Nik Kovac

Contribution to David Crowley of $30

Milwaukee River Greenway Overlay Zone Approved by City Plan Commission

At the May 3rd, 2010 City Plan Commission meeting the proposed Milwaukee River Greenway Overlay District was brought for the commission for approval. This overlay district would impact 370 properties, these are properties that property lines are within approximately 50 feet of the river bluff, of which 70 to 80% is existing parkland.

The Moderne Gains Common Council Approval for City Loans

The Moderne development received approval for $9.3 millions in loans from the City of Milwaukee that led developer Rick Barrett had been seeking.

Recall? I don’t think so.

It seems every month there is another recall proposed.

Common Council Creates Streetcar Committee

The proposed snow and ice fee increase, the furloughs, the possible use of eminent domain for economic development, and the formation of a streetcar committee were topics of interest at this Common Council meeting.

Downer Avenue Development Project Heats Up Again

This past Monday night a public meeting was held to discuss possible streetscape improvements to Downer Avenue.

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 […]

M.O.R.E. Ordinance Approved by Committee

The Milwaukee Opportunities for Restoring Employment ordinance was the primary reason behind this special meeting of the Community & Economic Development Committee.  The ordinance intends to increase the required percentage of City of Milwaukee residents hired to work on city projects and development projects receiving more than $1 million in TIF assistance.  Additionally it mandated a prevailing wage to be paid for these projects and set a higher Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE ) utilization level as well.  The proposed ordinance brought out a large group of both supporters and opponents.  Alderman Ashanti Hamilton attempted to frame the discussion early on saying that “there are many people who may come to the table and say this is the wrong time to do something like this” and indicated that he felt the time was right to move on this ordinance.  He added that “I submit to you that the price has already been too great”.  Alderman Nik Kovac explained that “in the end this is not a philosophical question, it is a practical question” and lent his support saying that “I think we have a document that comes close to being a win win win”.  An extensive list of developers and real estate professional spoke in opposition to the ordinance though primarily the development community opposed the ordinance because of the prevailing wage mandate. Richard Wanta, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association, spoke in opposition of the project saying that “the same city has chased us out of town for decades”.  He went on to point out that there is currently only one major water and sewer contractor in the city, so once this passes that contractor is especially likely to get all of the available work in the area because of the new regulations. Dick Lincoln, Senior Vice President of the Mandel Group, started his remarks saying that “the camel is a horse that is designed by committee” indicating the ordinance wasn’t quite right but went on to say that “we’re almost there”.  He explained that generally he felt the ordinance was a positive but that the prevailing wage requirement was problematic.  He argued that it works against minority hiring, as smaller companies often compete on price, and that this would add substantially to the cost of the project. Barry Mandel, President of the Mandel Group, pointed to the PERC requirements in the Park East and tied them to the fact that development has been non-existent in the county owned portion of the Park East.  He then pointed to The Brewery and The North End projects as two projects that have been moving forward because they utilizing non-prevailing wages. Greg Uhen, President of Eppstein Uhen Architects, spoke out against the proposed ordinance saying that “my concern is that it will reduce the number of opportunities that come to the city” and that he felt “this is another roadblock, another reason for them not to come”. The line of members in support of the ordinance were at least as lengthy […]

Neighborhood Group Pushes Chapter 17

Although only a few development projects were on this commission meeting’s agenda the most insightful item was the presentation of the UWM Neighborhood Plan by the Universities Neighborhoods Association (UNA).  Jeffrey Jordan presented the groups findings and laid out a few neighborhood issues.  The group wants UWM to acknowledge that the “sudden growth of the university” has lead to problems such as overcrowding of the neighborhood.  He also stated their desire to see the implementation of Chapter 17 which would penalizes students at UWM for off campus problems.  Additionally, UNA wants future dorms to be planned with the neighbors and clearly doesn’t want to see dorms built at the Columbia Hospital site. Alderman Nik Kovac spoke about UWM”s master planning program and stated that UWM’s plan to expand in Wauwatosa was a “terrible idea”.  This update showed the ongoing difficulty of relations on the East Side between UWM and the neighborhood and also highlighted the City of Milwaukee’s efforts to encourage UWM to expand in downtown Milwaukee.

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.

New Land Enterprises’ Kenilworth Apartment Development Informational Meeting

A meeting was held to discuss New Land Enterprises proposed apartment building for the corner of Kenilworth and Farwell.

East Side Apartment Proposal Held by Committee

New Land Enterprises was before the committee requesting a change in zoning to construct a 5-story apartment building to be located on North Farwell Avenue and East Kenilworth.

UWM Dorm Traffic, Transit & Parking Plan

This was the third of four meetings being held to discuss Mandel Group's proposed UWM resident hall that would be located on the former Hometown gas station site.

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").

Combined Committee Approves 26-story Tower

This meeting was the much anticipated combined City Plan Commission ("CPC") and Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") meeting regarding New Land Enterprises' development proposal for the Goll Mansion site.

UWM Dorm Site Faces Little Opposition

Last Thursday night, residents of Milwaukee's lower east side gathered at Holy Rosary Church to discuss the final of three proposals selected by the UWM Real Estate Foundation. The meeting began much like the two previous had, with the developer (Phelan Development) making a presentation on the plan, followed by a short bit by the architect (Jim Shields in this case), and representatives from UWM talking over some basic logistics and facts. After which Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Communications Tom Luljak straps on his bullet proof vest, and questions from the audience are allowed.

UWM Faces Slight Opposition

This meeting was appropriately held at the Urban Ecology Center. It was appropriate because one of the key opposition concerns around the Hometown site was its location along the Milwaukee River. Although the location was different many of the same citizens were attendance.

Hot Meeting About Potential UWM Dorm Site

The Maryland Avenue School played host to a tension-filled meeting to discuss one of three proposals for the location of the new UWM dorm. The proposal on the table was the nearby Prospect Mall parking lot location proposed by Boulder Ventures.

UWM Dorm is a Hot Topic Among 3rd District Neighbors

On July 29th a meeting of 3rd district residents was held to discuss the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's ("UWM") recent Request for Proposal ("RFP") to build a new student dorm with 500 to 700 beds.

27-Story Tower on Prospect Faces Opposition – But Why?

This plan would add $60 million to the City of Milwaukee's tax base, enhance the skyline, bring new residents to the city and save the Goll Mansion.

Committtee Votes to Freeze Funds for WestPointe Commons

The final two appointees to Business Improvement District #41 (Downer Ave.) were approved by committee today. Andie Zacher and Brett Grasse were added to the newly expanded board bring the total to seven members. Brett Grass from Lighthouse Development expressed that he has a “vested interest in the shopping district staying vibrant” and that his experience at Lighthouse Development should be of value to the board.. These appointments were approved and will now go before the full Common Council. Also of note was the appointed of first term Alderman Nik Kovac to the Arts Board. He expressed his desire to sit on the Arts Board by saying “I look forward to helping the arts and helping the city at the same time. He conveyed a strong belief that the arts are not only beneficial to the quality of life within the city but also to the economic development of the city. This appointment was approved and will now go before the full Common Council. The last item on the agenda was resolution 080293 which saw a vigorous discussion over the problematic development effort at 27th and Wells St. known as WestPointe Commons. First funded in November 2001 the project has yet to be completed and has spent almost $1 million in public funds. The motion before the committee was to freeze access to public funds until an audit was completed which would determine what went wrong and if the project should go forward. Former Alderman Paul Henningsen spoke on behalf of the project making a passionate appeal to allow the project to continue. He argued that despite its past issues, it is now close to completion and in combination with other projects in the area it could have a catalytic effect. In the end the committee voted to approve the resolution, essentially freezing public funds, which will now go before the full Common Council.

Common Council Expands BID Board

To begin the proceedings Don Smiley the CEO of Summerfest gave a presentation regarding this year’s Summerfest during which he pointed out two items of interest. First, they have demolished the Harley Davidson Roadhouse and constructed a new stage that will open on June 26th. They’ve opened up that stage to the lakeside and created a 3,000 square foot deck so the general public at large can enjoy the lake front while enjoying the music. Secondly, Smiley made it clear that part of Summerfest’s marketing would be to tie the marketing to the City of Milwaukee. These improvements should be applauded and hopefully Summerfest will continue to improve the grounds and connection with the City of Milwaukee. The first items taken up at the Common Council meeting were to complete unfinished business from the previous cycle. Although all five appointments had been held at the encouragement of Alderman Nik Kovac specifically included in this was the appointments of Boris Gokhman and Joel Lee to BID #41. The delay provided time to expand the board from five to seven members and with the history between New Land Enterprises and Alderman Kovac it at least gives the appearance that this board expansion was done to dilute the influence that New Land Enterprises may have on BID #41. The Common Council also approved resolution 080121 which would accept funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities 2008 grant. The City of Milwaukee is one of twelve cities selected for this grant which will be used to provide training for solar panel installation and funds for educational materials to help promote solar technologies. Alderman Tony Zielinski sponsored and encouraged these efforts and it is clear this is just the beggining of his attempts to “green” the City of Milwaukee.

Committtee Approves North End’s Job Training Plan

Dick Lincoln from the Mandel Group presented resolution 071618 which is the job training program portion of The North End development that receives funding from TIF No. 48. He explained that it would be “a little bit different than traditional workforce development” in that in focuses more on mentoring and coaching of emerging businesses to “take them to the next level.” Specifically, the program will help emerging business develop business and management skills so these firms can enter into larger contracts and participate in The North End project. This resolution was approved by the committee and will go before the full Common Council. Resolution 080209 changed the operating plan and structure of Business Improvement District No. 41 which represents the Downer Avenue business district. The changes would enlarged the board from five to seven members and it would adjust various line items within the proposed operating plan to allow the BID greater flexibility in their future operations. Although this resolution seems inoucous enough it gives the appearance as though these changes are connected to New Lan Enterprises’ controvsional re-development efforts on Downer Avenue. It appears this way because while Alderman Nik Kovac has worked to expand BID No. 41 both Boris Gokhman and Joel Lee have had their appointments to BID No. 41 held in committee. This resolution was approved by the committee and will go before the full Common Council.

Nik Kovac Getting First Test From Riverwest Resident Group

The Riverwest Neighborhood Association is going to test Alderman Nik Kovac early in his term.