Robert Bauman

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $250

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 […]

M.O.R.E. Ordinance Approved by F&P Committee

The controversial M.O.R.E ordinance which had been sent to committee at the previous Common Council meeting was further debated at this Finance & Personnel Committee meeting.

Committee Approves Plan to Allow Plants

In some cities residents have been allowed to plant a variety of plants and flowers in the area between the curb and the sidewalk in an effort to beautify the neighborhood.  This practice has generally been illegal within the City of Milwaukee but this may soon changes as file number 081117 intends to implement a planting policy that would allow planting within this strip of land.  The file originally intended to allow this new policy within the 13th District but Alderman Robert Bauman recommended the 4th district to be included as well.  After some discussion the file was amended to allow this planting practice throughout the City of Milwaukee.  It was approved and will now go before the full Common Council. After being held at the January 28th, 2009 meeting of the Public Works Committee, the file which would allow the City of Milwaukee to apply for a 2009 Stormwater Best Management Practices Partnership grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District that will be used in part for the construction of a green roof on the central library was brought back before the committee.  It appears the confusion over the value of moving forward with this file was cleared up as it was quickly approved this time with no discussion and will now go before the full Common Council.

Committee Welcomes New Commissioner

Martin Collins‘ retirement left the Department of Neighborhood Services with a significant leadership gap. Art Dahlberg, from Richmond, VA has been tabbed as the person to replace Mr. Collins as the Commissioner of Neighborhood Services and clearly the committee was cautiously optimistic.  He expressed his understanding of the position he’s walking into saying that “I recognize I’m filling some very big shoes here”.  Alderman Bob Bauman asked about his philosophy regarding the demolishing of older housing stock and if he felt this was a good or bad choice.  Mr. Dahlberg indicated that it was to be used as a last resort saying “it is not a broad solution, it is a fine tool that we have to use”.  The committee approved his appointment and it will now go before the full Common Council. Another item of note was the potential city land sale of 3427-3429 West Villard Avenue.  This land sale would allow the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation to move forward on a four-story mixed use development that would include the Villard Library moving in to the first floor of the new building.  In addition to the library the upper floors would include 47 affordable housing units targeted at “grandfamilies”.  The project will be developed by Gorman & Company utilizing low-income housing tax credits and new market tax credits.  This item was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.

Small Changes Coming to Preservation Ordinance

One item of interest was a proposed change to how appeals of Historic Preservation Commission actions were to be handled. Alderman Bob Bauman explained that most issues related to actions by the Historic Preservation Commission are handled by the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee or the Common Council.  It was pointed out that during a typical situation the Historic Preservation Commission may deny a demolition permit and then the property owner could appeal to the Common Council whereas in the case of the Transera project the Administrative Review Board stepped in due to what Alderman Bauman characterized as a “a glitch in the HPC ordinance”.  Alderman Terry Witkowski supported the measure and added “I’ve been on that board for five years and this is the first time anything from historic preservation came that way,” indicating that this change wouldn’t burden the Common Council with numerous appeals. In response to this legal quirk, Alderman Bauman considered passing legislation to dissolve the board but instead brought forward an amendment to the ordinance.  The amendment directed future appeals to the Common Council and restricted who may appeal a decision by the Historic Preservation Commission.  This ordinance change was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.

Committee Not Happy With Zoo Interchange Plan

The Wisconsin DOT presented the most recent plans for the reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange. The project team argued that because of the age of the interchange, number of accidents, and predicted congestion that the interchange needs to be rebuilt and widened.  They presented multiple options, all of which included the relocation of at least 13 residential homes, one business and would cut the parking lot at State Fair in half.  It was pointed out that the under the plans now being considered there will be no impact to the Honey Creek Business Park.  The design includes additional lanes and new frontage roads, referred to as Texas U-Turns, that essentially double the footprint of the highway.  Alderman Bob Bauman expressed that the Wisconsin DOT seems to always push for freeway expansion saying that “no one ever talks about the no build option” and that “this a stealth widening of the Milwaukee freeway system”. In response to a series of questions and comments regarding transit options, Ms. Brown, from the Wisconsin DOT, responded that “transit is not considered as part of the construction of the interchange”.  Alderman Murphy expressed the committee’s belief that the Wisconsin DOT has ignored multi-modal options at the expense of the City of Milwaukee saying that “the way they (Wisconsin DOT) set up this planning they specifically excluded it”.  Wisconsin DOT staff repeatedly pointed to SEWRPC’s planning as their guiding direction and Ms. Brown reiterated “that (rail) is not an option given the schedule and time frame”.  Near the end of the meeting Alderman Bauman summed up the committee’s message to the Wisconsin DOT saying “carry back the message you don’t have any happy campers”.

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.

Northeast Side Area Plan Held at Committee

The Northeast Side Area Plan which will lay out the vision and guidelines for development within this a large portion of the city was brought forward for approval.  ‘ Alderman Bob Bauman proposed two amendments both of which impacted the location of future University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee expansions.  One amendment would of made it part of the plan that the City of Milwaukee wouldn’t support construction of new UWM dormitories on the East Side with the possible exception of the former Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital site.  The other amendment would suggest that UWM build future dormitories in downtown Milwaukee.  Alderman Bauman added that “they should re-double their efforts to locate these dormitories in the central business district”.  Alderman Tony Zielinski felt the plan didn’t included enough of the proposed Milwaukee River Overlay District, saying that “I was hoping to see something more concrete”.  Further discussion explained that the plan included a high level summary of the overlay district and that the specifics are still being worked out between property owners and neighborhood residents.  This file was held to allow for more discussion regarding the possible amendments and to add additional content to the Bronzeville section of the plan. Also of note was Neighborhood House’s appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s denial of approval to demolish a pre-1850’s home in the Historic Concordia neighborhood.  Neighborhood House had purchased the house to add parking spots and build a bus turnaround.  Numerous community members spoke out in opposition to this proposal and the committee seem to recognize their concerns.  Alderman Wade stated that “I’m probably not looked at as a friend of the historic preservation folks, historically” but went on to explain that he was glad to be on their side on this issue in this case.  Other committee members indicated they were swayed by the citizen reaction and felt there were other options that could be explored to facilitate the bus.  This resolution was denied.

Common Council Debates Water Deal

Both, New Land Enterprises' apartment proposal and Mandel Group's UWM dormitory proposal were approved without any debate on the floor and both are expect to break ground after winter.

Committee Approves UWM Dorm Plan

Two significant East Side projects, New Land Enterprises' Kenilworth apartment building and Mandel Group's dormitory proposal, were on the agenda for this committee meeting.

Committee Quickly Approves Road Projects

Although this meeting finished in record time due to Alderman Robert Bauman's auctioneer style meetings, there were a couple of items of interest.

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.

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").

Zoning Committee Approves 26-Story Tower

The only item on this meeting's agenda was a request from New Land Enterprise for a change in zoning from RM7 to Detailed Planned Development which would facilitate the construction of a 26-story condominium tower on the Goll Mansion property.

Sydney Hih Nomination Held at Historic Preservation

This Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") meeting included agenda items for the high profile projects, The Palomar, The Brewery and the Goll Mansion redevelopment.

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.

Common Council Approves Snow and Ice Fee

This Common Council meeting was called to handle the Mayor’s proposed 2008 and 2009 snow and ice removal fee increases as well as a proposed increase to the solid waste fee for 2009. Resolution, 080483, proposed an increase to the 2008 snow and ice removal fee to pay for cost overruns due to the record breaking snowfall Milwaukee experienced this past winter.  It was pointed out during this discussion that non-taxable entities will have to pay this fee so it shares the cost of the service to all entities that receive services.  As the funding was need to cover an existing budget gap the Common Council generally supported it and the fee increase was approved. Resolution, 080485, proposed an additional increase, approximately $8 per household, to the 2009 snow and ice fee to cover an estimate rises in costs.  Alderman Robert Bauman pointed out that even with the increases “it really leaves out a major service enhancement” referring to the clearing of sidewalks and curb cuts to allow handicap and elderly residents the ability to cross the street safely.  This problem had been brought up by numerous residents at earlier Public Works Committee meetings and the failure of this fee increase to address this issue raised concerns for Alderman Bauman.  This resolution was not approved by the Common Council. Resolution, 080484, proposed an increase of approximately $37 per household to the 2009 solid waste fee.  This increase again raised debate on the council floor and concerns over the impact of these increases on citizens.  Additionally concerns over the perceived belief of citizens that city hall is always looking to grow were discussed and it was brought up that the City of Milwaukee has 2000 less employees than 20 years ago.  Alderman Terry Witkowski said these cuts had hurt the City of Milwaukee’s ability to provide quality services and to insure quality infrastructure saying that it “has it shown up in service?  Has it shown up in infrastructure?  Yes”.  He went on to state that “the fact of the matter is we have been downsizing”.  This resolution was placed on file by the Common Council, stopping the fee increase for the time being but it may be revisited in the future.

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”.