, Milwaukee, Ozaukee County, all sorts of people, all sorts of squads, all sorts of everything. Now, the mystery is which way he’s going to come in. I hope they take our President on LSD.” [Editor’s note: LSD is Mequon slang for Lakeshore Drive.] According to Horne, there was a good deal of “ranting and raving back and forth” between the President’s supporters and detractors. “’Give him four more years.’ ‘No, give him five more months,’” they chanted, he said. “Lot of Republicans,” Horne said. “’Oh! I forgot my flag!’ ‘Oh! Don’t they have anything better to do […]

Lame Duck Ruffles Feathers

Breier stuck on thorny hotel plan.

Is the Plankinton Exit Worth $60 Million?

Some months ago the state Department of Transportation announced a plan for rebuilding the mammoth Marquette Interchange that did not include any exits or entrances at Plankinton Avenue

That’s Incredible – Why Marilyn’s Story Can’t Be Believed

I don't claim to know who's right in the vicious dispute between Marilyn Figueroa and John Norquist.