ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 2026-05-05

Two ordinances (files 251773 and 252240) creating enhanced enforcement mechanisms for multi-unit residential properties with chronic code violations were held to call of the chair. The ordinances would allow DNS to designate properties as multi-unit residential nuisances and apply penalty enhancers up to three times normal fines. City attorney requested additional research and testimony to build a record justifying the measures.

Approved minor modification to the detailed planned development at 728 East Pleasant Street to allow additional projecting signage on the west Van Buren Street facade of the senior living facility. Sign will project no more than 4 feet into right-of-way and be at least 10 feet above sidewalk.

Approved change in zoning from Industrial Heavy (IH) to Industrial Mixed (IM) for properties at 2156 and 2166 South 4th Street in the Harbor District. The Dremel Company owns 2156 South 4th, which contains a multi-story building (former Saint Anthony's school) currently half-occupied by a daycare. The city-owned vacant lot at 2166 South 4th was included for continuity and anticipated Riverwalk extension use.

Approved rezoning from single family residential (RS-2) to multifamily residential (RM-3) for approximately 15 acres at 11919 West Bradley Road to allow Scott Crawford Incorporated to develop 101 units of senior housing in townhouse-style flat buildings. Project will be 80% market rate and 20% workforce housing. Future phases may include 16-80 unit memory care center and school addition to existing Kingdom Faith Fellowship Church.

Approved amendment number eight to TID 56 (Erie Jefferson Street) authorizing donations of $1,514,000 to TID 89 (Garfield And North) and $1,294,000 to TID 106 (McKinley School) to help those districts recover project costs before their expenditure periods end. TID 56 has generated over $77.6 million in revenue from four properties including Hansen's Landing and Harborfront condominiums.

Approved creation of Tax Incremental District 133 for the redevelopment of the former Doctors Hospital and Liberty Tower at 2711 West Wells Street into 124 units of senior housing. Milwaukee Development Corporation will develop the $50.7 million project with up to $2.6 million in developer-financed TIF over 25 years at 2% interest. Units will serve seniors at 30%, 50%, and 80% AMI levels with social services provided by Jewish Family Services.

Authorized RACM to enter into lease with ABM Industries Group LLC for surface parking lot at 634 North 5th Street behind Beller Phillips Plaza. Five-year term with 90-day termination notice by either party, preserving site for potential convention hotel development.

Approved conveyance of two RACM-owned vacant lots to the City of Milwaukee in trust for Milwaukee Public Schools to facilitate expansion of the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Playfield for playground reconstruction this summer.

Denied approval for Public Finance Authority to issue revenue bonds for Bedford Arbor Ridge LLC and Bedford Saint James LLC (Post Real Estate Group) to acquire Arbor Ridge Apartments (38 units at 7960-7972 North 107th Street) and Saint James Place (236 units at 10300 West Fountain Avenue). Developer proposed converting 374 market-rate units to 100% affordable housing with $2.25 million in improvements. Alderman Taylor opposed losing existing luxury apartments; committee cited failure of out-of-state developer to attend hearing in person.