Vacant buildings part of KK River expansion cause problems on Milwaukee's south side



MILWAUKEE -- It's a project meant to reduce flooding on Milwaukee's south side and improve the quality of life for people living along the Kinnickinnic River. But one neighbor says while he's waiting for the improvements to be completed, he's stuck with vacant houses around his home.

Kinnickinnic River



It's a sneak peek at the finished KK River expansion between I-94 and the 6th Street Bridge. When it's complete, the expansion project will remove concrete walls which will widen the river and should lead to less flooding. But to do that, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewage District (MMSD) needs to acquire and tear down more than 80 houses along the river.

The MMSD plans to eventually restore the natural look further along the river where the concrete barriers were built in the 1960s.

"My excitement is great, but I don't know where the light at the end of the tunnel is," said Patrick Housfeld, upset over vacant houses.

MMSD plans to buy 83 properties along the river. So far, it has bought 71 of them and has demolished 66 structures.



That leaves five vacant buildings -- Housfeld says MMSD needs to do a better job at securing those structures.

"This one looks secure. But they leave a door on the second floor accessible because anyone who really wants to hang out in here tonight can monkey climb up the porch and use that door," said Housfeld.

"We respond, usually within 24-48 hours and board these houses up. Mr. Housfeld has had some complaints they're not boarded up properly -- we disagree with that but we do need residents to call us if there are problems," said MMSD Senior Project Manager, David Fowler.

MMSD officials say they can't immediately demolish buildings because they have to test them for asbestos and also want to salvage any valuable materials inside.

"We're going to get these houses down as soon as possible. Our goal is to get a bid on the street by the end of this year, early next year, and then have them down by February or March," said Fowler.

Housfeld says it's hard to be patient when he looks outside and sees a boarded up corner store. He hopes, when everything is done, the view will be worth the wait.

"Maybe I'll get a fishing license," Housfeld said (laughing).

MMSD says it will be at least another couple of years before the project is done. It still has to buy and demolish twelve more properties. MMSD also wants to make sure any work along the river does not negatively impact people further downstream.