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Streetcar expansion put on hold
Streetcar expansion put on hold
MILWAUKEE -- Plans to expand "The Hop," Milwaukee's streetcar, came to a halt on Tuesday, May 21, when the Milwaukee Common Council voted to delay approving money to extend it. It could mean The Hop won't be ready for 2020 Democratic National Convention riders in July 2020. If that happens, Common Council members refused to take the blame.
"If it doesn't get built, that's on you," said Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman.
Members of Milwaukee's Common Council didn't hold back, refusing to take the fall if The Hop expansion falls behind.
"You can't bring it to us today and expect a decision, then talk about a deadline. That's your fault," said Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper.
Russell Stamper
Bob Bauman
City leaders said they wanted the Common Council to pass resolutions releasing funds to immediately extend the streetcar to Wisconsin Avenue, and build a plaza nearby.
"They completely botched the effort," Alderman Bauman said. "There is discord among council members. There is discord among supporters of the streetcar."
Council members said city administrators could not account for how to pay for the project while funding current city services and increasing their investment in the central city.
"I don't think it's too much to ask for a $52 million investment," said Stamper.
The council demanded city leaders ask business owners who donated to bring the DNC to Milwaukee to invest in the streetcar.
"So make this just as much of a priority. Make the residents of the City of Milwaukee just as much of a priority as we are making everything else," said Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton.
City officials said they believe federal grants and development-designated tax dollars could cover the cost. Their only concern -- the upcoming DNC.
Jeff Polenske
Khalif Rainey
"For us to be able to get that under construction in time for July 2020, we need to act on that now," said Jeff Polenske, Department of Public Works commissioner.
Council members did not dismiss those concerns, but said they believe city residents take priority over the DNC.
"The DNC is a four-day, five-day event, and the people here in the City of Milwaukee are everyday citizens who are supporting the services the City of Milwaukee provides. We have to think about them," said Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey.
The Milwaukee Common Council voted to delay a vote to release the funds until after the full Common Council meeting on May 29 -- a tight deadline to finish the project by the DNC.
Alderman Stamper issued this statement after the council meeting Tuesday: