Public Works committee approves package of traffic‑calming projects after mixed testimony

Alderwoman Millele A. Cox, chairwoman of the Common Council Public Works Committee, presided over a public hearing and approvals on a package of traffic‑calming and accessible public improvements under file 250265 at the committee meeting.

The projects approved include traffic circles, speed tables and speed humps, curb and sidewalk work, and resurfacing across multiple aldermanic districts. Department of Public Works (DPW) project adviser Holly Rutenbeck summarized the assessment process and billing: “Within 45 days upon receipt of the bill, the full amount may be paid without interest,” and she said property owners may opt to pay certain assessments over 10 years at 9.5% interest when eligible.

Why it matters: the package addresses safety concerns raised by neighbors and school communities while also creating taxpayer assessments on affected properties. Several items prompted substantive public comment focused on whether a particular traffic‑calming device (a roundabout, speed table or speed humps) is the best safety choice for a particular block.

Key projects and public comment - North 60th Street at West Lancaster Avenue (Second Aldermanic District): DPW said 54 properties are impacted and four returned opposition postcards. Two neighbors, Rita C. (4924 N. 60th St.) and Shannon Jefferson (6731 W. Lancaster Ave.), testified they oppose placing a traffic circle at Lancaster because they said speeding and drag‑racing near Lancaster Elementary School and a nearby tot lot present greater safety needs elsewhere. Jefferson described multiple crashes in the block and urged camera enforcement; DPW staff responded that state law prohibits automated enforcement by camera in Milwaukee. The committee approved the project as listed.

- East Oklahoma Avenue at South Pennsylvania Avenue (Fourteenth Aldermanic District): Residents and parents, led by petitioner Shannon Utke (3060 S. Wentworth Ave.), told the committee they had circulated a petition and secured door‑to‑door support for speed tables where children cross near Fernwood and other schools. Aldermanal staff and the petitioner described strong neighborhood organizing; DPW said the goal is to advertise the contract and construct the improvement this year if weather and contractor availability allow. The committee approved the project.

- West Villard Avenue between North 60th and North 61st Streets (Second Aldermanic District): Alderman Russell Chambers and other supporters pointed to a history of crashes and property damage on the corridor; the committee approved the bump‑outs and traffic circle.

- South 30th Street area speed humps (Eleventh Aldermanic District): Multiple residents near Audubon School described repeated speeding, confrontations and near‑misses involving students. Several speakers recounted having recorded incidents and filing police reports. The committee approved the speed‑hump project.

Other approvals and administrative outcomes Several additional resurfacing and speed‑hump projects across the city were approved after the public hearing. One project in the Eleventh Aldermanic District (South 60th Street from West Stack Drive to West Cleveland Avenue) was removed from the list at the alderman’s request after continuing opposition. One Fifteenth District project was held at the alderman’s request because of an upcoming Milwaukee Recreation project at Metcalfe Playfield.

Committee members and DPW staff noted tradeoffs: traffic circles reduce speeds at an intersection but can shift vehicle behavior elsewhere; speed humps reduce through‑speeds on residential blocks but can raise concerns about heavy‑vehicle vibration, snow‑plowing and access for emergency vehicles. DPW said the city’s expanded community‑led traffic calming program (updated last year) offers options beyond classic speed humps and that staff will follow up on additional calming or Safe Routes to School eligibility where requested.

What’s next: The committee moved the assessments and construction funding forward; DPW said contracting and construction timelines will depend on weather and contractor availability. For projects carried on the tax roll, DPW reiterated the billing and payment options described at the hearing.

Ending: Committee members thanked residents for door‑to‑door organizing and for detailed testimony on safety concerns. Several aldermen urged residents to continue working with DPW and their aldermanic offices on follow‑up measures.