Milwaukee County Board hosting public hearing tonight about arena plan

 The Milwaukee County Board will host a public hearing Tuesday night about the proposal to develop the Park East corridor in downtown Milwaukee.  It starts at 5:30 pm at the War Memorial in Milwaukee.

Some supervisors are concerned that residents haven't had a chance to speak about the arena.  Supervisor John Weishan says the current plan to sell land parcels at the Park East site in Milwaukee is insulting.  He says the plots should be sold for market value, not essentially given away.

\"This is about what is our investment and what is our return on that investment for the citizens of Milwaukee County,\" Weishan said Tuesday morning.   \"If he's [Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele] not going demand more from some of the most wealthiest people [Bucks owners] in the country, if not the world, we're never going to get the benefits for this community.\"

A public hearing is set for 5:30 at the War Memorial in Milwaukee.  The Bucks will have representatives at the meeting.

Here's a press release from Milwaukee County:

The Milwaukee County Board will hold a public hearing at the War Memorial Center in Memorial Hall at 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, to listen to residents about proposed economic expansions in the Park East corridor. Parking will be free to the public who attend the hearing. 

\"Many of the conversations about these developments are happening in Madison, outside of the reach of most Milwaukee County residents,\" said Supervisor Patricia Jursik, Chairwoman of the Economic and Community Development Committee.  \"We invite the community to this hearing, which is being held at night outside of the Courthouse to maximize public participation.\"  

\"These developments are among the most significant we have seen proposed in Milwaukee in recent years, and they have the opportunity to transform the downtown,\" said Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic.  \"We look forward to learning more about the proposals and projected job creation for Milwaukee County residents.\"     

The hearing will kick off with presentations on the proposal at 5:30 p.m., and start receiving testimony at 6:00 p.m. from the public.  Milwaukee County officials, including the County Executive and the Director of Administrative Services, as well as Milwaukee Bucks ownership representatives have been invited to present to the public on the proposals.  

\"Residents are encouraged to join the discussion about this project that involves significant public financing,\" Dimitrijevic said.  \"We look forward to hearing from you.\" 

The Committee of the Whole will first meet at the Courthouse at 3 p.m. to receive an update from the Administration to answer questions on the Bucks arena financing deal and the impact to the County taxpayer.  Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett gave a presentation to the Common Council on Friday on the impact to the City, and the County Executive similarly has been invited to appear before the public.

Committee of the Whole

Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors 

5:30 p.m.

War Memorial Center, Memorial Room

750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive

Milwaukee, WI