"We're good to go:" Committee approves two TIF districts to help fund downtown streetcar project



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The controversial downtown streetcar proposal continues to generate debate. On Tuesday, December 9th, members of Milwaukee's Common Council got an update on the proposed project, and city leaders debated how it would be paid for.

The city's Zoning, Neighborhood and Development Committee on Tuesday voted to approve two TIF (tax incremental financing) districts to help fund the streetcar project.

"So basically we`re good to go. We need to get eight votes on the Council floor next week and we`ll be moving forward on building modern transit in Milwaukee for the first time in since 1958 when we abandoned streetcars. It's almost been one of my, you know, life missions was to see modern transportation come to the city of Milwaukee and we're pretty close. I mean, we're at 60 percent design," Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman said.

Those opposed to the streetcar project, though, aren't going down without a fight.

"Arguably this has become Milwaukee`s most controversial public works project in decades," Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan said.

Donovan has been one of the most vocal critics of the proposal. He says he'd like to put the issue to a referendum.

"I`m simply saying why not give everyone the opportunity to have a voice, because ultimately we will all be stuck paying for this," Alderman Donovan said.

The city's Public Works Committee will consider the streetcar project on Wednesday morning.

It will go before the full Common Council on Tuesday, December 16th.



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