The Wauwatosa Traffic Advisory Committee meeting on September 24, 2025, focused on pressing concerns regarding traffic management and parking in the vicinity of the medical center. Committee members expressed frustration over the ongoing construction of parking structures without adequate plans for alternative transportation options, which they believe exacerbates traffic issues for local residents.
Alder Foley highlighted the lack of comprehensive transit solutions, noting that while parking facilities are being built, there has been no corresponding effort to improve public transportation routes. This has led to increased congestion and parking challenges for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. The discussion revealed a disconnect between the city's planning for parking and the actual needs of the community, particularly regarding traffic flow from various directions, including the South, North, and West.
Committee members also raised questions about the effectiveness of existing bus routes, suggesting that they do not adequately serve the medical complex or address the traffic generated by employees commuting from areas like Muskego and Brookfield. The need for a broader study encompassing multiple streets in the area was proposed, with a consensus emerging that further review is necessary before any decisions are made.
In light of significant opposition from residents regarding proposed changes, the committee agreed to hold off on any immediate actions and instead focus on gathering more input and conducting a thorough analysis of the traffic situation. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the issue, ensuring that community concerns are prioritized in future planning efforts.