Rocky Marcoux

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $350

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $300

Rocky Road

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

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.

The North End Phase Two Groundbreaking Photos

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the corner of Pleasant and Water streets today for the Portrait and Silhouette buildings at The North End, collectively known as Phase Two of The North End. A number of public officials were on hand representing the large number of public funding sources required to get the project off the ground (or more aptly, in the ground) with the state of private financing for development.

Downtown Plan Gains Approval at Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee

Department of City Development staff presented the Downtown Plan Update at the September 15th 2010 Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting. Similar to the City Plan Commission meeting staff presented the overall themes and the eight catalytic projects, which are geared towards increasing density and connectivity throughout downtown, whiles creating a sense of place.

Could 2010 be the Year of the Park East?

After today's news, nationally 2010 might go down as the year of high-speed rail, but here in Milwaukee it just might be the year of the Park East.

S. 2nd Street Street Re-design Approved at Committee

For over a year business owners, property owners, and residents in Walker's Point have worked to have S. 2nd Street rebuilt with people in mind. The plan, as UrbanMilwaukee.com has covered in past, includes narrowing the street from 58 feet to 50 feet, removing travel lanes, and adding bike lanes, street trees, and new lighting with the goal of creating a street conducive to multiple modes of transportation, be it walking, biking, or driving.

The Bookends Project Held Pending Comptroller Input

New Land Enterprises and Wiechman Enterprises were seeking a change in zoning and a loan guarantee by the City of Milwaukee for the Bookends North project.

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.

S. 2nd Street Complete Streets Effort Moves Forward!

This past Friday a public meeting was held to discuss the reconstruction of S. 2nd Street in Walker's Point from National Ave. north to the train tracks.

The Politics of Real Estate Development – Park East Edition

The tale of the Fair Market Development, LLC Park East development proposal is one already lined with intrigue.

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.

Community & Economic Development Committee Hears About Milwauee 7

Milwaukee Department of City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux presented a report, file number 070876, on the progress of the Milwaukee 7 initiative. Northwest Side Area Comprehensive Plan,He highlighted the group’s efforts which included 425 site visits, helping to maintain some 2300+ jobs and creating 3300+ news jobs. Another significant highlight of the Milwaukee 7’s progress was the creation of an Immigrant Investment Zone. It gives immigrants permanent resident status if they invest $1,000,000 in new business within the investment zone. During the discussion of the Immigrant Investment Zone a question from the committee asked Marcoux about the possibility of a new World Trade Center building being constructed in Milwaukee. He responded by saying “There’s obviously going to be a cost associated with that, but I think that it will pay big dividends.” Alderman Tony Zielinski brought forward a resolution, file number 071136, directing the Office of Environmental Sustainability to study the feasibility of city financing of solar installations. The plan, based on a study in Berkeley, CA, would fund low interest loans to cover the initial capital costs of installing solar panels allowing for wider adoption of this technology. The Environmental Sustainability Director Ann Beier pointed out that as the use of solar panels grows in new construction that “we know there will be a demand for solar installers in the future”. Making the point that this is a program that not only looks at reducing pollution but this plan could lead to new job growth in an emerging market and new development.

City Moves to Dismiss Rico Suit

A Milwaukeeworld Scoop

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

At it Again

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

Voting With The Mayor

Mayor Barrett’s office announced Monday that he would vote at City Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Burke Gets Break

The Supreme Court granted a stay Friday, and Burke’s trial is postponed.