Power of the Partnership - Part 2: Mayor Tom Barrett and City Departments

This spring, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his 2017 “State of the City” address at Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s headquarters. The event was a major milestone for the Near West Side as the revitalization efforts spearheaded by Near West Side Partners were highlighted, and the growing assets of this historic and important part of the City were on full display.

The progress that has taken place in the Near West Side would not be possible without having such a great partnership with Mayor Barrett, and his willingness to regularly meet and engage with NWSP staff. Not only has he been directly involved, but he has also encouraged City Departments to engage in new and innovative ways to bring economic and social improvements to the neighborhood. The ability to work in conjunction with City has been an integral part of NWSP’s efforts. Here’s how each department is serving our neighborhood of neighborhoods...

Department of Public Works (DPW)

Maintaining vacant lots, filling potholes, and working closely with NWSP on the numerous projects in the Near West Side are just the start of the partnership with DPW. Commissioner Ghassan Korban has led his team in providing support for the Cold Spring Park neighborhood’s mini-park, working to immediately address broken infrastructure like the traffic lights at the intersection of 27th and Wisconsin, and partnering with NWSP to support large clean-ups in the area.

NWSP and its residents salute the hard work of the many DPW employees who strive to keep the Near West Side and the City of Milwaukee clean and in working order.

Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS)

NWSP has reported more than 1,200 visible violations in the Near West Side in the last six months. Graffiti, property disrepair, and abandoned cars are just a few of the items that are regularly being reported as they are noticed. However, our reports are nothing without a response. NWSP relies on the Department of Neighborhood Services to ensure that Near West Side properties and businesses continue to be of high quality. DNS Commissioner Preston Cole leads his staff in promptly addressing these issues, but also by directly supporting the work of the Near West Side Landlord Compact, NWSP's graffiti removal program, and much more. Every month, NWSP staff, Near West Side residents, and business owners meet with DNS Inspector John Yang to review the top negative impact properties. DNS then works with NWSP, the Community Prosecution Unit, and Milwaukee Police Department to create solutions that address and eliminate issues.

As NWSP looks to address blight in the Near West Side, DNS Condemnation has worked closely with NWSP staff to address and deal with condemned and blighted properties.

In addition to addressing blighted properties, the DNS graffiti removal team, Stephanie Samarripa and Herlyn Roberson, have worked in conjunction with NWSP and Business Improvement District #10 to swiftly remove graffiti from homes and businesses. These removals are done often with no cost to the owner. Currently, Stephanie and Herlyn are coordinating with NWSP staff on a utility box art project, which will soon help fill the streets of the Near West Side with designs from local artists.

NWSP benefits greatly from having such a close and supportive relationship with DNS, and are grateful for the leadership of Preston Cole and the dedication of such employees as John, Ron, Stephanie, and Herlyn.

Department of City Development (DCD)

DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux is not only the biggest cheerleader for the City of Milwaukee, but he is also an ambassador for the Near West Side. His staff, made up of Vanessa Koster who is also a member of the NWSP board, Dave Misky, and Yves Lapierre, work closely with NWSP staff and partners to develop and implement strategies that address the issues surrounding retail and residential development. Recently, DCD supported the Siebert Foundation's move to the Near West Side and is currently working on several projects that will have a major impact on the commercial corridors of the community.

Additional City departments that have been very supportive of NWSP's work include Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC) led by Maria Prioletta, who is supporting NWSP’s “lighting challenge” initiative to improve street lighting conditions on residential streets. City Attorney Grant Langley and his team used a receivership action to deal with a negative impact property and will continue to support the neighborhood as best they can.

The Milwaukee Police Department has been extremely supportive of the Near West Side by attending community meetings and addressing the needs of resident and business community. Commissioner of Health Bevan Baker and the Milwaukee Health Department seek out grant opportunities to address health issues in the Near West Side.

Near West Side residents, community members, businesses, and anchor institutions are inspired and humbled to have a great leader like Mayor Barrett supporting the efforts of the partnership through leadership and action. Coordinating efforts between City Departments with the ability to improve and community organizations like NWSP who know what need improvement is vital to improving the Near West Side. We thank Mayor Barrett, his cabinet and his staff for their commitment to the City of Milwaukee and the Near West Side.