The conversation continues on Saturday, November 4^th as residents share their perspectives on the future of their neighborhoods and tell planners how the Milwaukee Streetcar could improve their communities.

An ongoing study is asking the question, how can the Milwaukee Streetcar positively impact neighborhoods when it extends beyond downtown?  Four community workshops this coming Saturday will add to the dialogue on that topic.  Each of those sessions will include a presentation, a discussion, and neighborhood tours.

The Milwaukee Streetcar is now under construction with track installation work downtown.  The initial 2.5-mile route is likely to be extended in the future with connections both north along King Drive to Bronzeville and south to Walker’s Point.  This planning effort – focused on transit oriented development – is directed toward those two neighborhoods.

With funding from the Federal Transportation Administration, City government is partnering with the Historic King Drive BID, the Walker’s Point Association, and Harbor District Inc. to advance the study.  An internationally respected leader in transit oriented development planning, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill is engaged to facilitate the study, and local firms are working to support the effort.

The goal of the year-long project is to develop strategies that maximize positive commercial and residential development while respecting and maintaining the character of affected neighborhoods.

In addition to the input from neighborhood residents and businesses, the planning efforts will incorporate in-depth market analysis to determine how best to attract economic activity and expanded housing options. Planners will also identify strategies to avoid displacement of existing residents and businesses by future development.

Recommendations could include modifications to the City’s zoning code, new policies to set appropriate density and intensity of development, consistent plans for streetscaping, signage, and infrastructure, or new financing strategies to promote investment.

Over the next year, planners will develop additional opportunities for public engagement.  Ideas and perspectives offered during that engagement will be incorporated in the strategies presented to policymakers.   A website has been launched with information about the study, movingmkeforward.com, where public comments can be shared.