South Milwaukee Blog

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.