Council committee votes to hold resolution on sale of Malcolm X

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee on Tuesday, October 29th voted 5-0 to hold a resolution that would have allowed the sale of the former Malcolm X Academy property to move forward.

The proposed sale of the school property (2760 N. 1st St.) to a development entity – approved by the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of School Directors – was held by the committee so that MPS can work with the Department of City Development and the City Attorney’s Office to provide additional details.

Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. said the additional review will ensure that the committee and the Common Council have “all of the relevant information necessary” to proceed with a decision on the sale.

“This review allows us to continue with our due diligence as it pertains to the possible sale of the Malcolm X Academy property,” President Hines said. “I am confident that having this additional examination of the proposal will provide Council members with the facts in a familiar template that can be more easily reviewed and vetted.

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, whose 6th District includes the former Malcolm X Academy property, said she is satisfied with having the city’s review move forward at a pace that allows for greater deliberation and discussion.

“Having more time will allow for the committee and Council to more closely examine the merits of the entire MPS proposal inclusive of an IB Middle School, affordable housing and community uses and the potential impact of those uses,” she said.

The Common Council has the final vote on any proposed sales of city-owned buildings, including the Malcolm X property.