ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 2026-01-13
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee approved three city-owned property sales including 3743 N 35th St to Connect the DOTS Property Investment LLC for parking, 1246 W Atkinson Ave to Anthony Avery for a tool rental business, and 1606 W Walnut St to Khali and Ditra Rogers for a potential Crumble Cookies franchise. The committee also granted an appeal allowing rooftop solar panels on the front facade of 2591 N Summit Ave in the North Point North Historic District, overturning the Historic Preservation Commission's denial by a 4-1 vote.
Key Decisions (9)
Sale of 3743 N 35th St to Connect the DOTS Property Investment LLC
City-owned tax deed property (7,000+ sq ft parking lot with breezeway) sold to Kenyatta Hendricks of Connect the DOTS Property Investment LLC for customer parking adjacent to her existing commercial warehouse building used for home staging and design business. Located in 7th Aldermanic District.
Sale of 1246 W Atkinson Ave to Anthony Avery
City-owned tax deed property (2,300+ sq ft mixed-use building at corner of 12th and Atkinson) sold to Anthony Avery for small tool rental business with potential future ice cream shop. Property acquired through tax foreclosure in September 2014. Located in 6th Aldermanic District.
Sale of 1606 W Walnut St to Khali and Ditra Rogers
City-owned tax deed property sold to Khali and Ditra Rogers at full listing price for proposed Crumble Cookies franchise location, which would be the first in Milwaukee. Buyers are in second round of franchise negotiations. Backup plan includes wellness center and Airbnb. Located in 15th Aldermanic District.
30th Street Rail Corridor Feasibility Study Update
Milwaukee County DOT presented update on $700,000 WisDOT TAP grant-funded feasibility study for rail-with-trail bicycle and pedestrian path along 7-mile 30th Street corridor. Study scope limited to bike/pedestrian trail only, not commuter rail. WATCO railroad has not granted property access and declined to sell corridor. First public meeting scheduled February 24, 2026. Study completion expected mid-2027.
30th Street Corridor Study Held to Call of Chair
Committee held the 30th Street corridor feasibility study communication file to call of the chair after extensive discussion about expanding scope to include commuter rail feasibility alongside bike trail planning.
Demolition Permit Process Review - 140 W Garfield Ave
DNS presented on demolition application process after third-party contractor applied for demolition permit for church at 140 W Garfield Ave without property owner's knowledge. Application was withdrawn. Committee identified need for ordinance change requiring proof of ownership interest or agent relationship before permit issuance.
Laser Scanning for Historic Building Demolitions
UWM Historic Preservation Institute presented on laser scanning technology for documenting buildings before demolition. Committee discussed potential pilot program requiring scanning for historically designated properties and properties in historic districts. Scanning costs range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on building complexity.
Solar Panel Appeal Granted - 2591 N Summit Ave
Committee granted appeal overturning Historic Preservation Commission's denial of front-facing rooftop solar panels at 2591 N Summit Ave (August Rome house, 1909 Tudor revival) in North Point North Historic District. Applicant Chris Sanger argued front-facing system produces 9,800-11,400 kWh/year vs 5,500-7,300 kWh/year for rear-facing alternative, representing approximately $23,000-$30,000 difference over 30-year system lifespan.
Item 7 - 251231 Adjourned
Item adjourned at property owner's request due to late notice of hearing and scheduling conflicts. Will be heard at next committee meeting.
Development Activity (3)
Connect the DOTS Property Investment Parking Expansion
7,000+ sq ft parking lot with breezeway to serve adjacent commercial warehouse building used for home staging and design business
Avery Tool Rental Business
2,300+ sq ft mixed-use building for tool rental business with potential future ice cream shop
Crumble Cookies Franchise
Gourmet bakery franchise (Crumble Cookies) - would be first location in Milwaukee. Franchise agreement pending. Backup plan: wellness center with Airbnb upstairs
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Multiple parties have expressed interest in 1606 W Walnut St property over several years, with at least four different prospective businesses attempting to acquire it, indicating strong demand for commercial space in the area.
Infrastructure
Energy costs in Wisconsin have doubled in the last twenty years and are forecast to increase 10% next year, driving homeowner interest in solar installations.
Sentiment
Committee expressed strong support for expanding solar energy adoption citywide, with members stating solar should be prioritized over historic preservation aesthetic concerns in some cases.
Infrastructure
30th Street rail corridor identified as potential commuter rail connection that could spur economic development in disinvested neighborhoods, though ownership by private railroad WATCO remains obstacle to acquisition.