Jim Bohl was an alderman on the Milwaukee Common Council and currently serves as head of the city’s Intergovernmental Relations Division. He represented the city’s 5th District and later served as Mayor Cavalier Johnson‘s first chief of staff.
2018 Official Biography
Jim Bohl has served the residents of the 5th Aldermanic District for the past 13+ years and is in his fourth full term as 5th District Alderman following his re-election in April 2012.
Alderman Bohl is a native of Milwaukee’s northwest side. He graduated from Milwaukee’s Madison High School in 1989, before earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Marquette University in 1993 and 1996.
Alderman Bohl serves as Chair of the Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee, along with the Public Safety, Public Works and Skywalk Design Committees. Because of his standing as chair, he is also a member of the Steering and Rules Committee. Previously, Alderman Bohl was a member on the board of VISIT Milwaukee, and serviced as the board Vice-President of the Milwaukee Survive Alive Foundation.
Alderman Bohl is consistently recognized for his efforts to lead the Council as a budget hawk and taxpayer advocate. Alderman Bohl has also been a strong fighter for efforts that promote the safety and welfare of his constituents and Milwaukee residents. He has consistently fought to put more police on the streets and led the police department’s recent efforts to realign police districts, allowing for greater police responsiveness in the 5th District. Alderman Bohl has also taken the lead to create a comprehensive plan to address improving road conditions in the city.
Alderman Bohl is firmly dedicated to Milwaukee neighborhoods. He organized his neighborhood’s block watch group and served many years as its leader. He also wrote the city’s “Neighborhood Association Tool Kit” and “Senior Guide” and has fought to keep neighborhoods safe by authoring legislation to restrict payday loan stores and slowing the proliferation of extended hour businesses.
Alderman Bohl enjoys serving as role model to Milwaukee’s youth, and has served as a confirmation instructor, Sunday school teacher and teen mentor. In his spare time, Alderman Bohl enjoys reading biographies, playing and watching sports and spending time with his family.
District homeowners for 18 years, Alderman Bohl and his wife, Calleen, have three daughters. They are active members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Prior to his election to office in April of 2000, Alderman Bohl taught at Madison University High School in Milwaukee and served as an aide to then-Milwaukee Congressman Tom Barrett.
Content referencing Jim Bohl - Page 2
New Deal for Wangard on City Hiring
Company had violated residents preference program, will count employees at other projects.
Jul 26th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
City Fighting County on Rapid Transit
Council committee puts restrictions on BRT project, charges county acted in bad faith.
Jul 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Members Blast Chief Flynn
Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Kids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets
Big increase in city pedestrians killed while crossing the street.
Jul 9th, 2017 by Jessica Wineberg
Foreclosed Homes to Become Artist Havens
City aims to cultivate artistic community instead of demolishing homes.
Jun 14th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Marquette Updating Inflatable Dome
City panel approves design changes, despite snarking about Minnesota Vikings.
May 25th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor’s Design Awards All Over Map
Big, little, new or renovated, award winners in 13 of 15 aldermanic districts.
May 19th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Ethanol Shipping Fuels Worries
U.S. Oil could also ship crude oil across local waters.
May 18th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Downtown Strip Club Approved
Lawsuit settled. "Everyone and their brother" can now open a club.
May 9th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Jennifer Gonda On the Hot Seat
New Water Works director opposed by some aldermen, and faces tough lead pipes issue.
May 4th, 2017 by Dave Fidlin
How to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City
New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.
May 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Strip Club Deal Fell Apart
Deal would have ended suits against city if council okayed new club.
Apr 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves The Couture
December groundbreaking likely; Barrett says second tower could be built.
Apr 18th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Bay View Land Gets Protection
Council approves purchasing, protecting Bay View land near Lake Parkway.
Mar 28th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Proposal Protects Students
Protections target for-profit colleges that leave students with huge debts.
Mar 27th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
City To Buy Bay View Land
Port of Milwaukee would buy 3-acres from state, open to public in perpetuity.
Mar 21st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City To Sell Land for Adams Garden Park
Former Walnut Way leaders moving forward on bold Lindsay Heights project.
Mar 21st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves Schlitz Park Upgrades
$875,000 in new TIF spending for safety measures and better RiverWalk access.
Mar 2nd, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
City Could Sell Homes to Felons
Committee overturns current ban on sales but proposal needs full council approval.
Feb 22nd, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Masonic Hotel Gets Key Approval
Historic Preservation Commission clears downtown hotel tower to move forward
Feb 13th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Clarke Square Apartments Advance
Unique apartment project, high-growth internet company and grocery move forward.
Jan 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Panel Approves Bucks Plaza Design
Plaza would be created by closing off 4th St., could include ice rink and farmers market.
Jan 5th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Council Approves Help For Lead Pipes
But not a lot. Program will replace 300 lead laterals a year, with help for homeowners.
Dec 13th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Wangard Violates Residents Preference Program
Council members blast the company for failure, call for tougher requirements.
Dec 7th, 2016 by Graham Kilmer
Council Okays Garfield Development
City TID will help finance Bronzeville development including Black Holocaust Museum.
Nov 23rd, 2016 by Graham Kilmer
Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers
Common Council votes 9-6 to approve funding for new program.
Nov 7th, 2016 by Gretchen Schuldt
City’s Lead Water Lines At Issue
Activist group demands more action, replacing all service lines could cost more than $700 million.
Oct 20th, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Rocky Marcoux Keeps His Job
In a dramatic turnabout, the once-dead DCD head gains 11 of 15 council member votes.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Kills Prospect Ave High Rise
Impressive 27-story, $55 million project is dead, due to opposition of neighbors.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Again Says Yes to Rocky
DCD head Rocky Marcoux once again endorsed at committee, but his fate is still uncertain.
Jul 19th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
City Committee Approves Prospect Tower
5-0 vote in favor, but project may face significant challenge before full council.
Jul 19th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Rocky Marcoux Is In Trouble
New Common Council leaders want to ax the DCD leader. But why? Few will say.
Jul 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
City Panel Approves Bus Rapid Transit
BRT line linking Downtown and Tosa moves forward, though some decry "the rush."
Jul 13th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena
$40 million extension would add .75 miles to route, also connect convention center.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Marcoux’s Job in Jeopardy
Council majority votes no, but decision will get reconsidered. His chances look slim.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Is Kimpton Hotel “Project of the Decade”?
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel opens in Third Ward, to cheers of city and civic officials.
Jun 30th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Rocky Marcoux Wins Committee Approval
DCD leader was thought to be in trouble, but city committee votes 4-0 to reconfirm.
Jun 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Masonic Lodge Could Become Hotel
Plan would build addition atop historic building, but will preservation advocates block it?
May 10th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
City Hall’s Game of Thrones
Hail Ashanti! Ald. Hamilton's route to the Iron Throne laid bare.
Apr 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
New Bucks Arena Approved
City completes final step of financing puzzle for new Bucks arena.
Sep 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Transit Expansion Urged
Milwaukee is far behind other cities, which will make it harder to attract young workers, experts at conference agreed.
Jun 25th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Bay View’s Golden Age?
A proposal for five new apartment buildings in Bay View. And will At Random be razed?
May 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support
Eleven out of 15 aldermanic districts, and 76 percent of all respondents support the proposed streetcar starter system.
Jan 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Approved, but Held
Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.
Jan 21st, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Streetcar Until January
Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar
Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar
If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.
Nov 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Uber and Lyft Legalized in Milwaukee
Taxis for anyone who wants to drive one. Uber and Lyft are legal. And someone will probably sue the city to stop this.
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Hospital Tycoon Nick Turkal’s Lakeside Home
The Aurora CEO paid $1.5 million for his Whitefish Bay home, well less than his annual salary.
Jun 4th, 2014 by Michael Horne
We Hate This Boston Store Subsidy!
Common Council members all complain about the TIF for Boston Store, then pass it 11-3.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
North End Phase Gets $2 Million in Funding
And the Pedal Tavern gets approved, with caveats, in Common Council actions.
Mar 6th, 2014 by Dave Reid
Murphy Announces New Committee Assignments
The changes aren't radical but big winner is Ald. Kovac, who becomes chair of Finance and vice-chair of Steering and Rules.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Ald. Bohl’s Suburban-Style Ranch Home
Bohl is under investigation and has lawyered up. But his home is awfully cozy.
Dec 29th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Can County Board Solve Taxicab Problem?
The board's resolution got media play, but will probably accomplish nothing.
Nov 21st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Bike Sharing and Permeable Pavement
City committee approves spending $100,000 on bike sharing in Walker’s Point, and the MMSD will experiment with permeable pavement.
Jun 21st, 2013 by Dave Reid
Make Way for Wisconsin’s Largest Building!
Plan for new NML building has been expanded to make it the state's largest building.
Apr 23rd, 2013 by Dave Reid
Quiet Company Could Build City’s Tallest Building
An examination of the who, what, where, and when of the new Northwestern Mutual office tower.
Dec 6th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Books Aren’t Banned Here
Little free libraries are welcome in Milwaukee -- unlike in Whitefish Bay.
Nov 20th, 2012 by Gretchen Schuldt
The Saga Continues
Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.
Sep 19th, 2012 by Dave Reid
City Defies Journal Sentinel
Fire & Police Commission will hire consultant the newspaper repeatedly claims is biased.
Aug 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Journal Sentinel’s Attack Dog
Two stories this week continue its relentlessly biased coverage of Chief Flynn and the police department.
Aug 22nd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
A Really Rocky Road
Opponents succeed in delaying the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux, sending a message to Marcoux and Mayor Barrett.
Jul 25th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Rocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
“Indignant” Police Chief Defends Department’s Integrity
Chief Flynn provides data that calls into question the Journal Sentinel’s reporting.
Jun 21st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Tour the Talgo Trains You Might Never Ride
Downtown block parties are coming, use of bike racks on MCTS buses doubles year-over-year, explore the Historic Concordia neighborhood with HMI, UWM gets a zoning change, The Moderne is meeting hiring requirements, and kids can ride free on the Amtrak Hiawatha this summer.
May 17th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Council Committee Appointments, Milwaukee County Attraction Pass, The Moderne Lands a Restaurant, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee this week focuses on the committee appointments by Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, Supervisor Haas' efforts for a Milwaukee County attraction pass, the restaurant coming to The Moderne, and more.
Apr 25th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Moves Forward!
Council committee moves forward with the streetcar.
Jul 15th, 2011 by Dave Reid
M.O.R.E. – Common Council March 25th, 2009 Meeting Notes
The M.O.R.E ordinance was the most widely debated action taken at this Common Council meeting.
Mar 26th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Contentious M.O.R.E Debate Continues
The controversial M.O.R.E ordinance was the primary item of discussion at this meeting of the Common Council. This ordinance proposed new requirements related to hiring City of Milwaukee residents, the utilization of emerging small businesses, and the paying of prevailing wages for all City of Milwaukee projects and private developments that receive $1 million or more in TIF funding. It was widely believed that this ordinance was going to be put to a vote of the full Common Council today, which made Alderman Michael Murphy‘s motion to send this file to the Finance & Personnel Committee all that more contentious. Through the discussion it became evident that this file had originally been scheduled to appear the Finance & Personnel Committee but was removed at the last minute because of a legal technicality. Immediately prior to the Common Council meeting a fiscal note that indicated the ordinance would require a number of full-time employees to manage the new programs arrived which made the motion to send it back to committee both legal and appropriate. Although he indicated he would likely support the ordinance Alderman Murhpy argued that “basic issues, and basic questions are just not being addressed” and that “one needs to take the time to do it right.” At first the sponsors of the legislation were surprised and took the motion as a delaying tactic. They argued that the process had been fully transparent and didn’t require any further delay. Alderman Ashanti Hamilton stated that “I think the public has been engaged and involved in the creation of this ordinance.” During the discussion Alderman Nik Kovac piped in saying “I believe in process, I campaigned on process”, but he then indicated he didn’t believe sending it back to committee would change anything. In fact he said “the controversy today will be the same in 21 days.” Alderman Joe Davis fired away at the implication that not enough questions had been asked or that there wasn’t enough transparency to the process contending that “I made a point to schedule a special meeting to achieve transparency.” Initial supporters of the motion argued more questions needed to be asked and that it would be appropriate to send it back to the Finance & Personnel Committee. Specifically, Alderman Terry Witkowski supported the motion in an attempt to gather more information saying “I do support sending this back to committee, this was a constantly evolving piece of legislation.” In an attempt to bring a bit of levity to the debate Alderman Jim Bohl joked “I’m feeling a Rodney King moment, why can’t we just all get along here?” Then he defended Alderman Murphy’s motives and attempted to call the question. Oddly on this specific motion the ability to call the question isn’t an allowed so the debate continued. Alderman Murphy responded to the criticisms by stating “I do feel I was attacked unfairly” and he again attempted to clarify his position stating that “the fact is somebody, literally two minutes before the meeting handing you […]
Mar 4th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Committee Plans to Lobby UWM to Expand Downtown
In April 2008 Alderman D'Amato, as one of his last acts in office, brought forward a resolution that stated the City of Milwaukee's position that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee should locate its College of Engineering and Applied Science, as well asUWM's other satellite campuses, within the City of Milwaukee.
Jan 22nd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Common Council Retains Five Member Firefighter Crews
The most notably items on the agenda were the Common Council's actions regarding Mayor Barrett's vetoes.
Nov 26th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Committee Requests Federal Government Not Re-certify SEWRPC
Alderman Bauman lead the efforts to bring forward a resolution that would have the City of Milwaukee request that Milwaukee County withdraw from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission ("SEWRPC").
Oct 28th, 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
Common Council Allocates Funds for Low-income Housing Development
Resolution 080196 proposed requiring taverns with three or more criminal incidents within a years time frame to install security cameras that cover both the interior and exterior of the establishment. Alderman Jim Bohl attempted to do his due diligence by asking a series of questions regarding enforcement, when it would go into effect, and the specific definition of a “criminal act”. He also pointed out that he normally doesn’t like the idea of cameras and “big brother” infringing on our freedoms but that “this legislation is well crafted” and he would support it. This resolution was approved and will now go before the Mayor. Resolution 080632 generated a long debate over the re-authorization of a $500,000 grant for the Truancy Abatement and Burglary Suppression (“TABS”) program. Alderman Bohl called this grant “marshmallow fluff” explaining that it had been funded for fifteen years and the truancy rate within Milwaukee Public Schools (“MPS”) has actually risen from 40% to 46%. The grant currently funds four police officers who in total find nineteen truant students a day, which represent a mere .0025% of the absences within MPS. Many council members agreed with the belief that this program wasn’t working and Alderman Jim Witkowiak went so far as to say that we “possibly we should consider not funding this anymore”. This resolution was sent back to the Finance & Personnel Committee. Resolution 080539 proposed utilizing the funds from the sale of land for the development of Kilbourn Tower to fund loans for the low-income development and rehabilitation projects in Milwaukee. There was a short debate spurred by Alderman Joe Dudzik that considered sending this resolution back to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development committee to potentially find a different use for the funds. Alderman Willie Wade stated that “to me its a blessing to even have these funds available” and reinforced the majority of the council’s belief that this file should move forward. The motion to send back to committee was rejected and this resolution will now go before the Mayor. Par ailleurs, d‘autres facteurs peuvent donc terrestres, sont autorisés à travers tout joueur n’étant pas accès. Les principaux établissements de l’Est, la plupart des autres nations avec les autres. La légalité des joueurs aux plus modernes, les joueurs peuvent influencer l’accès des nations avec celles-ci se . meilleurs casinos Par ailleurs, d‘autres facteurs peuvent influencer l’accès des joueurs aux établissements de cantons, soit 26 au totale. Et comme la plupart des autres nations européennes, elle offre à une panoplie de jeux. Inscrit parmi les divers établissements de jeux une nation composé de casinos physiques, donc .
Sep 17th, 2008 by Dave Reid
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 […]
Jul 31st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Ald. Bohl Pushes Commission To Deny Density
A land division request to create twelve lots for single-family housing on the South Side of W. Bobolink Ave and West of W Appleton Ave met criticisms of being to dense and not being consistent with the neighborhood. Although this development is not indicative of the urban development happening throughout the City of Milwaukee it points out the divide between the urban and suburban parts of the city. Throughout the vast majority of the city you’ll find density numbers far in excess of 2.9 households per acre where in this part of the city local Alderman Jim Bohl argued that 2.9 households per acre was too dense for the neighborhood and therefore undesirable. Despite these tremendously low density numbers and evidence presented showing that there are developments in the area with similar density numbers it was apparent Bohl would push for less housing to be built on the site. The commission held this resolution to allow the developer to work with Bohl and the neighborhood on a reworked plan.
Apr 22nd, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Approves Water Deal
Resolution 071440, sponsored by Alderman Jim Bohl, requested an exception to city requirements that sidewalks be developed during the repaving of Good Hope Rd. It specifically requested that the area between 91st St. to 107th St. be excluded from the requirement because this area is more rural than urban. It was pointed out during the meeting that schools located on arterial roads without sidewalks require busing of students by law and therefore not installing the sidewalks will insure higher costs for Milwaukee Public Schools . Despite this Alderman Bohl’s Legislative Assistant Todd Peterson and Alderman Robert Puente argued that the people they represent don’t want sidewalks. The rest of the committee must of felt sidewalks are an important feature of an urban environment or considered the MPS issue significant as they placed the resolution on file. Resolution 071313 was the reintroduction of the contract agreeing to water sales between the City of Milwaukee and the Village of Menomonee Falls. During the last meeting the committee held the file because of amendments put forward by the Village of Menomonee Falls. Alderman Robert Bauman pointed out that the Village of Menomonee Falls would of been gaining new benefits but “they offered nothing in return”. Specifically the original resolution potentially could of allowed the Village on Menomonee Falls to sell some of their ground water across the divide by importing more Milwaukee water further encouraging suburban development by utilizing a City of Milwaukee resource. In response to these issues Alderman Bauman proposed the current resolution saying it has the “same terms and conditions” as well as the “same service area” as the existing contract. This resolution was approved by the committee and heads to the full Common Council for approval.
Feb 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Committee Appoints Whitney Gould to Planning Commission
Approving Whitney Gould‘s appointment to the City Plan Commission was the highlight of this meeting. The Committee made it clear that in her former position as the Journal Sentinel’s architecture writer she played an important role in improving Milwaukee’s urban environment and hoped she would bring her enthusiasm and knowledge to the Commission. The Committee also approved resolution 071307 which if approved by the full Common Council will allocate $1.4 Million dollars from the Housing Trust Fund to support five affordable housing projects. One example of these projects is the St. Catherine’s Residence at 1018 E. Knapp Street. It will receive $264,000 to build affordable housing for low-income women and it is already under construction. Alderman Michael Murphy pointed out that this $1.4 million will generate $26 million worth of development and went on to say that these projects do two things “one economic development and… two do the right thing”. The Northwest Side Area Comprehensive Plan was presented again as it had been held before to allow the Department of City Development to address issues that the committee felt the plan didn’t incorporate. Specifically items were added to insure existing rail corridors are reserved for future mass transit options and encouraged creating transit oriented development projects along those rail lines if they are ever converted to passenger service. Other areas of that plan that were improved included refinements of the 76th and Good Hope project, additional recommendations for the vacant transit hub at 76th and Mill, and addressed the potential reuse of Timmerman Airport if it were to be closed. One setback for the project was Alderman Jim Bohl‘s push to remove DCD’s suggested language regarding cul-de-sacs and their desire to better connect streets. This prompted Alderman Mike D’Amato to take a light hearted shot at Bohl by saying, “we hope you haven’t eliminated all the sidewalks from the Northwest side”. Additionally two closed sessions were held to discuss strategy with the City’s lawyers regarding the court case Dawn McCarthy vs. the City of Milwaukee. This case involves the City’s handling of the development of a City owned surface parking lot on Downer Ave. Despite the courts apparent concern the judge hasn’t stopped construction and development continues at a brisk pace.
Jan 31st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Zoning Committee Hears the Northwest Side Area Comprehensive Plan
The Northwest Side Area Comprehensive Plan, resolution 070933, was presented to the ZND committee seeking approved but it faced multiple criticisms that needed addressing. First Alderman Bauman explained that the northwest side has significant rail infrastructure and because of this there is “tremendous potential on the Northwest side” for transit oriented development, improved mass transit and enhanced mobility. Unfortunately the plan didn’t include any reference to this infrastructure so Alderman Bob Bauman suggested that the plan “go back to the drawing board.” Secondly, Timmerman Airport came up as multiple committee members expressed the likely hood of the site being redeveloped in the future and that the plan only lightly touched upon the topic. Finally Alderman Jim Bohl promoted suburban style development by expressing his concerns for DCD’s desire to encourage through streets and discourage cul–da-sacks. Due to these issues, the plan was held to allow DCD to incorporate more of these topics into the plan. Resolution 070609 was seeking approval of the Grede Foundry site for redevelopment which required a change in zoning from Industrial-Heavy to General Planned Development. Although some parts of the plan such as multistory buildings fronting the street and parking to be located behind the buildings were appropriate the design also left 65% of the 5 1/4 acres dedicated to surface parking. The committee compared the design to a “suburban office park” and concluded it was not appropriate for a near downtown site. And although Alderman Murphy suggested holding the file, the developer pressed forward prompting Alderman Bauman to make a motion placing it on file which prevailed 5-0 and essentially stopped this project. Resolution 071131 was seeking approval of the sale of the city owned lot located at 1027 N. Edison St to Edison Green, LLC. As was recently reported this eight-story mixed-use development will be located near the eastern terminus of the Highland Ave. pedestrian bridge and will include 25 residential units, first floor retail, office space and a banquet hall. The northern portion of the site will remain green space allowing access for the condos to the north and as part of the developments attempt to gain LEED certification. Further that portion of land also contains MMSD sewer infrastructure and police lines which would make development prohibitively expensive. The building will have five shared Prius cars, mopeds and a community boat allowing residents to go without owning a car or boat. Further the green roof will have hot tubs heated by solar panels and possibly small wind turbines on the roof. In general the neighboring condominium association appeared supportive of the proposal with their remaining concern being access to the green space to access their riverfront yards. The projects innovative and green approach was appreciated by the committee. Alderman Michael Murphy commented that this project is a “very thoughtful idea” but Alderman Wade expressed his appreciation strongest by stating “I got one thing to say Wow!” The resolution was approved with the understanding that the solution to the access issue will be agreed […]
Dec 6th, 2007 by Dave Reid
How Did Peggy Know?
Over Cocktails in 2001, then-A.G. Candidate Peg Lautenschlager Said Rival would be Indicted
May 3rd, 2004 by Michael Horne
On the Fundraiser Trail
David Riemer held a fundraiser and art auction to advance his bid for County Executive. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design was the place, and over a hundred people showed up to look at the art (a Guido Brink retrospective) and to meet with the candidate March 8th. Wine was served, and the food was perhaps the finest of the larger-scale campaign events this year. The snacks included hummus and all sorts of veggie-cheesy items nicely prepared and tastefully presented. Everybody had to shut up for a brief speech by the candidate. Riemer is getting better at these, and unlike certain other candidates for president or even for mayor, he is able to adjust the message to his audience with a reasonable degree of spontaneity. The crowd at MIAD learned that Riemer has two brothers who are actors, and mom was too. In college (as an undergraduate) he studied poetry. “Art is not just an add-on. Art is essential to a metropolitan area. It is essential to its success.” No argument from the crowd on that account. Marvin Pratt showed up, and that created a mild buzz for a while. Riemer campaign guru Bill Christofferson wants us all to know that his candidate’s “Last Blast” fundraiser will be held in Turner Hall on March 23rd, 5-7 p.m. The Riemer campaign sent out a news release encouraging its supporters to cast absentee ballots. Election Day, April 6th is Passover, he reminds us. It is also a time when many of us might be out of town on Spring break. Riemer would appreciate it if we voted before fleeing this miserable weather. It is all about turnout, at this point. Molly Christofferson, Bill’s daughter, did campaign work for Sandy Folaron. She now works for Marvin Pratt. Strange bedfellows. Bob Weiss held a fundraiser for Acting Mayor Pratt March 10th, at his restaurant, Shakers, 422 S. Second St. He sent me a note: “Clueless staffers, no signage, no promo materials, NO candidate, when promised 6-8 p.m. for His fundraiser.” Weiss said the event coordinator “sat by self in back corner, left after an hour. Some big hitter clients of mine left in disgust since Marvin not there. … Overall, hardly our greatest political experience.” Weiss is planning a solstice party this week (good timing), with plenty of food and booze. Forget the politics! Unopposed and Raising Money: Musings on the Common Council Presidency It is tough to draw a crowd in an election year when you have no opponent, and it’s nice for a candidate to not have to sweat his election. “I only hold one fundraiser a year and this is it,” said Ald. Michael Murphy at Derry Hegarty’s Pub, an event that perhaps saw about 75 people. The event was Thursday, March 11th, close enough to St. Patrick’s Day, which is appropriate since Murphy claims to be of Irish heritage. Since the money wasn’t absolutely necessary, and since the candidate seemed destined to win, the fundraiser easily lurched into its secondary […]
Mar 15th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year
Two other Mayoral candidates eligible soon
Jan 12th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Bobot Calls for Term Limit
Vince Bobot plans to request a change in the City Charter to limit the term of Milwaukee Mayor to two consecutive terms.
Dec 22nd, 2003 by Michael Horne
Why the State Doesn’t Hate Tom Ament Any More
Time was when Milwaukee County was a favorite whipping boy of the state.
Jul 30th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
