Robert Bauman

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $250

Can Wisconsin Avenue Be Saved?

A city task force hopes to revive the street but the obstacles are many.

A New Look for 27th Street

The new $10 million project on 27th and Wisconsin is nearly complete, as our photos show.

Committee recommends plan to provide foreclosure alternatives

Under a proposal sponsored by Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman, some Milwaukee homeowners facing foreclosure due to unpaid city fees on their tax bill would have the option of paying on an installment plan instead of losing their homes.

“Wait, Wait, Wait”

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

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.

Residents Reject Freshwater Name

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

New legislation targets predatory schools, protects students

Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs June 11, 2013

Nominees sought for 2013 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

Nominees are being sought for the 2013 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award, according to Alderman Robert J. Bauman.

$350,000 Grant Funds Art Corridors

GMC lands grant from ArtPlace America to create artistic corridors in Riverwest and Harambee and on West Wisconsin Ave.

Federal judge’s decision on Zoo Interchange Environmental Impact Statement creates opportunity for new direction in transportation investment

Alderman Bauman calls for new alternative for I-94 rebuilding project that would invest in freeway rebuilding, local road reconstruction and expansion of Milwaukee Streetcar

Streetcar project to be addressed during Saturday rail event

Rail advocacy effort will be announced during news event tomorrow at 11 a.m. at downtown Intermodal Station

Historic Preservation Honored Wednesday at Cream of Cream City Awards Ceremony

Annual preservation honors event to be held at Best Place at the Pabst

Proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits, improve taxi service to get special committee hearing

Committee chair invites hospitality industry reps to provide input

Council vote clears way for new NML downtown HQ tower

The Common Council voted today to approve the creation of Tax Incremental District 78, which will help fund the addition of a 1.1 million square foot office tower to the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance campus in downtown Milwaukee.

The Mystery of Sanfelippo’s Taxicab Empire

Why is Rep. Joe Sanfelippo the registered agent for all of his brother’s many companies?

Make Way for Wisconsin’s Largest Building!

Plan for new NML building has been expanded to make it the state's largest building.

Terrible Town for Taxis

How a city permit system enabled a cartel to dominate the taxicab business, stifling competition and providing poor service.

Proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits, improve taxi service to get Thursday committee hearing

A proposed city ordinance introduced by Alderman Robert J. Bauman seeking to repeal the city’s cap on issuing new public passenger vehicle permits and to establish new requirements aimed at improving taxicab services in the city will be discussed TOMORROW (Thursday, April 18) during a public hearing before the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”

Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.

More Taxis for Milwaukee?

Bauman's proposal would drastically increase the number of cabs, and a recent court decision makes change more likely.

Pabst Leader’s Salary Far Below Smiley’s

Pabst boss Gary Witt makes less than a third of what Smiley makes. Ald. Bauman questions this.

Referendum on same-day registration a chance to make residents’ voices heard

Joint Statement from members of the Common Council

Consumer voices sought on proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits

Public hearing continues on Friday, March 8 at City Hall

Controversial Building Going Up

New office building on 27th and Wisconsin, once the center of conflict, is now a center of construction.

A Historic Milwaukee Celebration

Plus: A national green award for The Brewery; and bringing fruit trees to Walker's Point.

Alderman urges caution as Milwaukee County considers the sale and disposition of county facilities

Statement from Alderman Robert J. Bauman

MU Campus Apartments Approved

Council approves zoning change for 6-floor, 80-apartment project at 14th and Wells. Latest renderings released, too.

Proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits gets Friday hearing

Measure also calls for more frequent vehicle inspections, vehicle upgrades

Every Politician in Town

Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.

Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power

Council appears to back radical change, Barrett seems lukewarm.

Northwestern Mutual Tower Advances

Proposal that's a "celebration of Downtown" sails through the city's Redevelopment Authority.

Same-day voter registration advisory referendum goes to voters on April 2, 2013

Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 15, 2013

Witkowiak Runs Off to Siberia

The former alderman is an obsessive marathon runner. And the city gets 2000 more trees.

Common Council approves long-awaited Historic Preservation revisions

The Milwaukee Common Council Tuesday morning signed off on revisions to the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance aimed at clarifying and streamlining the process for obtaining permission to do work on historic sites, as well as updating other procedures.

Major Revisions proposed for City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance

Major Revisions proposed for City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance

Quiet Company Could Build City’s Tallest Building

An examination of the who, what, where, and when of the new Northwestern Mutual office tower.

Bait and Switch?

One building was presented, but another is being built. Ald. Bauman's proposal will end such practices.

Power Play

A city committee resists heavy lobbying and forestalls a special taxing district for Juneau Park and Cathedral Square.

Ald. Bauman’s Century-Old Home

Bob Bauman's house is 119 years old, with two fireplaces and one lonely bathroom.

Common Council members call for County to codify changes in Medical Examiner’s procedures

Several Council members met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday (Sept. 28) to discuss concerns related to the Derek Williams case.

Ceremony at Lynden Hill will mark National Public Lands Day

The 19th annual National Public Lands Day will be celebrated in Milwaukee tomorrow (Saturday, September 29) morning at Lynden Hill.

PSC indicates in favor of City of Milwaukee on Milwaukee Streetcar utility issue

A majority of the members of the Public Service Commission expressed support today for the City of Milwaukee’s position that the Milwaukee Streetcar is a public works project just like roads, sewers and water main projects.

U.S. Attorney’s insight needed in Williams death investigation

We are respectfully requesting that the office of the U.S. Attorney conduct an investigation into the case of Derek Williams, who died last year while in the custody of Milwaukee police.

Four More Years

The Common Council approves the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux for another term.

Green Named 2012 Winner of Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

The Milwaukee Common Council will honor Mr. Green on Tuesday, September 25 prior to the start of its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the third floor Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

The Saga Continues

Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.

Why Voter Fraud Is So Rare

What the experts know that the scaremongers are deliberately ignoring.

Common Council Sets Standards for Elementary School Playgrounds

The Milwaukee Common Council today passed a measure that will require all new elementary schools in the city to provide a minimum amount of safe, open play space to help children stay healthy and active.

Tragedy in Oak Creek

Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council

A Really Rocky Road

Opponents succeed in delaying the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux, sending a message to Marcoux and Mayor Barrett.

Common Council approves Milwaukee Jobs Act initiative

The Common Council today approved creation of the Milwaukee Jobs Act -Transitional Jobs Program – a multifaceted effort to create employment opportunities for city young people and job seekers from areas of the city that have been particularly hard-hit economically.

Not Too Rocky a Road. So Far.

DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux's reappointment won committee approval, but what will the full council do?

New Bike Transit System?

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

Bike-sharing program pedals to Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will discuss a resolution Wednesday (July 11) to create a bicycle-sharing program in Milwaukee that if approved could start up in spring 2013.

One More Chance for the Sydney HIH

Parliamentary procedure buys the Sydney HIH a few more days.

Extreme dry conditions, fireworks bad combination

Possession of fireworks is against the law in Milwaukee and can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Last Days for the Sydney Hih

Unless a savior comes along before July 6th, it truly will have been the last days for the Sydney Hih.

Rocky Road

Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.

Watching the Watchdog – Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent investigations into the police department have misled the public about important facts relevant to the safety of our community.

Letter to City of Waukesha regarding the City’s request for water service

The attached letter was sent today by Alderman Robert J. Bauman, chair of the Public Works Committee, regarding the scheduling of Council file# 120230: Resolution directing negotiations with the City of Waukesha regarding the City’s request for water service.

Banish the Freeway’s Gloom!

Design winners attempt to brighten the gloomy passageway between downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward.

Commission Recommends Historic Designation for Sydney Hih Building, Fuse Still Lit

The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of interim historic designation for the Sydney Hih building, though the future of the building remains very much in doubt.

Did Donovan Make Bauman Soil His Pants?

Another week, another Ald. Donovan anti-streetcar press conference. Plus: will the Bucks get a new owner and new arena? And: East Side zoning changes and the return of the Downtown Trolley loop.

Bob vs Bob (Almost)

We reached out to Aldermen Bob Bauman and Bob Donovan to get their perspective on the Milwaukee Streetcar project following the press conference "debate"

Donovan vs Bauman Streetcar Press Conference

Leave it to Ald. Bob Bauman to upstage Ald. Bob Donovan at his own press conference.

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.

After Revisions Office Building Approved for 27th and Wisconsin

WIS27 LLC's proposal to develop a 64,000 SF office building at the corner of 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue was approved by the Milwaukee Common Council today. WIS27 will purchase the vacant lot from the city for $1, and intends to lease the new building to the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Future of Transit Discussion at the top of the US Bank Center

If you care about transit in Milwaukee, or if you simply want the best view of the city available, come to the 40th floor of the US Bank Center next Monday night, April 16th from 5:30 until 8:00 for a cocktail hour and discussion on the future of transit in Milwaukee and how we move through the city.

Jackson St. Apartment Proposal Approved at Zoning Committee

Back for a second time, Dermond Property Investments' request for a change in zoning for the properties 1601 N. Jackson and 522 E. Pleasant, the former Joey's Restaurant location, from Local Business (LB2) to a Detailed Planned Development (DPD) was once again in front of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.

Hines for Mayor, Coggs for Life, Thomas for 34%, and More City Politics

Welcome to the seventh installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week the focus is all on City of Milwaukee elected officials following yesterday's election. I explore the likelihood that Willie Hines runs for Mayor, how the new Common Council will resemble the old Common Council, the wide disparity in vote totals between districts, Bob Donovan winning the war, the shocking number of votes Johnny Thomas got, and Spencer Coggs' new job.

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.

City Land Sale for East Library Redevelopment Held at Committee

At the March 27th, 2012 meeting of the Public Works Committee, the committee briefly took up the purchase agreement between the City of Milwaukee and HSI Properties, LLC, which had it been approved, would have been the next step in the city's effort redevelop the East Library site.

Talgos being Mothballed, Bike Corrals Return, YP Week, and More

Welcome to the fifth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week we take a look at mothballing the new Talgo trainsets for the Amtrak Hiawatha line, the return of the bike corrals, Young Professional Week, free music from the Milwaukee Public Library, and more.

Free Bus Rides, Moneyball and Renderings, Crime on Buses Way Down, and More

Welcome to the fourth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week we take a look at free bus rides for St. Patrick's Day, the idea of applying Moneyball principles to project renderings, how Police Chief Flynn has apparently managed to cut in half the service calls originated from MCTS buses, the notion of a new union for UWM, and more.

Alderman Bauman’s Milwaukee Police Department – MacArthur Square Plan Worth Exploring

Alderman Bob Bauman, who represents downtown and the near west side, has put forth a proposal to relocate the Milwaukee Police Department headquarters and municipal courts to southeast corner of 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. As part of that proposal the MPD District 1 station would be relocated to W. Wisconsin Avenue between 6th Street and the Milwaukee River and the former MPD headquarters would be redeveloped.

Milwaukee Moves Forward!

Council committee moves forward with the streetcar.

John Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism

One day before the start of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) 19th annual conference in Madison, former Mayor and current CNU President & CEO John Norquist returned to Milwaukee with a number of his former deputies to offer a tour of many of the urban projects started during his tenure as mayor.

Marriott Approved. Greenwich Park Apartments Approved

Two controversial development projects received key approvals at the January 19th, 2011 meeting of the Common Council.

Marriott Hotel Project Wins Appeal on 3-2 Vote at Zoning Committee

At yesterday's meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Jackson Street Management LLC won an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission's ruling regarding their request to demolish five buildings within the East Side Commercial Historic District to make way for a new Marriott Hotel.

Historic Preservation Commission sets December 13th Public Hearing for the Marriott Proposal

A large crowd turned out, at a commission meeting to speak about a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish buildings located at 319-327 East Wisconsin Ave., and 625-631 North Milwaukee St.

Milwaukee Intermodal Station Train Shed Project to Start in October (Renderings)

The second phase of the redevelopment of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station will begin construction next month.

Downtown Plan Approved by City Plan Commission

The preparation of the Downtown Plan Update involved various public input sessions, countless hours of community and stakeholder input, resident surveys, the involvement of the business community, and the work of city staff.

High Speed Rail is Coming to Milwaukee

According to the Department of Transportation, up to $100 million of the $810 million allocation for the Milwaukee to Madison connection could be spent on the high speed rail project by early 2011.

Milwaukee to Contract Nationally Recognized Transit Expert

At the May 4th, 2010 meeting of the Common Council, Alderman Bauman brought forward an item that would allow the City of Milwaukee to enter into a contract with an expert consultant, Jeffery Boothe, for the purpose of facilitating the next steps of the Milwaukee Streetcar project.

S. 2nd Street Redesign Approved by the Common Council

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

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.

The Moderne Project Held for Special Committee Meeting

The Moderne, if approved, would be located at 1141 N. Old World Third St.

The Reed Street Yards is Worth the Investment

"It has been vacant for decades," said Dan Casanova, of the Department of City Development. The 17-acre property known as the Reed Street Yards is located between South 6th Street and South 3rd Street just across from the Harley-Davidson Museum in Walker's Point. This property has been targeted by the City of Milwaukee as the potential epicenter of Milwaukee's water industry. The property itself, despite being centrally located, has sat vacant for years, and currently has no infrastructure, such as roads and sewers that are necessary to support future development.

Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape

Governor Doyle's announcement that he will not be seeking a third term could send ripples through Milwaukee's political landscape. The most commonly mentioned named Democratic Party members that may run for Governor include, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

$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.

Rivianna, Villard Square, and New Riverwalk Sections Approved at ZND Meeting

Harry Drea, one of the developers of the Rivianna project, was before the committee to request an amendment to the previously approved General Planned Development, and approval of the Detailed Planned Development.

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.

Rivianna Proposal Takes A Step Forward

The developer, Rivianna LLC, was seeking three approvals for the $80 million Rivianna development proposal at Monday's City Plan Commission meeting. The building would contain a maximum of 236 hotel rooms and 186 apartments, and 430 parking spaces, of which 276 parking spaces will be reserved for the residential component.

S. 2nd Street Redevelopment Concept Gains Momentum

The June 24th, 2009 Public Works Committee Meeting was a good day for the efforts to rebuild S. 2nd street as a complete street. The Department of Public Works presented three options as possibilities for the rebuilding of S. 2nd Street. The first option was to simply resurface the street, with essentially no pedestrian improvements. The second option would resurface the street at the same width, but would included painted bike lanes, reduced travels lanes, and street trees. However it is the third option that is closest to a complete street.

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).

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.

City to Use Eminent Domain?

This meeting had a couple of topics of particular interest, the use of eminent domain, and TIF policy.

Complete Street Makeover for S. 2nd Street?

S. 2nd St., in Walker's Point, is another street in Milwaukee that is more than ready to go on a diet.

Committee Approves Two-way State St.

Clearly this meeting of the Public Works Committee was not as colorful as recent meetings but there were a couple of items of interest. The first item was a proposed lease agreement between Waters’ New Biotech Company and the Port of Milwaukee.  This proposal would be the second large alternative fuel facility in recent years to open at the Port of Milwaukee.  Waters’ New Biotech Company intends to develop a facility that will convert wood waste into a solid fuel which will be used as an alternative fuel to coal.  This file was approved and will now go before the full Common Council. The second item was the culmination of three years of efforts by Alderman Robert Bauman.  In an effort to improve the walkability and vibrancy of East Town, he has been working to convert E. State St. between N. Edison St. and N. Prospect Ave. to two-way traffic.  His efforts resulted in the necessary changes to file number 081667 which will provide the funding to reconfigure E. State St., rebuild and repave the street, reconfigure the signals, construct a median at Water St., and potentially add a new signal.  This file was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.

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 […]