Robert Bauman

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $250

City Plan Commission Approves Zoning for 20-story Building

Resolution 071500 would change the zoning for the properties located at 700 East Kibourn Ave. and 711 East Kibourn Ave. to General Planned Development and would specify the maximum height and density of the project. As reported earlier New Land Enterprises intends to build two mixed-use buildings with up to 20-stories and 230 residential units each. Despite the project being in the neighborhood of Yankee Hill, Juneau Village Towers, The Regency, University Club and Kilbourn Tower a handful of neighbors expressed their belief that a 20-story building wasn’t consistent with the neighborhood Alderman Bauman spoke briefly on the project saying that he “enthusiastically supports this project” and went on to indicate the proposed buildings fit the neighborhood. This resolution was approved by the commission and will now go before Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee for approval. Resolution 071176 proposed the vacation of the eastbound right-hand turn lane from East Pittsburgh Ave to South Water Street. The removal of the turn lane would support the mixed-use development of the adjacent property by improving access to the site for a potential retail tenant. This resolution was approved by the commission and will now go before Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee for approval.

Public Safety Committee Approves Two-way Conversion

Resolution 071566 recommended converting a one block stretch of North Broadway between East Michigan Street and East Clybourn Street from one-way to two-way. Alderman Bob Bauman commented that “many of the property owners as well as prospective developers of what ought to be considered prime real estate have indicated to us that the absence of two way operation, even modified two-way operation of the type being proposed here, is a significant impediment to their ability to develop that property.” Although this conversion will increase street access to a portion of North Broadway it does not convert the block of North Broadway underneath I-794 to two-way leaving a gap in the connection between Downtown and the Third Ward. This resolution was passed by the Committee and will move on to the full Common Council for approval.

Zoning Committee Considers Additional Aloft TIF Funds

Resolution 071392 was likely to be very controversial given its intent to authorize additional funding for Tax Incremental District No. 48 (Park East) which would support the development of a Riverwalk section along the proposed Aloft site. Resolutions related to TIF financing often spark vigorous debate on how the funding should be allocated, what additionally requirements will be asked of the developer, and does this project truly require assistance. This resolution was no different as members of the Good Jobs and Livable Neighborhoods Coalition were present and looking to push this development project to be required to pay prevailing wages and additional requirements similar to the community benefits agreements they have pushed in the past. The debate will wait until next month as this item was held to allow Committee members time to obtain additional information about the proposal. Another contentious resolution, 070548, proposed allowing electronic changeable billboards to change advertisements every eight seconds. Alderman Bob Bauman and Alderman Michael Murphy expressed concerns over the possibility of driver distraction and light pollution that this change may cause. Although no citizens appeared to speak in opposition to this resolution Murphy pointed out “the media has for whatever reason doesn’t cover city government like they used to” indicating that with wider coverage he felt citizens would be opposed to this resolution. In the end it passed on a narrow three to two vote with both Bauman and Murphy opposing the resolution.

Zoning Committee Approves a Drive-thru?

As there were only two items on the agenda this was one of the quickest Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meetings in quite some time. Resolution 071128 proposed a change in zoning from two-family residential to local business which would allow PyraMax Bank to construct a driveway to access new drive-thru banking facilities. This resolution had been held during an earlier ZND meeting because for PyraMax Bank to build the driveway it requires the demolition of a residential property which is generally not encouraged by the Department of City Development. During the meeting Alderman Bob Bauman pointed this out saying “this is another case of substituting an automobile use from a residential use” and went on to indicate he felt projects like this have hurt the City of Milwaukee in the past. Despite these concerns the committee approved the resolution in a large part due to local Alderman Jim Witkowiak support of the resolution.

Public Works Committee Criticizes DPW Commissioner

As part of resolution, 071488, a portion of the street from S. Barclay St. – E. Pittsburgh Ave. to S. Water St./E. Seeboth St. will be rebuilt resulting in an improved environment in around the Fifth Ward neighborhood. Although a minor improvement to the physical infrastructure this should help spur further development in the area. Jeff Mantes, the Commissioner of Public Works, presented a communication regarding the recent news indicating the funding for the Milwaukee Connector study is longer available. Throughout the discussion Alderman Robert Bauman asked a series of specific questions of the Department of Public Works (DPW) to make it clear that the Common Council was not informed of the situation. He expressed his outrage by stating bluntly that “in my opinion this is a big deal”. He was quickly reinforced by Alderman Robert Puente‘s pointed remarks to DPW when he said “you’ll keep the Common Council in the dark until you need us”. In the end this file simply served to point the blame at DPW and allow the Common Council to put it on the record that they weren’t informed of the situation. Unfortunately the problem still exists and new mass transit options are further postponed until the situation can be resolved.

Zoning Committee Responds to Court Ruling

This meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee was quite unusual in that it was held in response to the court case Dawn McCarthy vs. The City of Milwaukee City. The case revolves around the city’s handling of a minor modification to the Detail Planned Development known has Downer Avenue Redevelopment Phase I. The court ruled that there were possible open meetings violations during some Historic Preservation Commission subcommittee meetings so to insure all information was publicly heard the judge ordered this meeting to be held. It is important to note the judge did not stop construction and didn’t expect the city to vote on the resolution in question. Peter Kovac, one of the Plaintiffs in the case, made comments indicating the city had re-opened the issue prompting Alderman Mike D’Amato to respond by saying “you seemed to of re-opened the whole issue”. Alderman Bob Bauman was heard saying “let him go on for two hours” expressing his frustration with the repetitive testimony and the proceeds. Despite Alderman Michael Murphy‘s concern over setting a precedent by passing a resolution in response to the direction of the court, the committee unanimously approved resolution 071365 reasserting the previously passed resolution.

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.

Public Works Committee Holds Water Deal

Jeffrey Mantes the Commissioner of Public Works presented the progress of the City Hall Restoration Project. He pointed out that after two and a half years the project is meeting or exceeding the EBE, RPP and apprenticeship goals laid out for the project. Additionally he indicated that the project is targeted to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving 2008. Representatives from SEWRPC presented A Regional Broadband Telecommunications Plan which indicated SEWRPC’s belief that universal high speed broadband in necessary for continued growth within Southeast Wisconsin. SEWRPC set a goal of developing 20 megabit universal access throughout the region and discussed a wireless demonstration project that Kenosha is currently testing. The well presented need and existence of the demonstration project prompted Alderman Robert Bauman to ask the SEWRPC representatives to “march right down to the mayor’s office and set up an appointment”. Two resolutions regarding water sales to neighboring communities pointed out what regional cooperation does and doesn’t look like. First up was resolution 071313 which would of renewed a contract between the City of Milwaukee and the Village of Menomonee Falls for the purchase of water. During the discussion of this contract renewal it was pointed out by Alderman Robert Bauman that an amendment allowing the Village of Menomonee Falls to remove a legal constraint on selling water to neighboring communities without the City of Milwaukee Water Works approval was “giving a benefit for no consideration”. Despite contract terms limiting the amount of water the Village of Menomonee Falls can acquire from the City of Milwaukee Water Works, this amendment would of been a first step in opening the door for the Village of Menomonee Falls to begin selling water to communities outside of the basin. The committee held this resolution as it appeared that this small change in the contract had the potential impact of encouraging sprawl and further decentralizing the region. The second resolution, 071314, was a request by the Village of Elm Grove for the City of Milwaukee Water Works to explore the possibility of selling water to the Village of Elm Grove. Neil Palmer the Village of Elm Grove President suggested they would purchase water at wholesale or even at retail prices. Further he made it clear he would support the City of Milwaukee in a variety regional issue including improved mass transit within the region. This resolution was enthusiastically approved by the committee and will move on to the full Common Council for approval.

Old World 3rd Street Getting New Facelift

Old World 3rd St just west of the Milwaukee River is going to be home to a new restaurant or two and another tavern.  I’ll break them down location by location. Robert Ruvin, who has yet to start construction on any of his nearby developments, will have a new high-end restaurant opening in his Third Street Pier building in March. Kincaid’s Fish, Chip and Steak House will occupy the space previously occupied by the Third Street Pier restaurant and give you everything the title indicates for a pretty penny. A development that is drawing opposition from other businesses on the street is Bootleggers.  A sister tavern of another two-story tavern in downtown Minneapolis, the place will feature live bands, a dance floor, and an outdoor patio.  Other tavern owners on the street voiced their concern through their lawyer who said that Bootleggers will bring “price wars, cheap liquor and bad behavior on the street.”  Alderman Bob Bauman supported giving Bootleggers a liquor license, but has expressed concern about the establishment’s potential to be disorderly.  Coming to the aid of Bootleggers, the Minneapolis Police Department submitted a letter of recommendation.  Both a dance and tavern license were ultimately issued at the January 15th Common Council meeting, meaning the tavern’s opening is all but for-sure. Bootleggers hopes to be open by June. The most interesting of the developments is the Milwaukee Brat House.  Led by entrepreneur Jack Schaefer, the Brat House will be an old-world German tavern and hopes to be open by March.  The tavern will serve food at both lunch and dinner. Why is this so interesting?  Because it continues the trend of turning West Town into Little Munich.  A place where Germans can come to and feel right at home, and where Wisconsinites can go to celebrate their heritage.  To start things off right on Old World 3rd Street is the Old German Beer Hall and Mader’s Restaurant.  Over at The Brewery (the Pabst Brewery redevelopment project) there is the proposed Hofbrauhaus Milwaukee in the old Blue Ribbon Hall. Another reason to be excited about the Milwaukee Brat House is that finally you’ll have a place to take your family and friends to enjoy a delicious bratwurst.  Sure, you can get a brat at a lot of places around Milwaukee, but the brat is just an after thought on the menu.  I don’t want to go to a big fancy restaurant to get a bratwurst, I want to go sit at a table somewhere and look at a menu that is dominated by the notion of the bratwurst.  Plain and simple, feed me delicious meat. I can’t wait to try out the new places on Old World Third Street, some before others as my wallet allows.

Affordable Housing Projects Approved

Multiple affordable housing projects went before the committee looking to receive approval in to apply for Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority tax credits before an upcoming deadline. One of interest due to the projects quality design was brought forward by United Methodist Children’s Services of Wisconsin. They were requesting a change in zoning to General Planned Development to allow for construction of a 24 unit four-story proposal to be located next to there existing building at 3940 W. Lisbon Ave. Volunteers of America was requesting a change in zoning to General Planned Development to allow for construction of a 65 unit building. Unfortunately this project stood out because it didn’t properly utilize a key location which concerned the committee. Alderman Mike D’Amato said that it “has to have active first floor users” because of the buildings high visibility location at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Keefe Avenue. Both of these projects as well as others were approved and will go before the Common Council. Other resolutions of note regarded the Brewery project and the reuse of the 440th site. Resolution 070932 approved the LEED checklist for the Brewery neighborhood and included the properties owned by Jim Haertel. Resolution 071238approved a reuse plan for the area vacated by the 440th that is consistent with the airport’s 1993 master plan. Alderman Bob Bauman was concerned about agreeing to this public benefits conveyance without assurances the County couldn’t then turn it over to a private purpose.

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 […]

Milwaukee Intermodal Station re-opening signals new start

The new Milwaukee Intermodal Station officially re-opens on Monday November 26th and it exemplifies the good that can come about when Milwaukee’s leaders take a stand and push for something better. The original plan was opposed by mayor Tom Barrett and Alderman Bob Bauman as they felt it wouldn’t do anything to change perception of transit or the station. The old station had been referred to as “scary”, “dark”, and even “Communist,” whereas the new station lights up the night, welcomes you to Milwaukee and gives you the feeling things are changing in this city. The new building’s combination of transit modes adds additional benefits and is the starting point for improved transit service in Milwaukee. First much like the old Amtrak station the old Greyhound depot was not inviting and so Greyhound gains the added bonus of being housed in an inviting space which could improve ridership. Secondly this shared space should allow for better connection between the various modes of transportation. Finally two additional transit systems under consideration would be centered around the Milwaukee Intermodal Station further improving transit options in Milwaukee.   Photos Milwaukee Intermodal Station Articles Milwaukee Intermodal Station sets grand opening Amtrak, Greyhound now at same location Latest Amtrak station design a clear winner Editorial: Just simply refreshing

Doyle, Gard in University Club Sandwich

Rivals Host Simultaneous Fundraisers in Swanky Downtown Club

DA Hits Lord With Double Felony Charge

Art Dealer Acted as Middleman in Bud Selig’s $200,000 Matisse Purchase. River Hills Doctor Out $180,000

Broadband Quote of the Week

"Well, if I was a consumer I would say, "Why in the hell is the United States No. 13 and heading south in broadband deployment?"

Marsupial Bridge Update

The concrete walkway of the Holton Marsupial Bridge will be poured beginning today.

At it Again

Alderman asked to make big money decision on 24 hour notice.

Scott Walker and the Milwaukee Curse

Milwaukee has not been the home of many of Wisconsin’s governors.

Mequon Turns Voter Away

The City of Mequon told a local man who tried to register and vote at City Hall last week that he was “too late.”

Crisses Averted

Barrett and Walker Announce Plan for Ballots in Milwaukee

Tower De Force

Mandel’s Groundbreaking High Rise

Let My People Shop!

Ald. Zielinski is upset, because Jewel Osco has taken steps to prevent a new grocery store in his district.

Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat

The disarray of the Republican 20th Senate District has convinced the Democratic Party to field a write-in candidate for primary.

Shepherd Figure to Run Madison Paper

Capital Papers Puts up the Capital

Lavender, Black and Green

The Green Party’s national convention will be in Milwaukee this week, with voting by delegates to be held on Saturday. The big question: will the outfit endorse Ralph Nader? This vexing question will put Milwaukee, however briefly, once again in the national spotlight. The party has endorsed the formation of several subgroups including the Black Greens, and the Lavender Greens. The first group consists of African-American members of the party, and the second with its Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and “Intergendered” (a new one for me) members. As of May there were 297,964 registered greens from 22 states, along with an undetermined number from states like Wisconsin where voter registration does not specify political party. Candidates for the party include four for U.S. Senate, 38 for the House of Representativees, one for Governor, one for Lieutenant Governor and 94 for State Legislatures. According to the party, at least 204 Greens hold office in 27 states, including Wisconsin. Nader, who received the party’s nomination in 2000, has 50 delegates thus far, behind David Cobb, with 194 and Peter Camejo with 112. Over 200 delegates support none of the above or are uncommitted. Nader wrote the party in March to say “I am running as an Independent and am not seeking nor accepting the Green Party nomination. If you do not choose a presidential candidate in Milwaukee, I would welcome your endorsement.” You can figure out for yourself whatever that means. Whomever the candidate, the party promises to run television ads in the presidential race, another first. One of the featured speakers at a post-convention rally will be Frank P. Zeidler, a former presidential candidate himself (Socialist Party) and reason enough to attend the event. A Man in a Hurray: Marc “Leadfoot” Marotta Department of Administration head Marc Marotta has a date in the Jefferson County intake court on June 29th at 9 a.m. in conjunction with his citation on May 24th for speeding on the freeway. The 41-year old attorney and former basketball star was busted for exceeding the speed limit by 20 – 24 miles per hour, an offense that carries a $255.40 bond. Officer Michael Meyers of the Jefferson County Sheriff Department collared the Mequon resident after clocking him going 21 miles over the limit. Earlier this year, on February 25th (the day after Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager was busted for drunk driving) Peter Moe of the State Patrol cited Marotta for speeding on the freeway, also in Jefferson County. It was a more easy-going Marotta that time, since he was caught speeding 16 – 19 miles per hour above the speed limit. On April 22nd, that charge was amended to Speeding on Freeway 1 – 10 miles above the limit. Marotta pled no contest to that charge and was fined $181. The vigilant officer Moe also noted that Marotta, a senior government official, had expired plates (PUR108), so we assume it is his personal vehicle in which he was hot-rodding, but that charge was dismissed. His attorney was Michael […]

How Did Peggy Know?

Over Cocktails in 2001, then-A.G. Candidate Peg Lautenschlager Said Rival would be Indicted