CITY PLAN COMMISSION - 2026-03-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Milwaukee City Plan Commission meeting on March 9, 2026 was primarily administrative, approving official map amendments for minor right-of-way changes and a certified survey map for land subdivision on West Bobolink Avenue near 121st Street. The commission also amended its bylaws to increase public notice requirements from 200 to 250 feet for zoning hearings. A comprehensive 2025 year-in-review presentation highlighted that 50 items resulted in approval of over 425 new housing units (270 affordable), 106,000 square feet of commercial space, and 100,000 square feet of industrial space.
Key Decisions (3)
Official Map Amendment - Various Properties
Amendment to the official map for the City of Milwaukee covering quitclaim deeds near Washington Park (land transfer from county to state for Lloyd Street widening), downtown area alley vacations between 24th and 25th Street near Monroe Street, and small stub dedications. Presented by Desselin Bukela from Central Drafting and Records.
Certified Survey Map - West Bobolink Avenue
Resolution approving final certified survey map for land on the South Side of West Bobolink Avenue, East of North 121st Street (corrected from 122nd) in the 5th Aldermanic District. The CSM divides a large residential L-shaped parcel into two lots and dedicates right-of-way within the boundaries. Applicant: Alexis Morgan.
City Plan Commission Bylaws Amendment
Resolution amending CPC bylaws to update Wisconsin state statute citation for open meetings exemptions and update public noticing requirements for zoning map amendment hearings from 200 feet to 250 feet, consistent with ZND and BOZA requirements. Noticing requirements now consolidated in Milwaukee zoning code section 2953073 d.
Development Activity (7)
Deer District Block 5 Development
269 affordable residences and 13,000 square feet of commercial space plus new Milwaukee Area Technical College field house. Approved in 2025.
Deer District Block 3 Hotel
Approximately 160 new hotel rooms adjacent to Landmark Live music venue. Approved in 2025.
Downer Avenue Residential Building
Seven-story, 65-unit residential building on existing paid lot. Approved in 2025.
Brady Corporation Expansion
Up to 100,000 square feet manufacturing space expansion at 30-year corporate headquarters location. Approved in 2025.
Bronzeville Creative Arts And Tech Hub
Phase 1 completed with 60 residential units (affordable and market rate). Phase 2 includes 29,000 square foot technology hub beginning soon.
Nature and Cultural Museum of Wisconsin
New museum facility under construction, expected to open early 2027. Site rezoned from industrial to downtown mixed activity in 2023.
Landmark Live Music Venue
4,500 seat music venue, recently opened grand opening.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Milwaukee approved over 425 new housing units in 2025, with approximately 270 (64%) being affordable units, indicating strong policy focus on affordable housing development.
Commercial Demand
The Deer District continues to attract significant mixed-use investment including hotel, residential, and entertainment venues, demonstrating strong demand for urban entertainment district development.
Infrastructure
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's West Basin stormwater project with 31,000,000 gallon capacity indicates significant infrastructure investment in flood mitigation for the 30th Street Corridor.
Sentiment
New zoning code changes legalizing accessory dwelling units citywide and creating RT5 missing middle housing district (3-8 units) signal regulatory support for housing density increases.