Milwaukee City Council OKs streetcar plan

Defying years of opposition from state and county officials, as well as resistance from some of its own members, the Milwaukee Common Council (City Council) approved a streetcar plan for the city's downtown on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.

The 9-to-6 vote in favor crystallized continuing concerns voiced by streetcar opponents over perceived safety issues, operational cost estimates, and social justice concerns expected to rise from construction of the $124 million, 2.5-mile route.

The Common Council on Tuesday, also in a 9-to-6 vote, approved the creation of a tax incremental financing district at the east end of Michigan St. that would generate $31 million to help cover the project’s operating costs, estimated at $3.2 million per year.

The Federal Transit Administration’s support of the project, including $55 million in funding, has aided pro-rail supporter despite constant and continuous efforts to undo the line from Milwaukee County and the administration of Gov. Scott Walker.

City officials anticipate a groundbreaking sometime late this year, with a target startup date of mid-2018.

Last December the city’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee voted 4-1 to eventually expand the streetcar to 4.6 miles in length, adding a spur extending toward Lake Michigan and the Couture development project, a proposed 44-story high-end apartment building.