Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

By Katherine Michalets Special to The Freeman BROOKFIELD – Plans for Brookfield Square Mall's expan- sion and renovation received approval from the Common Coun- cil, although Alderman Chris Blackburn raised concerns about use of tax incremental financing funds for the project. The Common Council unani- mously approved the two items related to zoning amendments for parts of the property north of the Firestone Auto Center and south of the Sears Department Store at Brookfield Square Mall. A third agenda item concerned the plan and method of operation and pre- liminary survey/certified survey map for the Sears Department Store parcel was approved, but Blackburn was the one vote against it. The Common Council's approval authorizes the construc- tion of Phase VI of mall improve- ments, including approximately 19,000 square feet of new retail and food service shops, but also removing approximately 7,400 square feet of the Sears store, according to the meeting agenda. Mayor Steve Ponto said there was significant discussion during the meeting, mostly led by Black- burn, and much of it centered on the appropriate use of TIF funds for the project. Also at the meeting, the council unanimously approved a city ordinance concerning bowhunt- ing on city-owned and leased properties. It prohibits bowhunt- ing (crossbow and bow and arrow) on city-owned or leased property. It also prohibits hunting within 100 yards of a residence unless the private owner gives written permission, and requires the hunter to shoot in a down- ward trajectory. Hunting had always been banned from city parks, but the new ordinance helps to clarify that it's also not allowed on wet- lands or other city-owned land. "I think there is strong feeling that we should limit (bowhunting) in the city limits as much as pos- sible," Ponto said. During a joint Plan Commission and Park and Recreation Commis- sion meeting, a conceptual plan for the Sileno quarry land was presented. Mark Regal, who was part of a citizens group that opposed plans to bring in Wiscon- sin Department of Transporta- tion clean fill to the site, has pre- sented plans for high-end apart- ments on the north end of the property, Ponto said. Regal owns several apartment buildings near the former quarry on Burleigh Road. "(They) just wanted to get some feedback with thoughts about how property might be used," Ponto said. In addition to the apartments, Ponto said, the proposal includes making much of the land a con- servancy and giving the southern part of the property to the city to be used as a park. Ponto said the Park and Recreation Commission brought up the possibility of sim- ply having a path easement on the southern part of the property. City staff will continue to work with the developer on the plans. Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 3A MARCH 2014 236316004 Join us for a free educational breakfast series, presented by Doctors of Audiology, Gwen Kandula and Ellyn Szewczyk. They will focus on hearing loss treatment and technology options. Following the presentation, you will have an opportunity to meet individually with the doctors. March 4 – 9:00 am - Wauwatosa – Maggiano's Little Italy - Mayfair March 11 – 9:00 am - Brookfield – Maxim's Family Restaurant March 25 – 9:00 am - Wauwatosa – ADVENT Gwen Kandula, Au.D. Ellyn Szewczyk, Au.D. At The Hearing Center at ADVENT, we are committed to improving the lives of people with hearing loss and restoring their con- nection to those around them. Our practice is unique in that we treat hearing loss from a health care perspective. Equally combin- ing the skills of a board certified otolaryn- gologist and Doctors of Audiology, we pro- vide the highest level of hearing care avail- able anywhere. We begin by listening to you, understand- ing your hearing problem and how it is affecting your relationships, work, and enjoyment of life. We also discuss your goals for treatment and what is most important for you to hear. Together, we come up with a treatment plan to restore your hearing. We are an independent medical practice, and by the very nature of being independ- ent, can offer you objective advice. Attendees will receive: • $600 in ADVENT gift certificates • Complimentary breakfast • Appreciation gifts Register at: advent.md or call (414) 375-2050 Free Educational Event Ear, Nose & Toast H e a r i n g H e a l t h S e r i e s By Dave Fidlin Special to The Freeman BROOKFIELD – It is not uncommon for Frank Almond, concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, to be greeted by applause as he enters the stage and performs at venues across the area. Feb. 10's performance was not an ordinary one. Almond, whose rare Lipin- ski Stradivarius violin was recovered late the week before by Milwaukee police, received nearly deafening applause at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts on Feb. 10. It was his first concert since being reunited with the instru- ment, which dates back to 1715 and is valued at $5 mil- lion. The concert, dubbed "Frankly Music," had already been in the works long before the Jan. 27 inci- dent in which Almond was attacked with a stun gun fol- lowing a performance at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. The musical selections – from such classic composers as Beethoven – were going to prominently feature the Stradivarius. Up until three days before it, however, the fate of the concert had been in limbo because the violin had been missing. In the buildup to the per- formance, hundreds of spec- tators filed into the Wilson Center's concert hall. There was an air of excitement as ticketholders found their seats and awaited Almond's entrance. "This has been an extraor- dinary two weeks," Jonathan Winkle, executive director of the Wilson Cen- ter, said as the lights dimmed. "At the end of the day, this is about great music and great musicians." Almond received a stand- ing ovation of epic propor- tions as he took to the stage, following Winkle's introduc- tion. "I haven't even done any- thing yet," Almond jokingly said as he expressed glee for being reunited with his instrument. Despite the trauma of the recent attack, Almond said the outpouring of empathy throughout the community has been a joyous experi- ence. "I can't tell you how much the concern and support has meant to me and my family," Almond said. "It was abso- lutely amazing what the Mil- waukee Police Department and the FBI were able to do." Because the violin is back in Almond's possession, the selections weren't changed during the performance. Almond said each selection was designed to pay homage to the history and pedigree of Stradivarius violins. "It's great to be here," Almond said. "It's great to see all of you here." Given the recent incident, there was a heightened secu- rity presence at the Wilson Center. A Brookfield Police Department vehicle was prominently displayed near the front entrance, and offi- cers were inside the venue. A few other security precau- tions – including locking doors to the stage area – were implemented during the concert. In addition to recovering the violin, Milwaukee police have arrested two people in connection with the theft: Universal Knowledge Allah, 36, a local barber suspected of providing the stun gun; and Salah N. Salahadyn, 41, who is suspected of the act itself. The Milwaukee Coun- ty District Attorney's office has charged each suspect with robbery. Charles Auer/Freeman Staff Violinist Frank Almond, accompanied by pianist William Wolfram, performs Giuseppe Tartini's Sonata in G minor, "Devil's Trill," on the Lipinski Stradivarius during a concert at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. The concert was the first featuring the Lipinski Stradivarius since it was recovered after being stolen. Charles Auer/Freeman Staff The area in front of the Sears store on the southeast corner of Brookfield Square Mall will look very different by the end of the year after an expansion is completed. Hundreds pack Wilson Center to hear Almond play Stradivarius again Plans for Brookfield Square Mall expansion proceeding Initial apartment plans for former quarry discussed A TUNEFUL REUNION

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