by | August 15, 2011 · 9:12 pm

Honadel on Redistricting, Cooper Power Investment Details And Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

I also just received this email update on the Hoan Bridge redecking project from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. From it: An in-depth inspection was initiated in 2010 to determine future needs of the Hoan Bridge.  The findings indicate that the structural integrity remains intact and safe. Although continued maintenance projects have kept the bridge functional, a long-term solution is needed to keep this key route open for business.

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by | August 15, 2011 · 8:51 am

Report: Postal Service Seeks Extension On Oak Creek Development

Update: Here is the Oak Creek meeting agenda. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (like ours).

Oak Creek Patch is reporting that the United States Postal Service is seeking an extension — until December of 2013 — to begin construction of a new mail sorting facility on Pennsylvania and College Avenues.

Check out the story here. From it:

The Oak Creek Common Council on Tuesday will discuss a proposal to move the start date to Dec. 8, 2013. Tuesday’s meeting is only one step in the process for an extension, however. Final approval won’t come until after a public hearing, to held at a later date.

“Under the current economic climate, USPS is unwilling to commence construction, but is requesting that it retain the right to build the distribution center,” according to the report.

In addition to extending the deadline for construction to begin, the MOU would dictate construction end by Dec. 8, 2015. 

Of course, this is a big issue for South Milwaukee, as this long-discussed facility would be built across the street from the 4th District. It also could impact the expansion plans we have for Pennsylvania/Nicholson Avenue currently scheuled to happen in 2012. 

I will find out more details on this, and keep you posted. I will also work to ensure that the postal service does not hold up the road project — especially for a development that I strongly believe has little, if any, chance of getting built.

At some point, you’re either all in, or you’re not. And I would have a hard time supporting a two-year wait to see if the USPS is truly committed or not.

Then there is the issue involving the roundabout at Hickory Street — not part of the Pennsylvania/Nicholson expansion plans submitted to the state and not something that I support the city having to pay for (even 10 percent).

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by | August 12, 2011 · 11:38 am

Goat Update, Bucyrus Assets And Other Local Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore.

Also, State Sen. Chris Larson has published his most recent Larson Report. Check it out here.

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by | August 11, 2011 · 12:09 pm

Honadel Seeks To Curb Mob Violence

South Milwaukee Rep. Mark Honadel is “exploring new legislation that would bring stiffer penalties for those who take part in mob violence,” according to a press release I received.

Check out the full release here. From it:

Other states are enhancing their laws pertaining to mob action, including Illinois where legislation was introduced in June. The need to update the laws is due in part to changing technology that enables the ease and speed to organize through social networking groups.

Honadel is in the process of drafting a bill and looks forward to working with his colleagues on bringnig forward this important legislation.

I applaud Mark for this. Anything to help deter what happened at State Fair or on July 3 should be pursued.

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by | August 10, 2011 · 9:35 am

Farewell, Creative Catering … And Welcome To Our City, Emerald City And “Oz”

The 4th District lost one of the city’s longest standing businesses recently … and quickly welcomed another.

In case you missed it, Frank and Pat Dembowski have sold Creative Catering on 17th and Rawson Avenues to Emerald City Catering and owner Steve “Oz” Ozbolt, who is already putting his stamp on the business.

For starters, he added a new coat of yellow paint to the building and replaced the sign. And he has plans for the business itself, including some menu changes (think: more barbecue and individual meal options) and new hours that will have the store open for takeout lunches and dinners. Steve is also selling his own line of barbecue sauces from Emerald City.

I stopped by and met Steve Tuesday night, and I was impressed.

He told me his interesting story — just your everyday story of a fire protection services worker who decided to follow his heart, and stomach, and open a catering business out of the basement of Blessed Sacrament parish on Milwaukee’s South Side two years ago. He didn’t have immediate plans to move but heard about the Creative Catering opportunity from a friend of a friend … and the rest is history.

Among his clients? The Milwaukee Brewers. Emerald City caters the team’s home locker room spread on occasion.

Be sure to stop by and say hi. I’m already looking forward the BBQ.

At the same time, let’s also not forget the contributions of Dembowskis to South Milwaukee. I wish them the best in retirement and thank them for calling South Milwaukee, and the 4th District, home for more than 30 years.

It’s small businesses like this that are the backbone of our local retail landscape — and it’s small businesses like this that will be the foundation of its future.

Learn more about Emerald City at its website.

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by | August 10, 2011 · 9:32 am

A Bit of South Milwaukee History, Distinguished Young Women in Town and Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

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by | August 9, 2011 · 10:20 am

Fire Damages South Milwaukee Home

Update: I thought, and feared, this was the case, but I do indeed know the Swansons. They go to my church. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

A bedroom fire caused significant damage Monday night to a home at 519 Elm St.

The homeowner was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was not taken to the hospital.

Here is a copy of the email I received from the South Milwaukee Fire Department:

Last night at approximately 9 PM we had a reported bedroom fire in the First District at 519 Elm in the First District.  On the Fire Departments arrival we found fire coming out of the windows in a second floor bedroom.  SM Police on the scene reported to us that all occupants were out of the house.  Thanks to working smoke detectors which alerted the occupants, the fire was contained to the bedroom which breeched the ceiling into the attic space; the entire bedroom was gutted.    The remainder of the house experienced significant smoke and water damage.  Mr. Harold Swanson the male owner of the home was evaluated on the scene by Med 10 for smoke inhalation but did not get transported. 

Cudahy, St. Francis, Oak Creek, and Greendale Fire Departments responded to assist us in our operations. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by our Fire Inspectors.

I’ll keep you posted if and when I learn more.

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by | August 8, 2011 · 9:58 pm

Reminder: Community Night Out Is Wednesday, Market And Outdoor Movies On Thursday

It’s a great week for some family-friendly fun in South Milwaukee.

For starters, don’t forget about Community Night Out on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The celebration presented by the South Milwaukee Police Department runs from 5 to 9 p.m. behind City Hall.

The family fun doesn’t end there, however. Be sure to stop by the South Milwaukee Downtown Market from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday for some shopping, dinner and music. And stick around following the market for the second of three family-friendly Groovy Movie Nites.

Gnomeo & Juliet will be shown starting at 8:15. Games and music start at 7:30.

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by | August 6, 2011 · 10:24 pm

Interview With Pat Jursik, Missing Tortoise, State Fair Mob Violence and Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

Also, an Oak Creek man tells a harrowing story about the mob violence at State Park on Thursday. Check out the Journal Sentinel story here. From it:

“You could just tell they were after white people. That was the main thing. If you were white, they were coming after you,” said Jon Stikl of Oak Creek.

He said he was stuck in traffic as a group of young people blocked cars near the fair gate on S. 84th St. near I-94 after he picked up family members attending the fair.

“We noticed a group of five to 10 young black males run up and jump a young white male for no other reason then him being white,” Stikl said.

They knocked him to the ground, and then a group of 15 black men kicked and stomped on him, Stikl said.

“My wife’s brother jumped out of the car – his natural reaction was to try to break it up. Before you knew it, five or 10 guys were on him and started punching at him. My wife was able to pull him back in the car. So now they surrounded my car and just started punching through the windows, kicking and shaking the car, screaming racial things.”

He said there should have been more police presence, given that disturbances were reported inside the fairgrounds shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday.

“I was disgusted by the lack of security. It’s a black eye on the State Fair” and police, he said.

I’ve also posted a new poll question about the violence. Cast your votes!

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by | August 5, 2011 · 9:26 am

$5.5 Million: Cooper Power Making Big Investment in South Milwaukee

Cooper Power is the latest manufacturer to make a big investment in South Milwaukee.

This one, announced today, is for $5.5 million in new machines and more, according to a news release in Energy Central, a trade publication. From it:

The Cooper Power Systems South Milwaukee location, where specific components for switchgear and transformers are manufactured, has seen a significant increase in sales prompting the immediate approval of a $5.5 million capital investment to expand its machining and process capability.

This is great news for our city, which has also seen major expansions from Bucyrus (Caterpillar), Appleton Electric and Metalcut in recent years.

I’ll keep you posted when I learn more.

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by | August 4, 2011 · 10:57 pm

Movie Night Was Groovy Indeed!

Thursday was a great night to be in South Milwaukee.

It started with a successful farmers’ market, which included another memorable jazz concert presented by the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center to go along with the unique shopping and great eats we deliver every week.

Then, starting after the market at 8:15, it was showtime. That’s when the first of three Groovy Movie Nites began. It was a great scene, as hundreds of people — including countless families and children — took in a showing of Megamind on a huge inflatable screen near 11th and Madison Avenues.

Thanks to Alderwoman Lisa Pieper for leading the initiative, which was a wonderful example of the type of special event we can bring downtown to drive its revitalization and growth. And there’s two more to go: Gnomeo & Juliet is August 11, and Kung Fu Panda is August 18.

Were you there Thursday? What did you think? Post your comments below!

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by | August 4, 2011 · 9:26 am

Unleashed Pets, Oak Creek Property Values, Larson Hits Recall Campaign Trail and Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

Also, Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik and City Clerk Jim Shelenske have published their monthly email newsletters.

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by | August 2, 2011 · 10:21 pm

City Council Meeting Recap: New Alderman, Stormwater Rate Increase, Funds Transfer

It was a busy City Council meeting Tuesday night, and we ended it with a new alderman.

After several rounds of voting, the council appointed Frank Van Dusen III, 914 Minnesota Ave., to replace Mike Karbowski as a First District alderman.

Frank, who will be sworn in at the Aug. 16 council meeting, joins Craig Maass as aldermen in that district. He will serve until next April, when an election will determine the person to serve the remainder of Mike’s term into 2013.

It was a close vote and a good debate because we had a strong pool of candidates, and I’m excited to work with Frank, an electrician with Patrick Cudahy and lifelong South Milwaukee resident who you may recall was out front as a complainant against The Frozen Rope this spring. Welcome!

The council also voted unanimously on two other items:

  • Stormwater fees. We voted to raise the city’s stormwater utility rate to help fund commitments we’ve made to upgrade our stormwater infrastructure. If you recall, we borrowed approximately $1 million for stormwater management projects earlier this year, and the increases will help pay down that debt — and build up a cash balance that we will use to take on additional projects and perhaps add manpower we desperately need to address these issues. How much will you pay? If you are the owner of a single- or two-family home, your annual stormwater bill will increase $18 this year, from $48 to $66. In 2012, it will increase to $72, as the cost per “equivalent runoff unit” (ERU) increases from its current $4 per month to $5.50 to $6. Owners of large multi-family homes and commercial property and the school district will obviously see bigger increases, some measuring in the thousands of dollars. This is because the utility fees are based on the amount of “impervious surface” properties have, and these properties have a lot. I voted “yes” because this is money well spent. We need to pay back the money we borrowed — money that will be used to improve our stormwater management system and alleviate some of the longstanding flooding concerns in certain areas of the city.
  • Fund transfers. The council also voted to transfer various funds … something we do regularly. Of particular note this time was the transfer of $285,000 from the general fund to the “tax stabilization account.” This is an account we use to “offset” our tax levy, keeping that amount relatively stable from year to year and keeping taxes low. This year, as you will recall, we plan to use about $160,000 to “pay down” our levy and cover our budget. How much will have to set aside for 2012? With sharp cuts in state shared revenue and other declines in revenue on the horizon, that remains to be seen as we enter next year’s budget process.

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by | August 2, 2011 · 11:36 am

A Vision For The Hoan Bridge: Bike And Pedestrian Path … And Why Not Lights?

Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik has a nice piece in the new edition of the Bay View Compass newspaper sharing her vision for the Hoan Bridge — one that includes a bike and pedestrian path.

Read it here. From it (including her thoughts on the broader harbor area):

Starting from the south shore, develop the fill area north of the Lake Express ferry terminal lot (the Confined Disposal Facility) as park space with bike rentals, ice cream stands, and other amenities. From here, a bike lane will run through Jones Island (connecting to the Oak Leaf Trail currently ending in Cupertino Park at Russell Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Drive) to the area near the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District facility.

A beautifully constructed and artistically pleasing bike ramp or spiral form will convey both pedestrians and bicyclists up to the cantilevered bridge that hangs from the arch, roughly parallel to Interstate 794. Beautiful vistas of the lake and Milwaukee skyline award the ascent with a breathtaking view of the Calatrava, Discovery World, and the Lakeshore State Park island. Cyclists and pedestrians would then pass through a fully encased trail, quite safe, and arrive on the other side of the cantilevered span at a second ramp/spiral bikecase that leads them back down to ground level on the north side of the Milwaukee River. Here, a freshly paved path skirts behind the Marcus Amphitheater and connects to the current Lakeshore State Park trail.

With the proper vision and investment, our Hoan Bridge could become the rival of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, which allows tethered pedestrians to climb on top of the bridge for a fee.

I applaud Pat for thinking big when it comes to the Hoan and the harbor. And I agree with her sentiments. But I’d like to add another element to that vision: lights. I think the Hoan Bridge arch should be lit at night.

Of course, this is purely a cosmetic upgrade, and I am sure it won’t be cheap, but I think the benefits are real. Lighting the bridge would add significantly to Milwaukee’s skyline and make the bridge a real conversation piece among residents and visitors.

Think New York, Boston, even Muscatine, Iowa, and our own Sixth Street Viaduct. Or this unknown location. I hope the Hoan can join that list.

And with advances in lighting technology (LEDs, etc.) I am betting it can be done more cost effectively now than it ever could in years past.

What do you think of the idea? Post your comments below! (And vote in my new poll.)

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by | July 31, 2011 · 10:07 pm

Mark Your Calendars: Community Night Out Set For Wednesday, August 10

The South Milwaukee Police Department does a lot of great things in, and for, our community. Community Night Out is one of them.

This year’s celebration is set for 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, behind City Hall.

Attendees can learn about safety, play games, enjoy a good meal, enter raffles and watch fireworks. Learn more about Community Night Out, and other police department special events, on the department’s website.

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