Major community rally and gathering at Serb Hall on Monday to push for final campaign to get the required signatures to force a referendum for the Street Car opposition.
By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.
February 22, 2015
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Sunday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned that organizers for a petition signature drive to force a referendum question about the Street Car controversy have almost reached their projected goal. According to a Street Car petition drive organizer, the group has collected more than 25,000 signatures of their 35,000 projected goal, but only need the required 31,000 valid signatures. The deadline to turn in the signatures is March 2.
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan will hold a community gathering and rally to Stop the Street Car on Monday, February 23 at Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Milwaukee. Ald. Donovan reported that on Saturday alone, about 1,800 signatures were collected by a couple (Bill and Leslie) from Colgate who came to Milwaukee and helped circulated the petition.
The Milwaukee Common Council on February 10 passed the Street Car measure by a 9-6 vote. The Street Car Project will cost $124M for the 2.5 mile proposed route.
South side Alderman José G. Pérez was among eight other aldermen who voted in favor to move forward on the Street Car Project. Three other Aldermen, Joe Davis, T. Anthony Zielinski and Bob Donovan voted along with three other aldermen to oppose the project. Alderman Zielinski claimed that the city will have to borrow at least $69M and will end up paying the loan for $105M assuming that no cost over run occurs. But Zielinski suggested that a $27M open cost is expected and an estimated $996M or nearly $1B will be the cost for the project on the long run. He wanted to go record that he mentioned the projected costs, so that in the future, those aldermen who voted in favor would later say, they didn't know it would cost that much to taxpayers.
Two downtown districts, Cathedral Square and Erie Street will see an increase of property taxes to help pay for the Street Car project.
To down load the petition, click on the following link: http://goo.gl/3DEQQS
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