IN REVIEW - City of Milwaukee Resolution - file # 111512.

MILWAUKEE(MPA) - April 12, 2012, Common Council approves big fines for vandalism to vacant buildings is the title of a recent Press Release of the City of Milwaukee.

File #: 111512
Primary Sponsor: Alderman Willie Wade
Co-Sponsors: Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., Alderman Robert W. Puente, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, and Alderman Terry L. Witkowski
Committee: Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee
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According to the legislation, vandalized vacant buildings are rarely repaired and become blighted, and many eventually require demolition. These abandoned buildings “place an undue and inappropriate burden on the taxpayers of the city and pose an increased risk to public safety. This (ordinance) is intended to reduce and prevent neighborhood blight, to ameliorate conditions that threaten the health, safety and welfare of the public, to promote neighborhood stability and residential owner occupancy by preserving the condition and appearance of residential properties, and to maintain residential property values and assessments,” the file states.
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Milwaukee Professionals Association will regularly review and post comments regarding resolutions/legislation that comes from both the city-county-state and federal government for relevance, durability, cost, outreach to the citizenry for buy-in, and comprehensive sustainability.

Blighted/Vandalized Property
Blighted/vandalized property in our neighborhoods is an "eye sore" and devalue the neighborhood and city. To help curb the behavior, MPA recommends that a comprehensive approach that first and forever INFORM/EDUCATE/COMMUNICATE to the citizenry for buy-in and preparedness participation.

Secondly, the legislation seem to be "punitive-based" without connectors and collaborations for ongoing enforcement and quality control.

Thirdly, the legislation seem to indicate that if the damage is less than $500, there is no enforcement of fine ($1,000 - $5,000).

Fourthly, there should be a LEADERSHIP component by each member of the Common Council to assist with outreach enforcement in their district and collectively as a body - taking stock of "city-owned" property and seeing that they are properly boarded with well-kept yards - other examples are townhall meetings, blogs, newsletters, media, city channel 25 specials, and PSAs.

Lastly, what is the role of the Department of City Development, Housing Authority, Neighborhood Services, Department of Public Works, Neighborhood Strategic Planning areas, Business Improvement Districts, City Fire Department, Police Department, Block Watch groups and ALL other agencies/organizations that receive funding and work in the iconic City of Milwaukee?

In view of the above, File #111512, is a "standalone punitive" measure with good intentions but lacks built-in collaborators to make it work. CLICK for File #111512.

What do you think?
Email: mpapublicpolicyreview@gmail.com