Jeff Polenske

Public Meetings Upcoming On Redesign Of Two Major Southside Streets

National and Oklahoma will see major changes. Meetings give chance for questions and feedback.

Committee Endorses New Public Works Leaders

Council likes mayor's picks for DPW commissioner and city engineer.

Mayor Taps Jerrel Kruschke To Lead Department of Public Works

Kruschke, current interim commissioner and city engineer, has risen quickly through the ranks.

Council adopts Ald. Dimitrijevic-sponsored ADA ordinance to help businesses, persons with disabilities

Milwaukee Seeks Partners On Project Lowering Speed Limits

Firms will design outreach campaign, measure results for project to lower speed limits to 20 mph.

Should Select City Employees Be Paid More Than Mayor?

Alderwoman Coggs warns it could primarily benefit white men.

Karen Dettmer Leaving City For Federal Job

Interim Public Works Commissioner, former Water Works leader will join federal EPA.

City Completes Renaming Old World Third To Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Milwaukee fixes a 1984 "injustice" by extending King Drive through Downtown.

New Assessment Commissioner Chosen

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson picks Nicole Larsen to first serve as Chief Assessor, then Assessment Commissioner.

Dettmer’s Appointment As Public Works Head Is Historic

First female to lead DPW, first time that no major mayor-appointed leaders are white males.

Should 20 MPH Be Milwaukee’s Default Speed Limit?

City has money set aside to lower speed limits, particularly on side streets.

City Will Begin Mailing Parking Tickets

Starting with tickets given at night, to protect parking checkers from verbal threats and physical assaults.

Public Works Commissioner Jeff Polenske Leaving For Private Sector

Three-decade government veteran "retiring" for private-sector employment.

Van Buren Will Become Two Lane Street

New bike lanes and parallel parking added, as four lanes for cars reduced to two.

Staffing Issues Could Leave Milwaukee With More Snowplows Than Drivers

At the very least, expect it to take longer for Milwaukee to clean up after a storm.

Officials Celebrate Tent City Replacement

Joint effort by city, county, state and MMSD worthy of national emulation?

More Than 660 Street Trees Lost in August Storm

City officials debating how to get ready for next big storm as they await bill from "unprecedented" event.

Committee OK’s ARPA Funding for Ambulances, Reckless Driving and Eviction Prevention

Finance & Personnel Committee recommends spending $14 million of city's $394 million ARPA allocation.

Should Water Street Be Gun-Free District?

Downtown stakeholders consider how Kansas City, Memphis, New Orleans handle bar district problems.

Scooters Banned From Downtown

About 30% of riders found to be riding on sidewalks, triple the limit authorized by city.

Streetcar Returning To Full Schedule

The Hop to offer full service for first time since March 2020, welcome riders with "Hop Summer Nights."

The Hop Returning to Regular Hours and Service Levels Aug. 1

Streetcar to welcome back riders with ‘Hop Summer Nights’ featuring free live music, free ‘hopsicles’ and free chances to win a great downtown prize package

Barrett Plan Combats Reckless Driving

$28.2 million in federal grant targeted at reckless driving, violence, early childhood education and small business support.

Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos

Alderman wants stronger actions. "The mayor is basically whistling past the graveyard."

Trees, Transit Thwart Riverwest Bike Lanes Plan

Humboldt Boulevard won't get protected bike lane because it would kill too many trees.

Should Millions in Federal Aid Be Split Up By Aldermanic District?

Council members float idea that would allocate some of the money by district instead of citywide.

Milwaukee’s “Active Streets” Are Back

Program selects streets and parkways to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Scooters Hit Milwaukee Streets

First wave arrives as Lime, Bird and Spin each deploy their scooters.

Stimulus Funds Won’t Cancel Streetlighting Fee

Sorry taxpayers, money from fee can't be replaced by pandemic aid, federal rules say.

City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project

Agreement will have the city getting paid to plow snow in exchange for giving up traffic lanes.

The Return of Bird, Lime and Spin

Starting June 1, up to 3,000 scooters could be on city streets.

2021 Arbor Day Marks Start of New Beer Tradition

City's annual holiday tree is now funding tree planting.

DPW To Test Smart Garbage Truck Technology

Could city fleet be used for reporting potholes and illegal dumping? Maybe.

Community Groups to Receive More than $100,000 to Help Curb Reckless Driving

City grant money to be used for marketing campaigns, murals & community events

First Streetcar Smart Kiosks Installed

Each with interactive displays mixing ads, streetcar arrival data and PSA's.

Dockless Scooters Will Return in 2021, With Restrictions

Companies could be barred from operating if riders use sidewalks.

New Street Lighting Fee Will Be Levied

Look for it on your next water bill. Fee will pay for more city electricians.

Scooters Could Return To City In May

Common Council creating path for scooters, and with usage beyond Downtown.

Interstate 94 Expansion Gets Cold Reception at City Hall

Over $1 billion for 54 blocks. Bauman asks where else the money could go?

New City Engineer Must Tackle Reckless Driving

Committee approves Kruschke to job. And alders want him to focus on safety.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Jerrel Kruschke Appointed City Engineer

Mayor Barrett finds a familiar face to replace Samir Amin.

COVID-19 Could Hamper Snow Plowing

Milwaukee bracing for staffing shortages as the pandemic spreads.

City Will Pick Up Leaves Until November 22nd

City extends deadline, giving you 11 more days to rake your leaves into parking lanes.

Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”

Proposal start of an effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Should Milwaukee Stop The Hop?

Alderman proposes this, but suspending the service might cost more than it saves.

About That Proposed Street Lighting Fee

Average homeowner fee is $45 per year so city could replace 100-year-old circuitry

Night Parking Rules a Tax on the Poor?

Or good public policy? Reinstating night parking is a $13 million question for city.

All Parking Regulations Resume September 14th

Enforcement of most regulations was suspended in March amid pandemic.

How Is City Doing on Complete Streets?

New report analyzes ongoing program, establishes benchmarks for future progress.

Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job

Once expected to face a close vote, Steve Miner gets council approval on 13-2 vote.

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.

Public comment wanted for next set of cabinet-level appointees

Leadership for Public Works, Water Works, Port, Health Department and Emergency Management & Communications Director set for this week

City Removing “Defund the Police” Mural Friday

Message heard "loud and clear" says public works commissioner, but mural creates safety problems.

Council Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees

Most being confirmed unanimously after long meetings.

City Launches Active Streets for Business

Policy allows restaurants, bars to use space on sidewalks, streets, but details worry alders.

Common Council Threatens City Shakeup

Votes to hold every Barrett cabinet appointment, wants systemic change in all city operations.

Mayor Barrett Announces First Round of Cabinet Appointments

City Workers Will Get Hazard Pay Bonus

Mayor Barrett's proclamation boosts hourly pay by $3.13 for front-line workers.

Bring Your Tires and TVs, Drop Off Centers Are Still Free

Milwaukee's two drop-off centers are now open Sundays, with no fees through at least the end of May.

City Exploring Options For Closing Streets For Dining

Could well spaced tables allow restaurants to reopen? Will diners show up?

Council Committee Blesses Active Streets

And wants more. "Why seven miles? Why not do 70 miles?" asks alderman.

Is A Couture Deal Finally Coming?

City officials say it is, while Ald. Bauman pushes city to separate streetcar from project.

Should City Workers Get COVID Bonus?

Public Works employees can't work from home, face more risk of COVID-19.

‘Attractive’ Facade Changes for Historic Tied House

Also, more on the coming Streetcar Smart Kiosks.

City of Milwaukee Rolls Out Restaurant Carryout Zones

Program will help restaurants better accommodate customers

City’s Permit Could Charge Summerfest

Revised special events permit could charge festival full price of police security.

Streetcar Kiosks Could Bring In $500,000 Annually

System of 35 interactive kiosks could be online as early as May.

The Hop Unveils CityPost Smart Kiosk Initiative

Digital kiosks to provide real-time arrival information and other civic amenities while generating revenue to support streetcar operations

City to Rebuild National Avenue

City to partner with state, rebuild street from 1st to 39th, add safety improvements.

DNC Will Restrict Construction Projects

DPW will restrict construction activity on city streets for a month this summer.

We Energies Will Sponsor Streetcar

4th sponsor streetcar has attracted, $100,000 deal during DNC not finalized.

Committee Debates Snow Plowing Performance

Are the city's strategies working? Council members want changes.

Summerfest Squeezed on Police Costs?

Alderman threatens to delay street closure permit if Summerfest won't pay city's costs.

City Creating Green Project Under I-794

MMSD-funded infrastructure on state land to capture 150,000 gallons of stormwater in a heavy rain.

The “Holiday Hop” Streetcar Debuts

Santa hops a ride to City Hall tree lighting ceremony.

Snow Delays Leaf Collection Until 25th

Snow storms extend cutoff. You now have 11 more days to sweep leaves into the street.

DPW Defends Plow Mounting Strategy

Delaying use of plows allowed more salt to be spread and prevented expanding potholes.

Proposal Would Fund Emergency Housing

City-owned properties would house displaced families, human trafficking victims. Plus: committee cuts Bublr funding.

Tent City Being Evicted

Plus: A packed week of real estate news, including the Schuster's project moving forward.

Is The City Ready to Plow Snow?

City has 28,405 tons of salt and 414 pieces of equipment ready to clear 1,472 miles of city streets.

Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020

"We look like complete fools," says Bauman as Marcoux expresses confidence in project.

City Struggles on Couture Streetcar Extension

As project drags, officials to meet with Federal Transit Administration to discuss options.

City Will Double Number of Permitted Scooters, Ends “Pause”

Bird, Spin will be allowed to enter Milwaukee market.

Department of Public Works Restricts Additional Dockless Scooters in Pilot Study

Possibility of suspending pilot in near future, pending scooter user behavior

About Those Missing Streetcar Bike Lanes

Promised lanes not there: north-south lanes removed and east-west route often blocked.

No Streetcar Expansion in Time for DNC

Proposal held again. Marcoux, Hamilton fight over future of streetcar.

The Scooters Are Here!

Lime begins deploying 500 scooters on Milwaukee streets.

Three Scooter Companies Apply to Operate in Milwaukee

Lime, Bird and Spin could all have scooters on city streets in the coming weeks.

Scooters Legalized But Not on Sidewalks

City's action means scooters could be back on streets soon, but fined for using sidewalks.

Will Streetcar be Extended by the DNC?

Mayor, aldermen differ on whether rail extension can be completed for national convention.

Plans Released for Foxconn’s LCD Factory

Millwork company bringing 200 jobs to city, Bayside tower gets shorter, Sonag owner pleads guilty.

Complaint Against American Sewer Dropped

City officials can't verify complaint, but may still consider debarring contractor.

City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar

Federal grant at risk if lakefront extension to The Couture isn't running by end of 2020.

Council Holds Streetcar Extension

Streetcar proponents become opponents, push for longer extension to Walker's Point.

What’s the Infrastructure Plan for DNC?

Council, led by Bauman, pushes for city to have citywide, coordinated plan for convention.

Barrett Offers Upbeat State of City Speech

Mayor touts employers coming to city, The Hop's launch and a friendly governor.

Who Will (Finally) Clear The Snow?

"Why did you stop sending out front-end loaders to finish the job?" irate alderman asks.

Signed December 1 to March 1 Parking Regulations Extended until March 15, 2019

This extension is for those streets that are posted with signs No Parking Dec 1- Mar 1.

Streetcar Manager Leaving

Darryll Simpson will lead New Orleans transit agency.

A call to support the family of Bryan Rodriguez

Statement from Commissioner Jeff Polenske February 13, 2019

Track The Hop in Real Time

Yes, real time data is now available, so you know exactly when to catch the streetcar.

Real-Time Vehicle Information Now Available to Hop Riders

TransLoc Rider app provides real-time positioning of streetcars and next vehicle arrival estimates for all stations along the route

Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works

Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.

Streetcar Real Time App Coming “As Quickly As Possible”

City promises real time data for The Hop which was supposed to launch in December.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

The Hop Has a Schedule

Streetcar begins operating with a public schedule. When will real-time data arrive?

Milwaukee Pride, City Debut Rainbow Crosswalks

Crosswalks near Cathedral Square Park celebrate city's LGBTQ community.

Barrett Taps Polenske For Public Works

Veteran City Engineer to become head of 2,300-employee Department of Public Works.

Barrett Signs Complete Streets Policy

Mayor, city officials and activists gather to celebrate new legislation.

When Will The Hop Have a Schedule?

Streetcar system could launch without one.

Regional Transit Leadership Council Names New Executive Director

Dave Steele named new executive director to move region’s connectivity and economy forward

Council Passes Complete Streets Policy

Streets for all, not just cars, is now the law of the land.

‘Hop-able’ Open House Slated for October 10

Special event designed to showcase The Hop’s accessibility features

Committee Okays Complete Streets Policy

Proposal on street design places pedestrians and cyclists on same level as motorists

Gonda Resigns from Water Works

Longtime city employee resigns as Milwaukee Water Works director for job at UWM.

Bring On the Dockless Bicycles!

City officials announce they will accept proposals for dockless bikeshare.

Milwaukee Streetcar Insider Tour

Get an up close look at The Hop and ask questions of the experts leading the project.

City Celebrates Bike to Work Week

Complete Streets policy set to be introduced.

First Streetcar Heading to Milwaukee

Left Pennsylvania plant, will arrive by on March 26, mayor announces.

$65 Million Spent on Streetcar

Construction of track is 90 percent complete, project ahead of schedule.

City Fighting County on Rapid Transit

Council committee puts restrictions on BRT project, charges county acted in bad faith.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

How to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City

New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.

County Gets Waiver on Streetcar

Still in running to operate city's streetcar, but a long shot to win.

Bublr Opens New Downtown Office

Officials celebrate first office tenant to move into Grand Avenue Mall.

Behind the Headlines: The Status of the Streetcar

As part of its continuing effort to encourage in-depth analysis of the most important issues of the day, the Milwaukee Press Club is pleased to present its next Behind the Headlines topic.

Contribution to Nik Kovac of $50

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $50

City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant

City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.

City storm water efforts making an impact

News event Wednesday to tout newly constructed bioswales

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $50

Michael Murphy hits railroad for refusal to share bridge safety information

The Transportation Circus

Story and photos on Tuesday's celebration of transit in Milwaukee.

Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration

The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.

Who is “Lobbying” For the Streetcar?

Money is being spent and wild rumors are flying. So what’s the truth?

Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes

Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.

Can Milwaukee Upgrade to Gold Ranking?

City officials pledge to work towards upgrading the city's national, bicycle-friendly ranking from bronze to gold.

Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar

Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.

Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele

Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?

Cyclists, city officials gearing up for seventh annual Riverwest 24

Riverwest 24 Starts tonight -- News release from Alds. Kovac and Coggs

Seeking solutions to prevent another tragedy like Sherman Blvd. crash

Statement of Alderman Willie C. Wade July 11, 2014

A Streetcar Named Cooperation?

Republicans force city to pay to relocate utilities for streetcar and Barrett calls for cooperation from We Energies to keep costs down.

Bike Share Launching in 2014

Phase I of bike share program will have at least 28 stations and 250 bikes, thanks to a federal grant.

Alderman Donovan to Mayor Barrett: “What is happening with the streetcar project?”

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan December 3, 2013

Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail

Despite rainy weather, Mayor Barrett and a host of politicians celebrated the new bike trail.

Streetcar Social

Gathering of notables tracks the route of proposed streetcar. And HGTV comes to town to film a straw-bale home.

“Wait, Wait, Wait”

The city’s new audio crosswalk alerts are annoying -- and potentially dangerous.

Residents Reject Freshwater Name

Contest to rename Pittsburgh Ave. to honor water institute didn't convince street's residents, who nixed Freshwater Way.

Mayor Barrett Bikes to Work!

Mayor Barrett kicked off Bike to Work Week with his annual bike ride, and announced new city funding for bike-sharing.

Streetcar Meeting on Tuesday

Public invited to ask questions about project.

New Bike Transit System?

A city committee votes to support a system of bike-sharing kiosks. Other cities have cut auto traffic this way.

Public Safety Committee Approves New Milwaukee Bike Plan

The Bicycle Master Plan was presented to the Public Safety Committee at the September 16th, 2010 meeting.

Zweig Project Held by City Committee

This committee meeting had numerous items of significance relating to the built environment that were up for debate.  A couple highlights (or lowlights) included the holding of a file over budget concerns, a heated discussion over Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (“CMAQ”) grants, and a most intriguing debate on public art. The approval of the schematic designs of public artwork which is to be incorporated into streetscape improvements within the first block of East Wisconsin Avenue was up for approval.  The project put out a RFQ to which nearly fifty artists responded.  Artist Janet Zweig was selected to design the artwork and at a recent Streetscape Public Art Advisory Committee meeting the committee approved the schematic design.  The design would include five kiosks attached to five light poles.  Each kiosk would essentially be a historical reference to a type of flip board system that existed in train stations.  Each kiosk would display flip movies of Milwaukee, and would be custom built to hold 80 flaps.  This project was funded under the federal CMAQ program to promote walking as an alternative method of transportation by making improvements to the pedestrian experience.  Additionally, of the total project only a little over 1% of funds has been allocated to public art. Initially, Alderman Robert Bauman was concerned that there might be a cost to moving this project forward so he questioned, “tell us why this is even in front of us?”  After much discussion it became clear that this file was just the approval of the schematic design and that as he said “rejecting this concept saves no money.” At this point Alderman Bob Donovan began railing against the design saying “Thomas Edison had that 100 years ago,” and that “I refuse to have my name associated to something as ridiculous as that.”  Alderman Willie Wade took a more measured approach in his response to the work stating “I’m not impressed with this at all” and that “this is too old school for me.”  Attempting to bring the discussion back to the overall idea of improving public space through the addition of public art Alderman Bauman explained that “art is in the eye of the beholder.”  Debra Usinger, who appeared previously in regards to a Riverwalk project, explained that “public art is great” and that despite the sentiment in the room, this art works because “all of a sudden we’ve created discussion in here.”  She added that “I think this is really innovative.”  This file was held to all for public input. A file that would have funded a variety of nonassessable public improvements was held because of future budgetary concerns.  Alderman Joe Dudzik questioned the wisdom of this spending while planning on significant layoffs, which sparked the discussion regarding holding the file.  Wondering if there was a cost to delay action on the file, Alderman Dudzik questioned “is there any urgency in getting this file passed today?”  Apparently if delayed projects might see a increase of 10% to the cost so the […]

DPW Defends Pothole Filling Process

The hot topic of this committee meeting was a recent Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel article accusing the Department of Public Works (“DPW“) of having a racial bias in their handling of pothole filling.  Jeff Mantes and Jeff Polenske laid out DPW’s process in regards to pothole repair.  Explaining that they prioritize arterial roads higher than neighborhood streets because these roads impact more drivers and have greater safety concerns because of higher speeds on these roads.Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton were clearly bothered by this article’s findings and let DPW know it.  Alderman Hamilton stated that “my constituents can pay taxes but can’t get their potholes fixed on time” and further made his discontent clear saying “you have lost the benefit of the doubt”.  Ironically he also pointed out that many of his districts major arterial roads have recently been rebuilt.  This was key because representatives from DPW had explained that their priorities were to repair potholes along major arterial roads first and go into the neighborhood streets later. It was evident that the research for the article didn’t take this into account and as new roads wouldn’t need pothole filling the primarily work in this district revolved around neighborhood streets which DPW had indicated were a lower priority.The committee as whole appeared to question the report’s validity and the mayor’s staff pointed out a variety of methodology flaws.  These flaws including errors that could over count requests or place requests in the wrong census track, both of which could significantly sway the outcome of the research.  These concerns prompted Alderman Robert Bauman to question the article and pointed out how irresponsible an article like this is, if based on poor methodology.  Alderman Willie Wade joined in expressing his displeasure with the article’s methodology saying “personally I think we’ve been had” and that “we are here because of an article from the Journal Sentinel with bogus data”.  Generally the committee was concerned if the findings were valid but Alderman Bob Donovon seemed to wrap up the sentiment by repeating an old cliche, “you cant always believe everything you read in the paper”.

Public Works Committee Holds Up Appointments

The reappointment of Jeff Mantes to the position of Commission of the Department of Public Works and the reappointment of Jeff Polenske to the position of City Engineer were held to the call of the chair to start off this meeting. As numerous reappointments have flown through as of late it appears this may be in response to friction the Common Council has had working with the Department of Public Works. Specifically the Common Council has expressed their concern with how DPW handled snow plowing, leaf removal, and various street improvements. File number 080238 is a grouping of numerous assessable public improvements that included items such as street and alley re-construction. Similar files have experienced an ongoing problem whereas approximately half of individual projects are deleted because property owners are unwilling to pay exorbitantly high assessments. This has lead to the slow crumbling of city streets and ever increasing maintenance costs. Alderman Bob Donovon expressed his displeasure at Mayor Tom Barrett‘s unwillingness to replace the current assessment system with a recently proposed vehicle registration fee, by stating “I am hoping that this administration and the alderman in this community have the guts to move forward and do the right thing in changing the way we pay for paving projects.” This file was approved with numerous deletions and will move on to the Common Council for approval. File number 080195 is an ordinance relating to storm water management regulations. Alderman Michael Murphy argued that this resolution is important to because the “leading cause of pollution to our water system is really through non-point water sources” and this resolution targets those sources. Those sources includes streets and parking lots and this resolution address ways to reduce the amount of paved area which improves the grounds ability to absorb storm water. This resolution was passed and will go before the City Plan Commission for approval.

Why Businesses Are Attacking The State’s Freeway Plan

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's latest freeway project could "virtually suffocate downtown Milwaukee," a letter from the Downtown Business Improvement District complains.