Milwaukee Professionals Association

CFNBA WEBSITE - PRESS RELEASE - FDL & North Comprehensive Plan

RUSH TO ADOPT

CAMPAIGN NEIGHBORHOOD - CFNBA

March 9, 2004

Contact: Mary Glass, 414/225-4438, Ext. 1
CFNBA, POB 511135, Milwaukee, WI 53203
amacommission@earthlink.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACTING MAYOR MARVIN PRATT CONTINUES TO GAIN FAVOR WITH LEADERSHIP

Milwaukee, WI, March 9, 2004
Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt and his Chief of Staff, Curtiss Harris, joined leaders along Fond du Lac and North Avenue on Saturday, March 6, 2004 for a Called Meeting to address a plan being RUSHED for Adoption by the Department of City Development and hired consultants that most of the stakeholders living in the area do not know about AND do not know that it is a law.

On Wednesday, March 3, 2004, the City Planning Commission agreed to move forward the Fond du Lac & North Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan Draft in spite of strong public testimony by long-term stakeholders that the plan lacked INCLUSIVENESS. Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Campaign Neighborhood – CFNBA called for a SIX-MONTH DELAY for a massive marketing campaign for introduction, updates, input and buy-in of those impacted.

The meeting brought a diverse group of stakeholders to the table that included homeowners, business merchants, new venture participant, clergy, justice center, personnel agency and youth environmentalist that agreed to work for their inclusion.

HOT BUTTON ISSUES
One of the main hot button issues that keeps returning to discussions is the lack of Aldermanic representation in the 7th District. It was made clear to the Mayor that the normal channels for neighborhood input and representation are not and have not been available to the constituents. It was also noted that Alderman Gordon, Alderman Hines and Alderman Wade had been invited last week and this week.

The Mayor agreed to a “Delay in the Plan” until April 6th to allow the new Alderperson for the area to be elected.

Additional points shared with the Mayor included:
 RUSH TO ADOPTION – Lack citizen participation enhancements for buy-in.
 PROPER NOTICING – Requested proof of 30-day notice.
 SIX-MONTH DELAY – For massive marketing campaign for information sharing and buy-in.
 INCLUSION – For success of the project
 PROCESS & PROCEDURE – Lack specifics for “trust”, implementation and success.
 NO BAND AIDS – Unacceptable.
 DISPLACEMENT – Eminent Domain, Taxed out, Rising Cost, Zoning Laws.
 FAIT ACCOMPLI – Only when the citizenry is represented is there an accomplished mission.

Because the plan is part of the Smart Growth Initiative, State Statute 66.1001, with a project criteria that calls for citizen participation, overlapping of neighborhood interest, intergovernmental planning, and smart growth area that will set the stage for 20 years, Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt, Mayoral Candidate Tom Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker, Candidate David Reimer, Aldermen Fred Gordon, Willie Hines and Willie Wade were invited. Acting Mayor Pratt was the only one that attended and brought along his Chief of Staff. Alderwoman Marlene Johnson-Odom attended the Called Meeting on Saturday, February 28, 2004.

NEXT MEETING
There is another meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2004, 2:00-3:30pm, Wisconsin Black Historical Museum, 2620 W. Center. The discussion will address business development, job development, and catalytic projects. Candidates for city and county government will again be invited. We will also include the Governor and state representatives.

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P R E S S R E L E A S E #2

CNI/FONDY NORTH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Friday, March 5, 2004

Contact: Mary Glass, 414/225-4438, Ext. 1
CFNBA, POB 511135, Milwaukee, WI 53203


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOND DU LAC & NORTH AVENUE COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Milwaukee, WI, March 5, 2004
Leaders along Fond du Lac and North Avenue are suspicious and voicing opposition to a plan being RUSHED for Adoption by the Department of City Development and hired consultants that most of the stakeholders living in the area do not know about AND do not know that it is a law that remains in effect for Land Use - 20 years; five-year increments.

In fact, they have scheduled a Called Public Hearing and Planning Meeting this Saturday, March 6, 2004, 2:00pm to 3:30pm, Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, 2620 W. Center Street, to address areas of concern.

They have called for a 6-month delay for a massive campaign to notify the stakeholders for input and buy-in.

They have invited both Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt, Mayoral Candidate Tom Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker and Candidate David Reimer to join them for dialogue regarding specifics of the “Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan”.

At the March 3, 2004, City Plan Commission Public Hearing, Reverend Maurice Lawrence, Founder/CEO, True Our Brothers Keepers, Community Justice Center, Inc, noted the Charles Young tragedy in the area, voiced concerns about the lack of provisions, services for the children and low income residents in the area; and, specifics to ensure services. He also noted past practices that included promises that were not fulfilled.

Mary Glass, Chair/CEO states, “The present plan continues to provide for the haves and displaces the have nots. The Smart Growth Initiative can be and is meant to be an encyclopedic opportunity for taxpayers. It calls for Citizen Participation throughout for inclusion. In fact, it has a specific rating percentage tied to Citizen Participation in the Rating Criteria”.

“Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt said in a recent North Division Townhall Meeting that his administration is about INCLUSION”, we are eager to know where he stands on this as well as the others running for head of the city and county government, said Glass.

Clayborn Benson, Executive Director, Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, stated at the recent City Plan Commission Public Hearing meeting, March 3, 2004, “People in this area have dreams and aspirations . . . I have asked for countless number of times for meetings to my alderman(Fred Gordon) and others, no meeting. “I do not feel involved in this plan at all and I have been there 16 years. I am vested.”

J. Allen Stokes, City Plan Commissioner stated March 3, 2004, City Plan Commission meeting, “I have concerns about this plan. More discussion is needed about the specifics . . . a lot of money has been spent at 27th & North . . . Steeltech site(now Capitol Stamping) and the building across the street(Irgens Development), with no jobs for the neighborhood . . . Dissemination of information for people about city services . . . this plan has nothing for the youth”.

The far-reaching plan is a response to State Statute 66.1001 – Smart Growth Initiative. The plan will govern planning for the targeted area for the next 20 years. The main issues are:
1) Issues and opportunities
2) Housing
3) Transportation
4) Utilities and community facilities
5) Agricultural, natural, and cultural resources
6) Economic development
7) Intergovernmental cooperation
8) Land-use
9) Implementation

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