Village Spillage is a blog about Whitefish Bay and the surrounding areas. It focuses on Village Government, elections, Silver Spring, and many other topics that aren't covered in the media.
The Whitefish Bay Business and Professional Association with the Whitefish Bay Community Development Authority (CDA) are hosting a panel discussion about the future of Silver Spring Drive this November 15th.
This is a great idea. Hopefully many members of the Whitefish Bay Village Board will be in attendance, and the discussion will lead to quick action on rejuvenating Silver Spring Drive.
Here's the invite:
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 15th
UPDATE:
NEW LOCATION: Whitefish Bay High School Cafeteria
Enter on Door #3 on Marlborough just north of Fairmount.
Panelists:
Retail: Dan Cohen - Principal, MidAmerica Real Estate
Residential: Dick Lincoln - Senior Vice President, Mandel Group
Municipal: Mike Harrigan - Executive Vice President, Ehlers & Assoc.
Business: Tom Stuhlmacher - Owner, Winkie's
Restaurant : Joe Bartolotta - Owner, The Bartolotta Restaurant Group
Moderator: Dr. Mark Eppli - Bell Chair in Real Estate - Marquette University
Panel discussion will provide an opportunity for interested residents to learn about development potential on Silver Spring Drive from the panel of development, finance, and business experts who will discuss:
* Synergistic uses/tenants for an authentic mainstreet - what will make people want to spend time and money on Silver Spring?
* The "art of the deal" -- what it takes to bring a new development/tenant to the street.
* The role of private property owners, business owners, and Village government in attracting desired uses/tenants.
* The value of tax increment financing, eminent domain, and public improvement projects as tools of economic development.
There will be opportunity for audience interaction with the panel. After the discussion members of the audience will be encouraged to share their views about desired tenants and uses of space on Silver Spring Drive with the Community Development Authority and Village Board to help these bodies establish priorities and action plans for bringing desired uses/tenants to the street.
