A progressive urban community in Wauwatosa, WI

Archive for September, 2008

Review of the Comprehensive Plan

September 6, 2008
Attendees: Kathy Ehley, Warren Goff, Ed Haydin, Meg Miller, Scott Miller, Matt Stippich, Julie Terwelp

Though this group’s focus is on East Town Tosa,  we were overwhelming disappointed with the entire plan; it seemed to simple fill a perfunctory role to meet a mandate.

Among the major disappointments are that the public focus group attendance.  However, the largest was from our contingent area, yet it appears to be the least represented in the overall plan.  East Town seemed to be considered a “drive thru” area of town in this version of the plan.  It has been expressed that by some, East Tosa is the slum of Wauwatosa.  Given the lack of attention given to this area the plan, it appears as if the city is institutionalizing this perception.
Additionally, the plan fell short in celebrating Wauwatosa for its unique aspects and failed to hone in on the make-up of Wauwatosa as a series of unique neighborhoods.  We didn’t get a sense of a community vision being conveyed nor the focus on taking the opportunity to assess and improve upon the infrastructure to better reflect the interests of those who live here.  Of key note, the plan only took biking and walking into account as a form of recreation.  It also viewed key “main street” areas not as vital commercial districts interwoven with neighborhoods but only as arterials / means for transportation.

We would like to see the plan address the opportunity focus on reconnecting our communities and individual neighborhoods. We recommend the plan celebrate the unique personalities of these neighborhoods by:

− Considering opportunities to address “main street” areas like North Avenue in East Town Tosa
− Focusing on the unique personalities of each, individual neighborhood community.
− Incorporating walk ability and bike ability into the infrastructure as a means of transportation.
− Addressing the need for consistent solicitation and support for small business and small business infrastructure. Though there are great opportunities for larger developments, many residents live within walking of small commercial districts. There must be a plan to solicit and support small business in order for these neighborhoods to maintain their unique draw and grow.
− Addressing and conveying the vision of Wauwatosa as a series of unique neighborhoods that, together, create a vibrant, diverse, urban community.

We appreciate the opportunity to share our thoughts of the plan and hope to see more focus on these aspects in the approved plan.

Posted: September 16th, 2008 under Alliance Meetings, Our Community.
Comments: 1

Comprehensive, long-term Master Plan for East Tosa

The North Avenue Neighborhood Alliance, in collaboration with East Town Business and Merchant’s Association, Inglewood Heights,  Old Hillcrest, Pabst Park, Tosa East Town and Washington Highlands Neighborhood Associations has submitted a grant to fund the development of a comprehensive, long-term master plan that best reflects the vision for North Avenue East Tosa.  This grant will take the comprehensive plan developed for the city and hone in on this area specifically. The grant review will take place this fall.

Posted: September 1st, 2008 under North Avenue Neighborhood Alliance.
Comments: none

Excerpt from Wauwatosa Comprehensive Plan

City of Wauwatosa Comprehensive Plan (July 2008 Draft)
Volume Two: Policies and Recommendations

Focusing on North Avenue: Tosa’s Main Street

Running east-west through the City, North Avenue functions as one of Wauwatosa’s most important neighborhood-oriented commercial corridors. In addition to providing convenient and accessible goods, services, and community facilities to the surrounding neighborhoods, North Avenue has the potential to better unify east and west town Tosa. To maintain and enhance the character of North Avenue, the City intends to work in collaboration with ETBMA, WEDC, business owners, and nearby residents to develop a corridor plan for North Avenue. Such a plan should address the following:

Read more »

Posted: September 1st, 2008 under Resources.
Comments: none

Family Fun Activities at Stroll the Avenue

Thursday, September 11th from 5pm-8pm
East Town Tosa
North Avenue – 60th to 76th Streets

After almost a year of planning, Wauwatosa’s East Town Business and Merchants Association (ETBMA) is proud to bring “Stroll the Avenue” back to North Ave.

The “Stroll the Avenue” event will take place on Thursday, September 11th, 2008 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. This event is held for families and residents living in the greater Wauwatosa area. Businesses along North Avenue between 60th and 76th streets will stay open from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and will offer a variety of fun, food, and entertainment such as:

  • Kiddie train rides at Lutheran Home (7500 North Ave.)
  • Classic car show at O’Gorman’s West Town Auto (7105 North Ave.)
  • Kids’ ad drawing contest with great prizes at all participating businesses
  • Ronald McDonald Show at 5:00 p.m. at McDonald’s (6631 North Ave)
    • 2 Bikes will be raffled off for those who attend the show

The evening will begin with a special 15 minute service of remembrance marking the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The service will take place at Kyle’s Korner (7106 W. North Ave.) and will begin at 4:30 p.m. The memorial will consist of an engraved granite monument and twin arborvitaes representing the twin towers. Rev. David Sorensen will share a few words during the ceremony and members of the police and fire department will be present. Refreshments will be served!

To download a PDF of the Stroll the Avenue Activities list, click here.

Posted: August 21st, 2008 under Events, Niche, Shopping, Dining & Services, Our Community.
Comments: none

Feedback on the Comprehensive Plan

The Wauwatosa Comprehensive Plan was presented on August 21 – final comments are to be given by September 17th. For those interested in discussing the plan as it relates to East Tosa and providing feedback jointly, please meet on Saturday, September 6, 9am at Cranky Al’s. Please review the plan in advance and be prepared to provide your input at the meeting. The plan can be found at http://www.wauwatosa.net/display/router.asp?docid=3206

We hope to compile and present our notes to the city as well as make sure there is a representative at the September 17th meeting at City Hall.

Please RSVP to 4rellim@sbcglobal.net if you are planning to attend.

If you would like to provide comments to be included, please post them.

Posted: July 25th, 2008 under Events.
Comments: none

Business and Property Owner Focus Group Meeting

The Alliance invites all business and property owners to a Focus Group session on Tuesday, September 23 from 6-8pm at the Lutheran Home located at 76th and Wauwatosa Avenue. All businesses and property owners have been invited to complete an online survey to help facilitate a discussion about core issues  and how best to address them. This meeting is the opportunity for businesses and property owners to be part of a discussion of how best to ensure economic sustainability in East Tosa.

Business and Property Owners are encouraged to complete the online survey.  Click Here to take survey.

Interested in volunteering to canvas business and commercial property owners about the meeting?  Please visit http://easttosa.org/blog/category/our-community/ to sign up.

Posted: July 21st, 2008 under Events.
Comments: none