Milwaukee committee approves alley repaving projects after public hearing on assessments, safety and billing terms

The Milwaukee Public Works Committee on a motion adopted resolutions to reconstruct several alleys across multiple aldermanic districts and to levy assessments on adjacent property owners, after a public hearing in which nearby residents urged traffic-calming measures and questioned assessment terms.

Alderwoman Lele Coggs, chairwoman of the Public Works Committee, opened the hearing on File 241881, a resolution authorizing the levying of assessments and construction of public improvements at various locations. Holly Rutenbeck of the Department of Public Works advised the committee on the assessment process and payment options. "For those projects approved this morning, a bill will be sent to each property owner sometime after completion of the work. Within 45 days upon receipt of the bill, the full amount may be paid without interest," Rutenbeck said. She added that if a bill is not paid within the 45-day period, a 9.5% simple interest per year will be added and that assessments of at least $125 may be placed on the tax roll and paid over 10 years at the same interest rate. The aldermanic office indicated it would request late billing so that bills would not be sent before Jan. 1, 2027.

Why it matters: The alley projects will reconstruct aging pavement and address drainage in places residents said have been neglected for decades. But neighbors said the assessment terms and local safety conditions — including…