Dontre Hamilton's brother voices radio ad, speaks out against proposed downtown streetcar project

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Nate Hamilton, the brother of Dontre Hamilton, the 31-year-old man shot and killed by former Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney in Red Arrow Park last April is speaking out against the proposal for a streetcar in downtown Milwaukee. In a radio ad, Hamilton says the project represents "government-sanctioned racial oppression." Those backing the proposal say that's nonsense.

The transcript of Nate Hamilton's radio ad reads as follows:

Alderman Bob Bauman says the proposed route will directly serve people of all income levels.

"It is just a false statement to say this investment doesn`t benefit the African-American community. It is plain false. 16% of residents in the streetcar corridor are below the poverty line. It`s true that the city`s overall poverty level is higher, but it is not true that it`s only rich people that live in the streetcar corridor. I don`t know what his motivation is. I`ve never spoken to the man. He never called me up to say 'what do you mean by these alleged statements attributed to you?' I`ve never spoken to him," Alderman Bauman said.

Beyond that, Bauman insists the project would grow the city's tax base, giving Milwaukee more money to invest in the central city.

"That makes it possible for us to fund direct services dealing with poverty, dealing with homelessness, and dealing with housing," Alderman Bauman said.

Nate Hamilton declined an interview with FOX6 News -- but did say no one pushed him to do the ad -- saying it's just his opinion.

Mayor Barrett's office hasn't responded to a FOX6 News request for comment.

A group led by Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Joe Davis has launched a petition drive to try to derail the project. They are looking to gather 31,000 signatures to force the issue to a binding referendum.

Donovan hosted a press conference Thursday, January 15th at the El Rey grocery store on W. Burnham Street — calling for a “full court press” on the petition drive.

“I am optimistic. I am certain, without a doubt of the belief that if we had additional time we could get 100,000 signatures in this city. I have no doubt in my mind the level of opposition,” Donovan said.

Alderman Russell Stamper has scheduled a community informational meeting next Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board on N. 27th Street. Mayor Barrett will be on hand to provide an overview of the project.

“This public meeting will provide the opportunity for community members to learn more about the streetcar project and to ask questions about it. I strongly encourage neighbors to come out on Tuesday evening and watch the Mayor’s presentation. We can learn about the streetcar together as a community, helping to make a decision together as a community,” Alderman Stamper said.

The Common Council will vote on the project next Wednesday, January 21st.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the proposed downtown streetcar project.

CLICK HERE for further coverage of the streetcar via FOX6Now.com.