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So What's the Plan, Man?This plan was approved by the Milwaukee Common Council May 27Change is inevitable. But the kind of change that happens in a neighborhood isn't. For years, much of the south side has developed almost as a spontaneous, organic outgrowth of the entrepreneurial spirit of earlier generations of immigrants. But now a plan is being created that's intended to guide - though not dictate - where and what kind of future development happens on the south side. This map, part of the city's Near South Side Area Plan for future development, shows the boundaries of the region in question. The plan is intended to guide - though not dictate - future developments in the area. The plan is required by state law, and 13 different regions in Milwaukee are producing their own development plans. The one for the south side was started in 2007 and is now nearing its final phase. Once completed, developers won't have to follow exactly what it says, but it is supposed to be used as a tool to influence future projects in the area. Andrea Rowe, representative for the City of Milwaukee, says residents will have a chance to comment on the plan at 9 a.m. on May 19 at City Hall, room 301B, when it's presented to the city's zoning, neighborhoods and development committee. After that, it may be a few weeks or longer before a final draft is approved. (Update: plan was approved by Milwaukee Common Council May 27). What does the near south side plan really say? There are three components to the plan, which was paid for by a mix of private and public money and produced by a mix of community groups, leaders and city planners. The first part of the plan makes general recommendations about the types of principles that should be respected as development happens, such as promoting a more orderly development pattern, celebrating the area's rich cultural make-up, and creating different types of new housing in the area. The second portion maps out types of development along some important commercial corridors, like Cesar Chavez Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. It's the third part of the plan, however, that actually recommends specific projects. While none of the projects (defined as "catalytic projects") are funded, this part of the plan has nonetheless come under some criticism for what it includes and what it doesn't include. One of the more innovative recommendations in the plan is to create pedestrian access between the Menomonee Valley and National Avenue. Currently, there are few ways to get from one to the other, and a project like this is favorable to those who want locals to have more access to the river and its amenities. Another proposal is to fence off some alleyways to increase safety for residents, while yet another is to add historic signage to the Frank Lloyd Wright homes on Burnham Street. One proposal that has garnered attention is to create a large building with commercial space on the first floor and residential space on the second floor where the parking lot for the original El Rey now sits. Similar types of mixed use developments are popular now in the U.S. in revitalized urban areas, where the goal is to increase commerce but also to create affordable housing units upstairs.  The plan envisions new entertainment development along 5th Street, just noth of National Avenue, to build on the existing restaurants and bars now there.  The proposal to create a cultural, arts and entertainment district near the intersection of 5th Street and National Avenue has worried some people that's such a district could be designed to cater to a gentrified population that is increasingly inhabiting the northeast side of the plan area. Others, however, support the idea of focusing entertainment venues along that corner to build on the restaurants and clubs now stationed there. While a park is proposed for the intersection of Wind Lake Avenue and 13th Street, the near south side plan has few projects designed specifically for young people, such as a skate park or youth center. And that's worrisome to some because such a large portion (33 percent) of the south side's population is under 19. And the south side is notorious for having too few positive outlets for youthful energy. However, Rowe says the aim of the plan is not to promote gentrification, but to "build on the assets" that the community already has, such as its diversity. To read a copy of the plan, go to www.mkedcd.org/planning/plans/NearSouth/index.html. |
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