by | November 28, 2012 · 11:12 pm

12 Days Of South Milwaukee Christmas: South Milwaukee Christmas Market

Next up on the list of recommended local shopping options this holiday season: the South Milwaukee Christmas Market.

The popular event is back for a third year – this time at a new location.

The indoor winter version of the farmers’ market is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at South Milwaukee High School. It will feature dozens of market vendors – and some new faces – selling arts, crafts, organics, baked goods and other specialty items.

Live Christmas music from local acts and students is also planned throughout the market, and the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is presenting Gypsy Geoff, who will roam the crowd and do special performances at noon and 1 p.m.

Learn more in the press release, and merry Christmas from the South Milwaukee Downtown Market!

South Milwaukee Christmas Market

  • When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8
  • Location: South Milwaukee High School, 801 15th Ave.
  • On the web: http://www.smdowntownmarket.org/

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by | November 28, 2012 · 10:57 pm

Celebrating Trey McKinney Jones … South Milwaukee Rocket Turned Miami Basketball Star

Miami upset No. 13 Michigan State in a Big Ten-ACC Challenge game Wednesday night.

Here’s why this matters in South Milwaukee: Trey McKinney Jones. He’s a former Rocket, and he’s really good.

McKinney Jones scored a career-high 18 points in leading the Hurricanes to the 67-59 victory. Check out the ESPN story here.

Read Trey’s story on the Miami University website, and it’s a good one.

After spending two years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he started 25 games as a sophomore, Trey transferred to the U and sat out a season. He then played in all 33 games as a junior at Miami, averaging seven points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.7 steals. In five games so far this year, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound senior is averaging 12.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, and he is tied for the team lead with 11 three-pointers.

The best part of the story: Trey graduated earlier this year with a marketing degree, and he’s now pursuing a second undergraduate degree in liberal arts as he finishes his senior season.

Learn more on Trey’s website, and keep an eye on Miami basketball this season. Go ‘Canes! Go Trey!

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by | November 28, 2012 · 10:31 pm

Business Journal Puts Community Spotlight On Cudahy And Other Local Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

Also, NOW has published South Shore and Oak Creek police blotters.

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by | November 27, 2012 · 7:56 pm

Council Passes 2013 South Milwaukee Budget

South Milwaukee’s 2013 budget is a reality, and I’m proud of it.

The South Milwaukee City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the budget, which contains a 1% increase in the levy and an approximately 0.7 percent increase in the tax rate.

What will it mean on your upcoming tax bill? The tax rate is increasing from $8.82 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $8.89 per $1,000. So, for the owner of a home assessed at $150,000, the city portion of their tax bill will be approximately $1,333.50 in 2013 vs. $1,323 in 2012.

I am comfortable with this responsible increase. Being a responsible steward of city taxpayer dollars is job one as an alderman, and I think this budget — and the others the council has passed while I’ve been on the council — reflects that.

Check out my previous post here … and post your comments below!

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by | November 27, 2012 · 7:36 pm

Milwaukee County News Update: 2013 Budget Update, College Avenue, 794 And More

Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik has published her new E-news update, with items on the 2013 county budget, College Avenue, the Cudahy native court house Christmas tree and this one on the 794 extension …

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) completed technical work for the potential extension of the Lake
Parkway. Federal and State agencies have reviewed the Air Quality Conformity Analysis. In early November, SEWRPC’s Advisory Committee on Regional Transportation Planning and SEWRPC’s Planning and Research Committee recommended that the Lake Parkway extension be added to the regional transportation plan. SEWRPC itself will consider the extension on December 5 when the Commission meets at General Mitchell International Airport.

Check out the full report here.

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by | November 27, 2012 · 7:29 pm

Cockroach In The Soup? Oak Creek’s Prime Table Restaurant Reportedly Closed

Ick.

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by | November 26, 2012 · 9:30 pm

12 Days Of South Milwaukee Christmas: South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center

Shop local this Christmas season … and why not give the gift of performance art?

I write a lot about the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, and with a first-class director and a strong lineup of performances, the center is worth the digital ink.

If you haven’t checked it out yet — and shows like Friday’s performance by the Vienna Boys Choir — you are missing out. And if you have, why not spread the word about the PAC with some stocking-stuffer gift certificates?

Some upcoming performances of note: the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 6, the Cantare Chorale on Dec. 8 and the Grant Park Players (presenting “Christmas Belles”) on Dec. 14-15 and 21-22.

Then there is the SMPAC’s Performing Arts Series, which resumes in January with Avner Eisenberg.

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center

  • Location: 901 15th Ave.
  • Phone: 766-5049
  • On the web: http://www.southmilwaukeepac.org/index.htm

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by | November 26, 2012 · 9:28 pm

Downtown Apartments: Plan Commission Denies Rezoning

Plans for a new downtown apartment building were dealt a setback last week.

Horizon Development Group wants to build a three-story, 40-unit apartment building — with 85% of the units considered affordable housing — on the city-owned site at 11th and Madison Avenues, but the South Milwaukee Plan Commission voted against rezoning necessary for the project on Nov. 19.

The biggest concern raised at the Plan Commission meeting: density. The proposed 40 units on 0.86-acre site are well above the guideline of 20 to 25 units per acre (maximum) called for in the 2003 comprehensive plan.

Learn more about the initial proposal at the end of this Business Journal article here. From it:

The developer plans to finance the project at 1028 Madison Ave. with affordable housing tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, said Scott Kwiecinski, development manager for Horizon. The project would have six market-rate units, and the remainder would be rent-controlled. Madison-based Movin’ Out Inc., which develops and provides housing for people with disabilities, would manage about 10 apartments in the building, Kwiecinski said. … Horizon also will seek city financial support in the form of low-interest loans or potentially tax-incremental financing, Kwiecinski said.

I’ll keep you posted on this project if it moves ahead.

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by | November 26, 2012 · 7:45 am

Reminder: Budget Public Hearing Tonight

The hearing starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, where you have a chance to share your thoughts on the proposed 2013 city budget.

The South Milwaukee City Council will vote on the budget at its meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Check out my previous post for more details on what’s being considered. Here is the notice.

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by | November 25, 2012 · 8:52 pm

12 Days Of South Milwaukee Christmas: Studio 915

South Milwaukee’s only art gallery has plenty of Christmas gift options at all price points — and some truly remarkable pieces from a variety of local artists.

Original paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry … Joe and Dawn Mader have something for every taste, making this a must-stop for those wanting to shop local this holiday season.

One suggestion: Consider an art class. The studio offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, including one coming up on Saturday on window painting.

Or how about an art party? Studio 915 hosts all types of special events and receptions, including birthday parties — something I will surely remember when my 5-year-old’s birthday rolls around.

Part of Studio 915’s mission statement is “to discover and reveal the ‘inner artist’ in every person.” Find yours at the gallery this holiday season.

Studio 915

  • Location: 915 Milwaukee Ave.
  • Phone: Dawn at 614-623-8518 or Joe at 414-882-1182
  • On the web: http://www.studio915.com/#!

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by | November 25, 2012 · 3:43 pm

Lucky To Have Him: Get To Know South Milwaukee PAC Director Chad Piechocki

Urban Milwaukee has a great feature on Chad Piechocki, the West Point graduate turned Army veteran turned writer turned director of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

See it here … and let’s be thankful we have people like Chad committed to making South Milwaukee a better place to live, work and play.

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by | November 25, 2012 · 3:37 pm

Founder Of Cudahy News & Hobby Dies At 84 And Other South Shore Headlines

Learn more about the legacy of Gordon Gordon here …

And check out these local headlines …

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by | November 24, 2012 · 8:36 pm

12 Days Of South Milwaukee Christmas Shopping: Studio One Art Glass

Black Friday has passed. Cyber Monday is approaching.

How about making it a “South Milwaukee December”?

With that in mind, I’ll be posting a series of items encouraging people to shop locally this holiday season — focusing on a different local business for each post.

I start with Studio One Art Glass, a business near and dear to the Brooks house. Literally. If you’ve ever been to my home, you’ve probably noticed that almost every first-floor window has a beautiful stained glass piece hanging in it.

I buy one of these pieces, handcrafted by Kim and the crew at Studio One, each Christmas, and I encourage you to do the same. Their work is outstanding, and uniquely Studio One. It’s also available in all price points — from inexpensive candle holders to costly custom pieces. Imported items are also available, but I prefer the locally made pieces.

Check out the craftsmanship for yourself this holiday season … and tell them Erik sent you.

Studio One Art Glass

  • Location: 1333 Milwaukee Ave.
  • Phone: 800-321-0631
  • On the Web: http://www.studiooneartglass.com/

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by | November 21, 2012 · 5:47 pm

Open Thread: What Are You Thankful For?

Barring some big breaking news, I’ll be taking a couple days off of blogging for the Thanksgiving holiday.

I hope it is a blessed day for you and your family. I know it will be for ours.

And I ask: What are you thankful for? Post your comments below!

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by | November 20, 2012 · 11:26 pm

What’s For Sale: Wanna Buy A Gas Station?

Just noticed a “for sale” sign up on this property …

I’ve long wondered why a gas station couldn’t work at 10th and Manitoba. It certainly has the traffic and visibility.

If you’ve got $400,000 to spend, here’s your chance.

Also, it looks like 14th Precinct is for sale, and DC Connection remains on the block.

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