Group opposed to downtown streetcar project says petition drive to bring it to voters will fail



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A group opposed to the downtown Milwaukee streetcar project says a petition drive to kill the project will fail. They needed about 31,000 signatures by next week in their effort to force the issue to a referendum.

The Milwaukee Common Council on February 10th approved the controversial $124 million streetcar project that will connect downtown Milwaukee and the lower east side. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett then signed legislation to move the project forward.

Now, some bad news for folks who believe the project can still be stopped. On Tuesday, February 24th, the unofficial "Stop the Milwaukee Streetcar" Facebook group posted an update -- saying the petition drive against the project will fail.



While the Facebook group may have more than 4,000 followers, it is not leading the petition drive. That petition drive is being organized by the group Citizens for Responsible Government. Alderman Bob Donovan has been a vocal opponent of the project.

"Our backs are back against the wall so by God you got to come out swinging. I am confident there are a lot of signatures and petitions still out there," Alderman Donovan said.

Citizens for Responsible Government tells FOX6 News they believe they are within striking distance and the needed petition signatures can be obtained. They say they are close, and "they are in the fourth quarter, down 10," but they say "we can do it."

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