Milwaukee Post
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/450986
By DAVE FIDLIN Special to The Post MILWAUKEE — Mayor Tom Barrett's pro- posed streetcar project moved one step closer to reality Wednesday, although a final, defini- tive vote waits in the wings a few weeks. After deliberating on the merits of Barrett's controversial plan, the council voted, 10-5, to back the $124 million project. Despite the overwhelming approval, seven aldermen voted in favor of a provision in the city's charter ordinance to delay a final deci- sion. Alderman Tony Zielinski voted to recon- sider the proposal until Feb. 10 so the public can formally weigh in on the issue. Aldermen gave varied viewpoints on the streetcar, echoing previous comments on the perceived pros and cons behind the project. Proponents frequently deem the project forward-thinking and cite the prospect of eco- nomic growth. But opponents have criticized the plan because of the cost and potential detriment to other city services. Alderman Bob Donovan, who represents portions of the city's south side, has been one of the most outspoken critics of the plan. Speaking to the issue this week, he likened the debate to "an almost religious fervor." "I meet people all the time who ask why we are pursuing this," Donovan said. Donovan and fellow Alderman Joe Davis Sr. have publicly backed a plan to take the pro- posal to a referendum. Explaining why he was voting against the measure this week, Davis said he had great concerns about the plan. "(The city of Milwaukee) has no experi- ence in public transportation, yet we're still trying to take this project on," Davis said. "What we do have experience in is cost over- runs." But other members of the council painted a far rosier picture about the possibility of bringing the streetcar plan to fruition. Alderman Nicholas Kovac, whose district would be directly impacted by the streetcar, DID YOU KNOW? Local news at your fingertips Visit www.gmtoday.com MARK BELLING Phony conservatives don't want to dirty hands Page 9 Casino debate reveals there's a rift in the GOP • Sound travels three times faster through water than in the air. • A person's sense of smell is better at night. • The average person is about a quarter of an inch taller at night. – Source: Cool Facts app JUDGE SETS BAIL IN KILLING — PAGE 6 STEVE 'THE HOMER' TRUE Packers let NFC title game slip away for many reasons Page 11 Didn't count on Wilson bringing Seahawks back Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MilwaukeePost Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MilwaukeePost Milwaukee streetcar plan goes forward, but ... MILWAUKEE COUNTY'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 23, 2015 See STREETCAR on Page 2 Final decision slated for Feb. 10 to accommodate public input Zelinski Barrett FREE STORAGE! FREE STORAGE! FREE STORAGE! 1st Month with 6 month contract DREXEL SELF STORAGE 500 W. Drexel • Oak Creek 414-617-2109 414-587-0517 241736119 9501 W. Loomis Rd., Franklin • 414-427-8499 Professionally Managed by Oakbrook Corporation *Income Restrictions May Apply Brenwood Park Senior Apts Brenwood Park Senior Apts Call to schedule your appointment or personal tour today! Lock in this great special for 12 months when you sign a lease Extra Storage Units Onsite Management Elevator Fitness Center In-Unit Washer & Dryer Hookups Cable Ready Balcony, Deck or Patio Card Night Miniature Golf Free Coffee Bar Dart Baseball Exercise Class Billiards, Bingo Wii Bowling FREE Underground Parking Birthday of the Month FREE Friday Continental Breakfast On-Site Bank Free Shopping Shuttle PET FRIENDLY B e a t O l d M a n W i n t e r W i t h o u r W i n t e r S p e c i a l 1 Bedroom $781 • 2 Bedroom $899 Heat and hot water included! 241736212