Public Comments and Questions from Meeting on UWM Dorms by Sura, July 31

3rd District Town Hall meeting on UWM Dorms, July 29, 2008

From the Chalk Board:
What’s the rush? Wait for Master Plan
Dorms Downtown (all)
Engineering School Dtown (all)
Protect River Corridor (all agree)
Better public Transportation
“Code of Conduct” expectations/ agreement
Chapter 17 & 18 changes * Fast
Increase Minority Enrollment – Reach out into inner city (west of Holton) Pabst, Tower Automotive
Explain how UWM is taxed
Limit size/beds as sites dictate
So Milwaukee: Drinking Overlay Zone
What is the TRUE need & timeline for beds/sites
Temporary Enrollment Cap?
Are “Buffer Zones” effective for UWM locations
Has Riverview existed long enough to judge true impact?
Adeq. Parking – it’s site dependent
Green Built
Do dorms residents get a night parking permit?
Why/what proof do they need 1,500 beds?
What about UWM’s Lake Dr. properties for dorms?

Comments from index cards:

• No moratorium on dorms! Why do we treat students like an enemy and not an asset?
• Concerns and Expectations: – Protect River corridor and viewshed  -“green building”  – adequate parking and public transportation  – reasonable “code of conduct” expectations for students  – university oversight over conduct with penalties for noncompliance  -community input on location, design, and compliance
• Criteria for sit selection: It’s very important that the site be buffered from existing residential neighborhoods. Noise, litter, student foot & car traffic can be very disruptive.
• Comments and Concerns :
  - Impact on environment with construction & then occupancy
  - Traffic impacts, parking for residents and visitors
  - Building design that will compliment the neighborhood it is built in
  - Construction lead the way with “green” building materials and maintenance
  - Better communication and interaction with UWM planners and neighbors in the development site/sites. Follow the vision/planning of SE WI Regional Planning Commission in preserving the river corridor.

• Consider large parking fees and use proceeds to fund free public transportation.
• Respect the Milw River Overlay District requirements, both in letter and in spirit. No new building on the river!
• 400 fewer new or freshman students enrolled this year. If they are having a lower enrollment, why are they building more dorms? We should wait to see if there is still a need in 2 or 3 years
• Extension of Memo of Agreement that WTLT has with UWM & Kenilworth Dorm to all new dorms. Chapter 17 expedited to occur in 2009
• Would encourage the “clustering” of students to encourage more active, urban lifestyles and reduce need for cars. So – Columbia Hosp, Prospect Mall, Park East, Hometown or Riverworks sites – where there is already student presence.
• We need neighborhood approved building design standards – should fit with the neighborhood.
• Slow this process down. What is the rush? They have been waiting years. They can wait 2 more years while good planning and neighborhood involvement will find well thought-out locations with good design.
• What is Bob Greenstreet’s role in dorm building? It seems to me that due to his relationship to the University, he should recuse himself from participating.
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31 Jul 2008 | 8:15 pm | 3rd District, Environmental Sustainability | No comments yet - Add your comments

Car sharing by Sura, October 16

The East Side, Brady Street and Riverwest are now part of the Flexcar service area! Any UWM neighbor is welcome to use the Flex cars located at the UWM campus, Kenilworth or Riverview Dorms.

If you’ve been thinking of giving up your car or a second family car, check them out, because the more people who drive them, the more cars they will bring in for neighborhood use.

If you join Flexcar by November 28, 2007, the first year’s membership fee will be waived (a $35 value).

16 Oct 2007 | 4:37 pm | Environmental Sustainability | No comments yet - Add your comments

East Side, Brady St., Riverwest part of the City’s Northeast Side Plan by Sura, October 6

Here’s the presentation from 8/29/07

6 Oct 2007 | 10:12 am | 3rd District | No comments yet - Add your comments

“Where do I vote?” by Sura, September 18

You can find where you vote here. or check this Map of the 3rd District.

You can register to vote at the polls.

You must bring proof of residency (10 or more days) with your complete name and your current address. (Questions? Call 286-VOTE.)

Acceptable proof of residence is:

• Wisconsin driver’s license
• Wisconsin State ID
• Utility bill that is within the last 90 days prior to the election day
• Bank Statement
• Paycheck
• Official ID card/license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body
• Employee ID card with a photo (no business card)
• Real Estate tax Bill or receipt for this year or last year
• Residential lease – must be current
• College/University/Technical school ID or fee card with photo
• Check or document issued by any unity of government

18 Sep 2007 | 2:37 pm | Questions from Constituents | No comments yet - Add your comments