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