The Milwaukee Post

By DAVE FIDLIN Special to The Post MILWAUKEE — As a pivotal decision waits in the wings next week, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett pitched his much-scruti- nized streetcar project to subur- ban leaders this week. "It has not escaped me that this is controversial," Barrett said Monday at the monthly meeting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council of Milwaukee County. Mayors and village presidents across the county sit on the ICC and discuss issues of mutual importance. Barrett discussed with subur- ban leaders his multiple reasons behind the $124 million initiative, which, in its initial stage, would link downtown commuters to the lakefront and East Side neighbor- hood on a four-mile loop. "This is not my only obsession in life," Barrett said. "But this is part of a larger strategy in the city of Milwaukee. There is some very positive energy going on in this city, and I want to build on it." Several factors — including the city's overall density and a forward-thinking look toward the trends adopted by millennials — are among the reasons Barrett cited for his relentless defense of bringing a streetcar line to the heart of the city. Barrett argued the streetcar line is one piece of a larger puzzle aimed at attracting and retaining talent as Milwaukee competes with similar-sized cities. As a whole, Barrett pointed out mil- lennials are renting, as opposed to buying homes — a nod, he sug- gested, to the rising debt today's young adults have incurred, com- pared to prior generations. Speaking of a trend toward millennials' desires to live in downtown, urban settings with- out vehicles, Barrett said, "This is not a Milwaukee phenomenon. It's a national phenomenon." Barrett also pointed to recent multifamily housing develop- ments in the heart of Milwaukee as a reason behind the streetcar p r o j e c t . Discounting the forthcom- ing Couture p r o j e c t , Barrett said current proj- ects will accommodate 1,000 new rental units. "If you want to attract and retain talent, you need a transportation system that reflects the 21st century," Barrett said. As Barrett's plans have gone under the microscope in recent months, there has been immense speculation about the sheer scope of the project. DID YOU KNOW? Local news at your fingertips Visit www.gmtoday.com MARK BELLING It's time to rein in the GAB Page 9 Last fix didn't go far enough • In Athens, Greece, a driver's license can be taken away by law if the driver is deemed either unbathed or poorly dressed. • There are more dogs than children in Paris. – Source: Cool Facts app LOCAL COMEDIAN ON LETTERMAN — PAGE 16 STEVE 'THE HOMER' TRUE Packers face tall order against the defending champs Page 11 Will need 'miracle' win like 1980 U.S. hockey team Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MilwaukeePost Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MilwaukeePost 'This is not my only obsession in life' MILWAUKEE COUNTY'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 16, 2015 See BARRETT on Page 3 Barrett outlines reasons behind his relentless pursuit of streetcar Barrett Zimmermann's Service 360 E. Howard Ave. 414-744-9868 With coupon. Expires 1/30/15. BRAKES most cars $ 89 95 per axle. WILSON PARK YOUTH BASEBALL WILSON PARK YOUTH BASEBALL WILSON PARK YOUTH BASEBALL We have openings for players in the following leagues: ROOKIE: Tues & Thur, Ages 5, 6 & 7 •Most games at 5:30pm. AMERICAN: Mon & Wed, Some Fri, Ages 8, 9 & 10 •5:30 & 7:45pm. NATIONAL: Tues & Thur, Ages 11 & 12 •5:30 & 7:45pm. PONY: Mon–Fri, Ages 13-16 •5:30 & 8:00pm. Rookie, American and National league games are played at both Wilson Park and the ball park at 13th & Grange. Pony league games are played at Wison Park. Registration Every saturday: Every Saturday in January thru March 1 • 11am-Noon 1100 W. Grange Avenue Behind Moose Lodge #49 at 13th & Grange, Northeast corner. Call 414-304-1498 for directions. For more information call 414-304-1498 or visit www.leaguelineup.com/wpball Mention You Saw it in The Milwaukee Post When Calling! 241736180

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