Is Milwaukee getting a light rail?

[dad_sjj]

I've lived on both coasts, and used the DC Metro system (from Maryland) for 10 years (to get to work, take kids to sporting events, etc), with a house within a mile of a stop. Metro stations are development gold mines there (we'll documented for DC, VA & MD), and living close to one is the best way to guarantee sustained home price values. I've also taken most of the West Coast systems - as with DCs, they are safe, highly used, and attract development and investment. The distant suburbs/exburbs beg for Metro extensions, as they pull in development and raise home values. However, I think a system that is within Milwaukee Co, and mostly the city, makes more sense. I suggest just forgetting about Waukesha or Ozakee (I used to live in the latter, a strange place) - just work on quality of life here, which has by far the most potential. And Racine-Kenosa-Milw seems in to have a rail vision.

I was at the Green Tech conference downtown at the Midwest Center a few days ago, and heard the updates on the rail line to Madison and plans for the Milw-Racine-Kenosha line. I asked about the North and Northwest part of town, which started a long discussion by the speakers related to their frustrations.

While I'd hate losing the northeast leg of the Oak Leaf trail to biking (I commute by bike sometimes), it really is the perfect route, going from Bayshore by UWM then Brady then Summerfest - then toward the Amtrak station and then MU (where I teach) and Miller Park - perhaps further (e.g., Medical College complex, Mayfair). The only negative is that a stop near the Bradley Center would be good, but that would be awkward. It seems to me that the Northwest area needs access - perhaps Fon du Lac is the way, but what about a North "loop" that includes Northridge and connects at Mayfair - it's my understanding that there used to be a populart mall at Northridge, as big as Southridge, and that would be a great way to drive new investment and development into an area that is hurting. Eventually there could even be a figure-8 loop with Summerfest-Miller being the center.

Missing from this discussion (I think) is that quality transit enhances quality of life, and attracts talent - especially young professionals. We possess one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country, a gem. And quality settings and events at Summerfest grounds, Miller Park, etc.

I think there's a good chance that there will be another round of Federal co-investment for innovative rail. Milwaukee would be very competitive, esp if the Northwest part of town was also involved. I think an ad hoc team of citizens could form and write a draft proposal, dissseminated through a web site, that could be made available if an opportunity presents itself (includinga few alternatives). Having lived here for 10 years (as well as till I was 8), I suggest that it's time for Milwaukee to start thinking bigger and invest in what is really a community with remarkable potential. This would be more transformational for this community than folks realize.

Any interest in a meeting? Or constructive discussion?

[jefffla01]

Light rail could be a very positive tool for the area.

As several other posters have pointed out Milwaukees politicians have never been progressive----you have to pull a gun on them in order to get them to do anything innovative for the city.

Milwaukee is sitting on a lot of federal funding-----shake the clowns like Walker out and get the city on the move. Milwaukee is a great town and could be a lot greater----pass the smelling salt under the noses of some of the neanderthals that have controlled Milw politics forever.

[Milwaukee City]

Originally Posted by jefffla01

pass the smelling salt under the noses of some of the neanderthals that have controlled Milw politics forever.

So the democrats then? b/c that's who has been running this city since the socialist have been. Tom Barrett hasn't been Mr.Accomplishment while he has been mayor, but politics aside He is truly one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

[musicguy790]

I would agree that Milwaukee is due for a fresh batch of political leaders

[Solas]

Originally Posted by Milwaukee City

So the democrats then? b/c that's who has been running this city since the socialist have been.

You WOULD turn this into a partisan thing

I'm pretty sure the user who made that remark was thinks that ALL local politicans are equally useless, regardless of party affiliation. And IMO, he's correct.

What would help Milwaukee is a strong, locally-focused third party like Progressive Dane in Madison, but so far, any attempts by such parties in Milwaukee to enter the local political arena so far have been frozen out by the old-time political machine (of which both Barrett and Scott Walker are a part of).

Originally Posted by Milwaukee City

Tom Barrett hasn't been Mr.Accomplishment while he has been mayor, but politics aside He is truly one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

No arguments here, but he's still stuck in 1955 like every other local politican his age and I only have slightly less animosity towards him than I do for Scott Walker. I plan on writing myself in for Governor in November.

[bkerpe]

I am excited to move back to Milwaukee and have learned so much in my years living in Portland Oregon. Portland is a great case study on how eco-progressiveness works and I would like to see more cities adopt these beneficial and sustainable systems.

First I would like to speak to those who are concerned about COST & TAXES. Many people are worried about tax spending which is quite understandable. As Americans we have lived in a blessed country and have been able to consume well beyond our means. In order to sustain our lifestyle we need to increase disposable income. One way would be to keep taxes on the downside. The problem with this is that we simply cannot continue to accept free lunches as this American Lifestyle is destroying our planet. It simply is not sustainable and the externality costs will only build up and be inherited to future generations. So I ask those who focus primarily on cost of the development of a light rail in the Milwaukee area to also look at the cost of not doing so. Try reading Green Metropolis or doing some research on Portland's MAX system. You just might see things in a different light. If not, at least you have legitamatly weighed out both sides to the debate.

Benefits of Light Rail Transit:

ReConnection of Community: Great for retailers, small businesses, and Metro business commerce as a whole. A great way to stimulate your local economy is to bring it together and make transportation easy and efficient. A light rail system would accomplish this and strategically reconnect commerce.

Job Creation: More jobs would need to be created in servicing the light rail system and reconnecting the community does wonders on keeping consumption dollars from being sucked outwards. Local Retailers would love this. Job creation is my number one concern and I truly believe a light rail system is one great way to get the local economic juices flowing.

Health: A light rail system encourages people to walk and bike. In Portland we are blessed with mild winters and very little snow (we do have quite a bit of rain which we pride ourselves in by not using umbrellas) but unfortunately Wisconsin has quite harsh winter weather. This is something we can adapt to though by dressing in layers and sticking it out. Walking and biking does wonders for overall health and will lead to lower health care costs in the future. Stress is another health issue many are faced with and while driving may seem like the efficient solution to get from point A to B, it leads to increased stress, pollution, and financial burden. Riding the Light Rail you have the ability to read and relax. Something many have abandon and lost touch with. Driving makes us stressed and unhealthy.


Pollution: I don't think I need to explain to anyone the benefits of public transit vs. driving in relation to our environment. As far as I know we only have one planet we can live on. Lets do a better job in and help lead the world by our example and drive less and use public transportation. It's really just changing how we perceive what's cool. The little guy in a Hummer and the Soccer Mom Mentality vs. being cool and environmentally friendly.


Light on the Pocket Book: Let's face it, gas prices are going to continue to rise and effect every family more and more. You can get a Prius and increase MPG efficiency which is great but it still doesn't save as much money as walking, biking, and light rail transit.


Well I could continue to spell out benefits but I think my point has been accomplished. A light rail transit system has way more benefits than doing nothing. Milwaukee, it's time to get eco-progressive and do the right thing.

[Pete.]

Great post, bkerpe.

[linicx]

I don't think the average citizen has a clue as to how major roadways are planned. It is one thing hire a contractor to put a driveway from the road to your three-car garage, and quite another to engineer a 50-mile highway that will support the weight, wear and tear of say 20,000 vehicles daily.

It all dependent upon the rock bed. Is it possible to expand the eight lane (4/4) Interestate to sixteen (8x8) lanes? Is it feasible? Is it worth the expense of the engineering study? Maybe yes; maybe no.

The biggest problem with American cities in my opinion is they do not plan traffic patterns for future business/residential expansion in the city, stop lights or for future subdivition or suburb expansion. The result it congestion at every light, at every onramp and at every exit. Pointing to Chicago as a traffic mess is a bit unfair. The traffic it does handle daily is horrendous, but, look at the dense population and the fact it draws employees, and shoppersregularly from WI and iN and visitors from all over the world. It is much easier to drive through Chicago than it is in LA. Atlanta, KC and Dallasdon't wins no prize either when it comes to congestion and bad planning. .

[iNviNciBL3]

Light Rail in the Twin Cities is very successful. Milwaukee is close in population to the Twin Cities so i can see it being successful.