Every Friday, Stuff We Missed (formerly Off The Record, which is now the name of our print-only Colectivo publication) looks to other Milwaukee publications (and beyond) for, well, stuff we missed throughout the week.
• It was a bumpy week for the Milwaukee streetcar, a.k.a. The Hop. On Tuesday, the Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee unanimously voted to hold Mayor Tom Barrett’s proposed three-mile streetcar extension. The in-limbo extension would bring The Hop to Bronzeville, the Third Ward, and Walker’s Point. A extension to the Wisconsin Center may now be in jeopardy or not being complete in time for the 2020 Democratic National Convention, said Department of Public Works Commissioner Jeff Polenske. In the meantime, according to Urban Milwaukee, “council members and administration officials will attempt to reach a compromise over the next week in advance of the May 29th Common Council meeting.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• The question of how to pay for the proposed extension and future operating costs remains a tricky one. Tax-incremental financing districts (TIFs) and federal grants are potential sources. Oh, and just having the Milwaukee Bucks—and anyone else with some cash—pay for it.
“Business community, please step up and help us fund the streetcar,” Ald. Russell Stamper said at Tuesday’s meeting. “The taxpayers are paying it all. Can you at least do the ongoing (operating) cost, $3.5 million a year? Can we at least get a commitment for that? Potawatomi stepped up.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• The Wisconsin Restaurant Association wants to give Milwaukee-area bars the option of staying open until 4 a.m. during the 2020 Democratic National Convention. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Alderman Terry Witkowski is resigning. The longtime alder faced criticism recently when he referred to the current Common Council as an “anti-mayor/color-of-our-skin council.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• The Common Council’s Finance & Personnel Committee approved a resolution that would award three-percent raises for city employees who actually live in the city. The resolution—which still needs full Common Council approval—is a shot at a 2013 state law change that killed Milwaukee’s decades-old residency requirement. [Urban Milwaukee]
• In non-DNC or Common Council news, the second annual Summerfest Tech event is scheduled for June 25 and 26 at The Big Gig. The event, which “intends to champion the regional business community and spotlight Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a tech hub,” will include a discussion with DJ Steve Aoki, as well as a panel discussion on women in technology. [Summerfest]
• New Dirty Dancing video! [Midwest Action]
“Winning” by Dirty Dancing from Eric Schoen on Vimeo.
• The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited-edition Giannis Antetokounmpo bobblehead. It’s $50, though it should totally be $34. [OnMilwaukee]
• Wauwatosa native Maureen Ragalie will be the curator for Milwaukee’s new arts hotel, Saint Kate. The hotel, formerly the InterContinental, is set to open in June. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Maurer’s Urban Market, a 10,500-square-foot grocery store complete with a Stone Creek Coffee cafe, is open. The store is located on the first floor of Northwestern Mutual’s 7Seventy7 apartment tower. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Bar Centro, a standalone bar that doubles as a congenial place for Centro Cafe, is also open. The bar is located at 804 E. Center St. in Riverwest. [OnMilwaukee]
• Have a great weekend, Milwaukee!