County Supervisor Pat Jursik has published her latest E-News Update, and it includes updates on the the budget, Lake Parkway extension, televised County Board meetings, Milwaukee County Park patrols and the Grant Park roadway.
Check it out here.
Category Archives: Milwaukee County
Reminder 2.0: Economic Development Forum Thursday
Just a reminder about Thursday night’s South Shore Option 2.0 economic development forum at the Oak Creek Police Department …
The event, organized by South Shore Supervisor Pat Jursik, starts at 6 p.m.
Learn more in my previous post and in this press release. From the release:
This forum will highlight the dynamic plans formulated by the CDAs with the leadership of their City Councils and Mayors. Jursik will provide updates on the Hoan Bridge, Lake Parkway (794) extension planning, the Aerotropolis initiative and the outlook for public transit. The new MKE Regional Business Park will also be introduced. Additionally, each agency will staff booths displaying aerial maps, mock-ups, elevations and planning materials of current or upcoming projects for public viewing and inquiries in an open-house setting. Information about the concept of Tax Incremental Financing will also be available.
See you there!
Filed under Cudahy, Milwaukee County, Oak Creek
Fighting To Save The Mill Pond
More than 1,800.
That’s how many signatures were on petitions a group of citizens submitted to the City Council and Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik last week asking for the Mill Pond to be dredged – returning the waterway to its past glory.
Former Alderwoman Mary Nelson made the presentation to the council, and she offered a few words in support of the effort to restore the Mill Pond. Her message: The pond is an important part of South Milwaukee’s heritage and needs to be dredged so it can be brought back to its former beauty and use as a recreational attraction (including ice skating).
Mayor Tom Zepecki also spoke briefly, saying the city can play a role in doing so, but the Mill Pond is county property, and the county must lead on any improvements – including what could be a $1 million dredging project that may not last a decade.
Jursik’s message to the council: Addressing the Mill Pond is a complex issue – a “community decision” and a “shared responsibility” involving the county, city and others.
She stressed her role in trying to bring units together in the past couple years to deal with the short- and long-term future of the Mill Pond and Oak Creek watercourse – a future that may or may not involve saving the pond, or dredging it. Jursik noted that the Wisconsin Department Natural Resources has an order to remove the dam, but it’s not being acted on it, and the most recent attempt to dredge in the late 1990s was poorly done and did not last long.
A broader watershed plan is necessary, Jursik said, and that’s where the focus should be, as well as with Oak Creek bank restoration. (Jursik has helped secure $267,000 toward this purpose in the county’s current capital budget.)
So, where do I stand? I strongly support restoring the vitality of Oak Creek and the Mill Pond and making it a community attraction once again. It’s not now. The Mill Pond should be a source of South Milwaukee pride. Now, it’s an eyesore, in desperate need of improvement.
I credit the Friends of the Mill Pond and Oak Creek Watercourse for what they’ve done to try and stem the decline and begin restoration efforts. And I thank folks like Mary Nelson and Pat Jursik for driving the dialog here. It’s one we need to have.
But what we need now are facts … a detailed look at options for the Mill Pond and Oak Creek that will help drive decisions around what the solution looks like and who pays for what.
The key question that needs to be answered: What is the collective vision for the Mill Pond and Oak Creek, and how do we get there?
It’s a debate I – and apparently more than 1,800 others — look forward to because something needs to be done. That’s something we can all agree on.
Of course, I’d like to know what you think about this. What role should the city play in making improvements at the Mill Pond? Post your comments below.
Filed under Community, Milwaukee County, Oak Creek
Guest Blog … Pat Jursik On The South Shore Option 2.0: Forum For Economic Development
The following is an excerpt from Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik’s E-News update on the South Shore Option 2.0: Forum for Economic Development.
It is my pleasure to invite all constituents to attend a unique, one-stop economic development forum. This year’s event will be held at the Oak Creek Police Department.
Representatives from the cities of Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Cudahy and St. Francis as well as Milwaukee County and MKE Regional Business Park will discuss their current development efforts. Each city/agency will provide an overview of their initiatives and answer questions from the public. In addition, plans will be displayed at tables for public viewing in an open house setting.
This forum is a rare opportunity for citizens to be a part of planning for multi-community development in one meeting and to learn about efforts toward economic growth in our South Shore communities.
- Where: Oak Creek Police Department Courtroom (301 West Ryan Road, Oak Creek, 53154)
- When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 (6 to 8 p.m.)
Please click here for a printable flyer.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Jursik’s E-News Update: Check Out Items On Economic Development, Grant Park, 794, Airport Issues And More
South Shore Supervisor Pat Jursik has published a new edition of her E-News update, and it includes a number of noteworthy news items, including an update on the Lake Parkway extension and the scheduling of a “South Shore Option 2.0” economic development forum for Thursday, Sept. 27.
Check it out here. And here is the 794 update …
Lake Parkway (794) Extension
In May 2012, the County Board recommended extension of the Lake Parkway (State Trunk Highway 794) through a resolution which was signed by the County Executive. Following through on the process, I spoke with the WisDOT Southeast Regional Director and Engineering Chief as well as the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) Director in August. Several steps are required before an extension can occur.
- SEWRPC must complete an Air Quality Conformity Analysis regarding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This analysis is already being conducted. A final analysis should be available in September or October 2012.
- Once this Air Quality Analysis is finished, the technical advisory committee will be asked to make a final recommendation to the SEWRPC board. The SEWRPC board must receive the advisory committee’s recommendation and then take final action. This may conclude by December 2012.
- WisDOT is concerned about limited funding. WisDOT is completing many projects around the state.
- Racine and Kenosha Counties would also need to reach an agreement to demote some current state highways to local status and to embrace a “Lake Corridor.”
- An extension of Lake Parkway would probably need to connect to Highway 31 and, ultimately, to Highway KR at the Racine/Kenosha border, according to the perspective of WisDOT.
We will need to work cooperatively with Racine and Kenosha to establish any such Lake Corridor. Our neighbors in Racine and Caledonia have already expressed interest in extending the Lake Parkway. I welcome further dialogue about this issue.
Filed under Milwaukee County
$2.6 Million For A Cleaner Grant Park Beach (And Others, Too)
Update: Here is Racine Journal Times coverage.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is turning its eyes to South Milwaukee and Grant Park with significant grant funding announced Tuesday.
A portion of $2.6 million in federal grants will go towards “reconfiguring” Grant Park Beach and select other beaches in Wisconsin and Michigan. The goal: Reduce bacteria levels.
Here is the press release.
See the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story here. From it:
It includes a $1 million grant to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to work to reconfigure eight state beaches to reduce bacteria levels. The beaches on the list include Grant Park in South Milwaukee as well as swimming areas in Marinette, Algoma, Manitowoc and Kenosha.
“These Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants will improve water quality, allowing people to enjoy more days at Great Lakes beaches,” Susan Hedman of the Environmental Protection Agency said in a news release. “The projects will make beaches safer, by eliminating harmful bacteria and other sources of contamination.”
Learn more about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative here.
Filed under Milwaukee County, Parks
“Not Easily Replaced”: Pat Jursik’s Reaction To Sue Black’s Firing
I can’t think of an elected official who more passionately supports the Milwaukee County Parks System than Pat Jursik, our county supervisor.
So I wondered what Pat had to say in response to the unexpected firing of Parks Director Sue Black on Thursday. Here is what she wrote to me …
Sue Black was recently given a raise by the county executive. She was re-approved in her appointment by the board just last Spring. With year-after-year budget cuts, Sue Black found ways to keep the parks dept. as vital and responsive as possible. I talked to Sue Black often about more services for our South Shore Parks. She always responded and, while reminding me of the budget cuts, she found ways to be responsive. Sue Black has 10 years of community contacts, corporate contacts, sweat equity and a history built through hard work in our community. Sue Black is not easily replaced. The county executive owes our community a better explanation than he has given. He has not shared his thought on a “new direction” with the board, but this damage is now done. Chris Abele needs to be accountable for what he did and why.
Of course, I’d like to know what you think about this. Post your comments below!
Filed under Milwaukee County
Then There Was One: Funding Found To Fix Up Grant Park’s Seventh Bridge
As you’ll recall, earlier this year Kohl’s Corp. volunteers banded together to repair a crumbling South Milwaukee landmark: Grant Parks’ seven bridges.
But there was one problem: One important bridge was beyond the scope of the repairs. The “lakeside bridge” repairs were simply too big to be addressed by a group of volunteers, no matter how well intentioned.
Well, the Seventh Bridge is getting fixed up, too.
That’s according to Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik, who sent the following email today …
The contract has been let for repair of the lakeside bridge at Seven Bridges. Stone Creek Builders was awarded the contract, having offered the best bid. Although there is a $41,000 shortfall, it will be made up from other projects that were completed under budget.
It’s good to see progress here, and I thank Pat for her continued work on improving Grant Park — including the ongoing roadwork to repair the main park drive.
I’ll keep you posted on the projects.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Free Summer Concert At Grant Park
Here’s another reason to enjoy Grant Park this summer.
The Friends of Grant Park and Milwaukee County Parks are presenting a free concert in the park on Wednesday, August 8, when ethnic gypsygrass and country punk group LUVAHL performs.
Showtime is 6:30 p.m. at Brown Pavilion 5A.
The Friends group is providing concessions.
The show is weather permitting, and there is no rain date.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Jursik Publishes New County News Update
South Shore Supervisor Pat Jursik has published her August Enews newsletter, with items on Layton Avenue improvements, an extension of a bus route, an update on the Lake Parkway extension and information on an advisory referendum being placed on all Milwaukee County ballots this November.
Check out the newsletter here.
Here is what Pat wrote about the proposed Downtown Transit Center project:
The County Board passed a resolution authorizing negotiations with Barrett Visionary Development for the purchase of the Downtown Transit Center site. This resolution addresses many concerns. It affirms that: the County Board expects to receive fair market value; the Economic Development Director must more closely investigate whether any of the site is filled lakebed subject to the Public Trust Doctrine; and the Economic & Community Development Committee will solicit public input prior to making any final recommendation to the County Board.
The Board also passed a related resolution which aims to protect an open and equitable procedure for the sale of public property.
The recent process used at the transit site was flawed. It lacked transparency and appeared to be a sweetheart deal for a chosen developer who hired an expensive lobbyist to influence decision makers. The process was further flawed by lack of a thorough public hearing due in large part to the actions of the County’s Economic Development Director, an out-of-County resident seemingly unconcerned with seeking input from the citizens of Milwaukee County. To the credit of our Board Chairwoman, Marina Dimitrijevic, a compromise was reached which will assure compliance with the Public Trust Doctrine, aim for fair market value and include a public hearing.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Grant Park Beach Reopens
The weather has cooled a bit, but news that the Grant Park beach has reopened is still welcome.
You’ll recall that the beach was closed earlier this week due to high E.coli levels.
Check out the status of all Wisconsin beaches here.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Grant Park Beach Closed Due To Elevated Bacteria Levels
Grant Park beach is closed at least through today due to extremly high E.coli levels.
Learn more at the Wisconsin Beach Health home page. Click here to learn more about what can cause elevated bacteria levels.
I’ll keep you posted when I learn more.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Beat The Heat: Grobschmidt Pool Hours Extended
Update: Here is more information on what could be 19 heat-related deaths in the state since July 1, including one one in South Milwaukee.
As temperatures soar to near 100 degrees and a heat advisory kicks in, South Milwaukee’s Grobschmidt Pool will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
Learn more here.
This is in addition to the pool’s normal hours: 12:30 t0 4:30 p.m. daily and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
See all pool hours here … and don’t forget to check on the elderly and others who are susceptible to the heat. Consequences can be tragic.
Filed under Milwaukee County
Extended Hours For South Milwaukee’s Grobschmidt Pool
With highs in the 90s expected, Milwaukee County is extending the hours of a number of pools this week.
That includes Grobschmidt Pool in South Milwaukee, which will now be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday this week. The pool is already open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during that time, as well as 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Learn more in this Journal Sentinel story on the Milwaukee County Parks website.
Filed under Milwaukee County
South Milwaukee Blog 