Milwaukee

From the Article:

> > > The weekend-long gamer’s paradise, Midwest Gaming Classic, will return to the Baird Center April 5-7. > > > > Attendees will have the opportunity to play more than 10,000 games, ranging from vintage to new releases, including classic pinball and arcade games and every generation of console, tabletop games. There will also be live entertainment and meet-and-greets with pop-culture personalities. > > > > “Our goal is to create a fun and welcoming environment where people of all skill levels can gather to enjoy their favorite games and discover new ones,” event co-founder Dan Loosen said. “In addition to hardcore gamers, a common sight on the weekend will be parents sharing their childhood favorites with their kids, such as Oregon Trail, pinball games, Pokémon cards or NBA Jam.” > > > > The annual event has drawn attendees from throughout the Midwest and even some from around the world, including those from Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. Last year’s event drew 23,000 people and even more are expected this year. > >

From the Article:

> > > It's been miserably cold in Wisconsin this week, but just how cold has it gotten? > > > > Here are the coldest temperatures recorded during the Arctic blast hitting the area over the last week. > > > > The lowest air temperatures seen across Wisconsin over this cold spell were around minus 5 to minus 15 with those temperatures scattered throughout the state, according National Weather Service meteorologist John Gagan. These temperatures were recorded Sunday night into Monday morning. > > > > There were cases of minus 15 seen across the state, but primarily in the southwest and west of Madison in areas like Mineral Point and Monroe. > >

From the Article:

> > > After a frigidly cold week in Milwaukee, temperatures are expected to warm back up early next week. Highs are expected to be in the low 20s on Sunday as warm air comes up out of the south, according to the National Weather Service. > > > > Temperatures will climb into the low to mid 30s on Monday and by Tuesday will push the mid to upper 30s. That means Milwaukee could see snow melt as early as Monday, depending on how warm temperatures get during the day. Chances of rain on Tuesday will continue the widespread snowmelt into the rest of the week, said National Weather Service meteorologist Taylor Patterson. > > > > Cold temps transitioning into warmer weather early next week could also lead to foggy conditions in Milwaukee, said Patterson. > > > > Average temps in Milwaukee during January are around freezing. "For roughly one week, it's been much colder than normal, and next week it'll actually be warmer than normal. We've moving from one extreme to the other," said Patterson. > > > > Before then though, Milwaukee will get at least one more round of snow. Forecasts call for 2 to 3 inches of powder to drop starting Thursday evening. > >

From the Article:

> > > Milwaukee County is looking for public input on an extension of the Oak Leaf Trail through Bender Park in Oak Creek. > > > > A meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17, at the Lake Vista Park Pavilion, 4159 Lake Vista Parkway in Oak Creek to allow residents to express their feedback on the proposed designs for the asphalt multi-use trail. > > > > The 1.3-mile extension will “close a key gap in the regional trail network creating a 20-mile continuous bike facility between and through Milwaukee and Racine counties,” according to Milwaukee County Parks. > > > > Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz said this will be a great addition for Oak Creek. > > > > “We currently have a vast network of trails in the city and this latest extension provides even greater connectivity for people to explore parts of Oak Creek,” he said. “With the development of Lake Vista, and in the near future its northern addition as well as the residential development, it could not have come at a better time.” > >

From the Article:

> > > Although I get a fish fry every Friday, I only get one, and I generally don’t get one on other days of the week, meaning the below list—where I recount my favorite Milwaukee-area fish frys of 2023—will be imperfect. It’s subjective, there are only so many fish frys I’m basing it on, and it really only captures a week at a time—for what may be a great fish fry one week may be subpar another week, and vice versa. > > > > In this era of hyper-partisanship, fish frys cut across the rancor. They are communal, and for many of us in Wisconsin—from Milwaukee to Hubertus, from Madison to Oostburg—they are a regular part of the week. Maybe some of the fish frys I list here are on your list. Maybe you are wondering why your favorite fish frys aren’t on this list. But this presents opportunity, not conflict. I am eager to hear what your favorite fish frys of 2023 are, welcome your fish fry suggestions, and wait in wonderment for all the fish frys I will have in 2024 that I’ve never had before. For while we as Wisconsinites may disagree on much, let our disagreements about favorite fish frys never be more than playful. > >

From the Article:

> > > Zoning and land use regulation can be a dense topic, but what our city looks and feels like is heavily influenced by zoning. As part of the City of Milwaukee's long-term plans, the Milwaukee Department of City Development’s Growing MKE initiative is recommending changes to the city’s zoning process to encourage gradually building more housing and make the city more walkable. > > > > For Sam Leichtling, the city planning manager for Milwaukee’s Department of City Development, the initiative is forward thinking. > > > > "Zoning serves as the rules for what can get built on a given property. It regulates things like how tall a building can be, how close to the street it has to be and what kind of uses can happen there," explains Leichtling. "In some jurisdictions, zoning has occasionally been used to exclude people, and that started a national discussion around what zoning should look like in the future, especially as we want to ensure that our zoning codes align with our goals for housing growth, housing choice, housing development and housing affordability." > > > > The initiative focuses on preparing for population growth. Oftentimes as cities experience a sudden increase of population, the amount of housing isn't sufficient for both the new and existing residents. The Growing MKE initiative strives to prepare the city for the population growth that are consistent with Mayor Cavalier Johnson's growth ambitions. > > > > The proposed zoning changes would not result in drastic changes in the city's neighborhood structure. Instead, there would be minor adjustments that would allow existing residential neighborhoods more flexibility to increase their residential capacity. By 2050, the city wants every resident to have multiple, quality options in housing. The initiative also strives to ensure that people have walkable access to their essential needs and can utilize the transit system. > > > > Leichtling continues, "We want feedback from all Milwaukee residents with their input on this project. So we'd love it for anyone who is interested to go check out the website at engage.milwaukee.gov/growingMKE." > > > > The Growing MKE recommended changes are expected to go before the Milwaukee Common Council in 2024. > >

From the Article:

> > > MCTS proposed a North-South Bus Rapid Transit Line that would run from Bayshore in Glendale, Wis., to IKEA in Oak Creek, Wis. > > > > The majority of the line would run along 27th Street and include 33 stops. > > > > Buses would run in 10-minute intervals along the 18 mile route. > > > > A stop at 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue would connect to the CONNECT East-West Bus Rapid Transit Line. > > > > “This project is one way Milwaukee County is keeping the commitment to achieving racial equity and social justice made in 2019 when the County resolved to advocate for policies that improve health in communities of color. The project will improve access to convenient transportation for jobs, education, healthcare, grocery stores and other essential services — each with a positive impact to health and economic opportunity,” MCTS said. > > > > MCTS said it has started the environment review and design of the project. MCTS said the community will be able to provide opinions on transit lane configurations, station locations, station designs and other aspects of the project. > > > > The "capital cost" for the project would be $148.15 million, according to MCTS. MCTS said it would expect to pull 20% of funds locally and 80% federally. Operational and maintenance costs are estimated to be $11.5 million. > > > > MCTS said it wants to start construction in 2026 and hopes to open it in 2028. > >

From the Article:

> > > Milwaukee’s skyline has a new pop of color thanks to Dave Watkins, a local artist who was commissioned to paint a six-story abstract mural at River Place Lofts in Walker’s Point. The mural lies on the west side of Finishing House within River Place Lofts. > > > > Developer Peter Moede commissioned the piece after seeing something similar on a trip to Florida and immediately thinking of Watkins’ murals under the bridge by the Milwaukee Public Market. > > > > For the new mural, Watkins drew inspiration from the Menomonee River, Milwaukee’s skyline and Cream City brick in his sprawling abstract design. This is reflected in the mural’s vibrant blues, oranges and cream. Vertical lines nod at neighboring buildings and symbolize the ever-changing skyline. > > > > Before painting, Watkins used his background in graphics and signage to mock up ideas in Photoshop. From there, he used the building itself as a reference for the design and painted as he went without using a projection of the design. > > > > Watkins completed the mural in nine full work days over three weeks, using latex, spray paints and a boom lift to scale the side of the building. > > > > “When I first went up, I didn’t go to the top because it just took a while to get used to,” Watkins says. “Towards the end of the piece, I could chill and have lunch up there; I was super comfortable. That first day, I was like, ‘What did I get myself into?’ But you kind of fight through that, and once you start blocking in the colors and getting some of the background, then it’s like, OK, the piece is coming together.” > > > > Watkins was born and raised in Bay View and has been showing his art in the city for the last 20 years. He’s known for his use of abstraction, bold colors and detailed linework in his paintings. > > > > Before this project, he had already completed two murals Downtown – a wall under the freeway behind the public market, and walls in the skywalk at The Avenue over Plankinton – but this one is his largest to date. > > > > “I’ve talked to some other friends that have done way larger works and they’re like, ‘Get used to it, man. The walls keep getting bigger and bigger,’” Watkins says. “So I’m like, ‘OK, bring it on.’ I’m ready to paint pretty much whatever anybody needs.” > > > > Watkins says he hopes the pop of color in the mural breathes life into the urban landscape. He also appreciates Milwaukee’s emphasis on public art and anticipates that it will grow in the future. > > > > “I’m super grateful that I can bring work to the public and people that might not pop in a gallery can see public art,” he says. “I think Milwaukee and a lot of key people have been pushing public art and great opportunities for local artists. I think it’s only gonna grow.” > >

From the Article:

> > > Milwaukee County officials are preparing to develop a strategic plan for addressing coastal erosion along Lake Michigan, the county’s eastern border. > > > > This effort will produce conceptual plans for repairing and fortifying some of the coastal bluffs that were greatly damaged during the 2020 winter storm that caused millions in damage up and down Milwaukee’s coastline. > > > > County officials from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) have begun looking for a consultant to help them develop this plan with funding from the county’s allocation through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). All 13 parks in the county with coastal bluffs will be evaluated, but particular attention will be paid to those damaged during the storms: Bay View Park, Big Bay Park, Lake Park, Sheridan Park and Warnimont Park. > > > > Fluctuating lake levels and strong storm surges are accelerating coastal erosion, according to the county. In 2020, the same year as the massive winter storm, record lake levels were recorded throughout most of the year. > > > > The next year, in 2021, Milwaukee County completed an inventory of approximately $2.9 billion worth of public coastal assets and found that 13% were in poor condition and nearly a quarter were highly vulnerable to further damage. The county’s coastal bluffs are valued at more than $1 billion. > > > > DAS officials are looking for high-level estimates for projects that will address this damage, but the study will also become the foundation of a strategic plan for mitigating coastal erosion across the county. County officials will use the plan to prioritize projects and funding. > >

From the Article:

> > > Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced Wednesday that it expects to kick off its franchise play in the United Soccer League in 2026, instead of 2025, as originally planned. > > > > It will be a big year for footie in Milwaukee as local fans will also surely be closely watching the FIFA World Cup, which returns to the U.S. (and Canada and Mexico) that year, for the first time since 1994. > > > > Although construction progresses on the residential phase of the Iron District MKE project on Michigan Street, between 6th and 10th Streets, the soccer stadium construction has not yet begun. > > > > Although the former hotel on the site has been razed, another building, along 6th Street, is not only still standing but still has tenants with active leases. > > > > The stadium, however, recently got a nearly $10 million grant from the state. > > > > At the same time, Milwaukee Pro Soccer continues to work Cramer-Krasselt on the official team name, crest, branding and other related decisions. > > > > “As the highest level of pro soccer in the state of Wisconsin, we know we only have one opening day, and we want to make sure we get that product, that fan experience, and our facilities right,” said Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer in a statement. > > > > “The stadium and experience we will bring will be worth the wait. We’re excited for a successful kickoff season in 2026.” > > > > The as-yet-unnamed team will play in the USL Championship, which is the second-highest tier of professional soccer in the United States. > > > > Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation as the nation’s Division II professional league, the league has 27 teams playing in major metropolitan markets like Miami, San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Detroit and Indianapolis. > >

From the article:

> > > The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is planning to have funding for 30 new buses in 2024. > > > > The transit system has not been replacing buses as fast as it retired them in recent years. Since 2018, the fleet size has dropped from 400 to 321 at the start of 2023. > > > > MCTS has had a structural deficit for years, as the cost to provide service outpaces the funding it receives. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, federal stimulus funding has papered over this structural funding imbalance. But bus purchases have taken a hit as a result. > > > > The system has been using federal funds intended for one-time purchases, like bus replacements, to fund its operations. The federal government has not provided regular mass transit operating assistance since the 1990s, but the county has used capital funding as a workaround to plug federal funds into operating expenses. > > > > Transit officials advocated for funding to replace at least 30 buses next year, and County Executive David Crowley included the request in the 2024 recommended budget. This would build on the 101 bus purchases budgeted for in the past three years. > > > > In 2021, MCTS estimated that it would need to replace more than 200 buses by 2024. Donna Brown-Martin, director of Milwaukee County Department of Transportation, said in August that the transit system still needed to replace approximately 90 aging buses in the coming years. The average lifespan of a bus is approximately 12 years or 500,000 miles. > >

From the article:

> > > The long-awaited Kohl’s store in downtown Milwaukee will have a grand opening Nov. 3, store officials announced Monday afternoon. > > > > The new Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) store will be housed in 35,000 square feet inside the city’s Hub640 building at West Wisconsin and North Vel R. Phillips avenues, once home to its former competitor, Boston Store. > > > > The company has more than 1,100 stores nationwide. Part of its growth strategy in recent years has included opening smaller-format stores built within about 35,000 square feet. > > > > Shoppers will find three entrances at the new downtown location. Those will be off of Wisconsin Avenue, from the 3rd St. Market Hall and from the elevator that leads to the parking structure on Vel Phillips Avenue. > > > > A 2,500-square foot Sephora shop will be featured at the Wisconsin Avenue entrance, store officials said. > > > > The new store will include an assortment of Milwaukee products from brands MilwaukeeHome, featuring drinkware, holiday ornaments, pet goods and accessories, and Home by Homefield, which sells apparel including tees and hoodies, according to Kohl’s. > > > > It will also provide convenience services such as self-pickup, self-checkout, and Amazon returns. > > > > Department store chain Kohl's is based in Menomonee Falls and is led by CEO Tom Kingsbury, who has been filling out his leadership team in recent months as he looks to improve the retailer's sales trends. > > > > The news of an opening date comes a little more than a year after Kohl’s first announced it would establish a store in the city’s downtown, where city officials at one time had hoped the company would move its headquarters. The more than 120-year-old building where Kohl’s will be opening was transformed by North Wells Capital, which acquired the property in 2017. > > > > Financial technology business Fiserv Inc. is joining Kohl's in filling part of the Hub640 building as the firm moves its headquarters downtown. > >

The Milwaukee Health Department says they have a confirmed case of measles in a city resident employed in Waukesha County.

Going into the fall, sleeping outdoors becomes a lot more difficult. Hopefully Milwaukee can get them housed before it starts getting cold.

From the article:

> > > A growing number of people who are homeless are now staying at a Milwaukee Park & Ride. The public parking lot is located at the Holt Avenue exit right off Interstate 94. > > > > Erik England and his girlfriend Mel Schey currently call that Park & Ride location "home base." > > > > "We've been here... since about May," England told 12 News. > > > > They split time between a tent and their car parked on site. > >

I really don't understand the person who thinks "I accept that I can't wear my shoes through the scanners or bring a bottle of water but I'm sure they will be cool with my loaded gun." Do you think that you are going to need to shoot someone somewhere between the Chili's in Concourse C and the gate?

If you live around Bay View, this looks like it's going to be a pretty good one.

I really like what the owners of Bayshore have done over the past few years. It's a shame that they screwed up the apartment development so badly.

From the article:

> > > According to the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Lydell's owners, Cypress Bayshore Residential, LP., "knew Building 3 presented a higher risk for TCE exposure than other areas of the Lydell development." > > > > The lawsuit alleges Cypress knew about the risks because of testing done in 2021 on the historic landfill site, before construction on the luxury apartments started. > > > > "You have the (Department of Natural Resources) recommending that before buildings are occupied, that testing is completed. You also have an email indicating that occupancy was going to be done before testing was going to be performed for economic reasons," said Michael Cerjak, a founder and attorney for Barton Cerjak S.C. > >

That's unfortunate.

From the article:

> > > The developers of new Bayshore luxury apartments where residents were forced to evacuate due to the detection of a harmful carcinogen flouted health department orders, attempted to prevent government officials from speaking to tenants and minimized environmental issues at the site. > > > > After informing government officials of TCE contamination at the site, developer Cypress Bayshore Residential balked at the language the North Shore Health Department instructed the company to use while informing residents of their exposure, according to records obtained by the Journal Sentinel. > >

Just imagine what ridership would be like if it was extended to Fiserv Forum, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, American Family Field, or the Wisconsin Center.

The Brady Street Festival will stretch from Van Buren to Farwell on Brady Street, packed with local food vendors, retail booths and a diverse music line-up spread across five stages

They should have just let Penzeys buy it, back when it was worth something.

From the article:

``` Northridge Mall’s prospective buyer Phoenix Investors said it terminated its purchase contract Thursday because Milwaukee officials will not drop their raze order for the company’s planned industrial redevelopment.

Frank Crivello, founder and chairman of Phoenix Investors, said Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s administration refused to drop the city’s demolition order against the building. He called it “a problem I can’t overcome.”

“We respect his (Johnson’s) position, I have no choice but to respect it, and because of that, we are not interested in spending more time and energy,” Crivello said Friday in an interview with the Milwaukee Business Journal. “We will not be re-engaging.”

Phoenix Investors is a Milwaukee-based real estate firm focused on industrial redevelopments. It emerged in March as a prospective buyer for the 900,000-square-foot, long-vacant mall with plans to convert it into industrial space that could be leased to other businesses.

Milwaukee officials from the start declined to support the company’s plan to convert the building into warehousing, instead favoring a redevelopment that would create “meaningful job growth.”

City attorneys this year have separately sought court approval to take ownership of the mall from its current owner, Chinese investor U.S. Black Spruce Enterprise Group Inc. City attorneys have said they are raising money that could be used to finance the demolition of the mall, which could cost anywhere from $5 million to $15 million according to different estimates, if U.S. Black Spruce refused to do so.

The city’s demolition order issued in 2019 is currently in effect, but has been challenged by a filing in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals by Northridge owner U.S. Black Spruce Enterprise Group. If the demolition order is upheld, the building could not be redeveloped unless city officials decide to drop the order.

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Root Beer Bash is the World's Largest Root Beer Float Festival in the World!

The preferred alternative for reconstructing W. National Avenue between S. 1st and S. 39th streets would see the four lanes reduced to two and raised, fully-separated bike lanes added.

The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, presented by Waterstone Bank, continues to be Wisconsin’s premier free, family event of the summer and one of the top air shows in the Midwest. As a non-profit, 501c3 organization, we support the local economy, our Armed Services community, and bring visitors to Milwaukee to experience the best our beautiful city has to offer.

“Unimaginable cuts to the fire department. Unimaginable cuts to the police department, unavoidable cuts to our libraries,” said Johnson in an event held at the Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.

A June city budget office report says that, without the new funding, the city would need to eliminate 700 of its approximately 1,600 police officers, 250 of its approximately 700 firefighters and 400 general city employees.

The measure needed a supermajority of 10 council members to pass and ultimately was approved on a 12-3 vote.

I saw them setting up for this at Suburban Motors, earlier today.

Milwaukee's public libraries need your help keep them funded

I created a new GoToSocial instance that I'm calling "Wisconsin Rocks!". I would love to fill it with folks who are passionate about Wisconsin. GoToSocial is very alpha and not as user-friendly as Mastodon, but I'll try to help where I can.

Drop me a DM if you want an account.

\#Milwaukee