Ald. Zamarripa Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Notice Requirements for Street Closures
In response to recent incidents of unauthorized street closures by utility companies and contractors, Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa has introduced file #260556 – an ordinance relating to the notification to be provided for the closure of public rights of way.
“Twice within the last six weeks, We Energies has come into the 8th Aldermanic District and closed roads without providing any notice to area residents, businesses, or my office, causing immense frustration and anger among area stakeholders,” said Ald. Zamarripa. “This way of operating cannot become a common practice, which is why I introduced legislation for us to examine and strengthen notice requirements before public rights of way are closed. There is no reason we cannot receive advance notice for these projects that utilities and contractors have planned well in advance.”
In June, We Energies closed the area around 16th and National without providing proper notice to residents. Following this failure to notify, the City has informed We Energies that they will receive a citation from the City for not following the ordinance and for not notifying constituents. Earlier this week on Monday, July 27, We Energies closed access to part of W. Lincoln Ave. without notice to the City, area businesses, or residents, disrupting traffic and restricting access to the Department of Public Works’ operations yard, the Self Help Center, and the City’s tow lot.
File #260556 will be heard by a Common Council committee in September following the Council’s August recess.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by JoCasta Zamarripa
Statement on the ICE detention of Salah Sarsour
Apr 2nd, 2026 by JoCasta ZamarripaFrom Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderman Alex Brower
Statement on International Transgender Day of Visibility
Mar 31st, 2026 by JoCasta ZamarripaFrom Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Peter Burgelis, and The HIVE Employee Resource Group
