Village Spillage

I received an email tip from a loyal reader with information that there is a rumor (unconfirmed, at the moment) that the landlord for the Talbot's / Famous Footwear parcel is having conversations with Aurora about putting an Aurora Clinic in that location.

While a clinic isn't the worst idea in the world, it clearly won't help Silver Spring's redevelopment.   It's about 15th on the list of things to put on Silver Spring. 

This will bring up the Eminent Domain issue again, as this is probably the most important piece of SS's new beginning.  To squander it on something that won't help would be a huge blow.

I got word back from the Village Manager .. his comment is that the village has "no application" (for permit) for that parcel.    -- So, either this is a bogus rumor, or simply in the very first stages before the landlord contacts the Village.

Time will tell.

Update:  The email I received suggested contacting the Village and/or the Trustees to let them know what you think about an Aurora Clinic going in.   At this point, I'm not sure that would have much impact, since as far as the Village is concerned, no notification has been received.  Best to let your thoughts be known when there's some official word that it is even being considered.

Additionally, this has made me think that WFB needs some sort of metric in deciding what goes in to that most important spot.   A series of line-items that can be scored.  Here's my draft.  Feel free to leave comments with other line-items.

Graded on a scale of 1-10 .. and of course, not all questions would be equally weighted.

1. Unique: Would the new business be a unique addition to Silver Spring, in a sector that is currently unrepresented?  (For example, a new bank or movie theater is not unique, and not needed.)

2. Customer Count: How many customers would the new business draw through its own doors?  (i.e. A gas station would draw quite a few customers.  A vacuum repair shop would not.)

3. Customer Spillover: How many customers would the new business draw to OTHER businesses on Silver Spring?  (A gas station, nor a repair shop would not draw customers to any store but their own.  A retail or restaurant type store could, in that, some customers may be browsing or lingering after their visit.)

4. Regional Reach: What is the regional reach of the new business?  (A barbershop would generally draw customers from a small, 2-3 mile radius.  A boutique with specialized goods could draw for dozens of miles.)

5. Night-time Effect: Would the new business "turn night into day"?  (One element of rebuilding a depressed retail community is to bring customers to the area not only during the day, but also at night.)

6. Enthusiasm: X-Factor - Would WFB residents be excited about the addition?  Would they support the new business?

Any other factors?  Comment below!

 You may have noticed an article on the NOW website, "Taxpayers pleasantly surprised by refunds".

About this time last year, Whitefish Bay residents were fainting at the new property tax assessments on their homes and businesses.

Everyone was worried that their new assessments would mean a huge property tax bill at the end of the year.

But today, more than 400 property taxpayers are rejoicing that they actually received a refund.

I'm happy to say, I was one of them.  But it wasn't by luck.  I successfully fought my assessment, and had the valuation of my home re-calculated and lowered 10%.  The end result, was indeed, a 10% reduction in property tax. 

Funny, I remember talking to the assessor in July .. I said that the market was very soft.  He gave me an odd "Why do you think that?".  Well, duh.  Maybe it was all the "For Sale" signs around the village.  July's market was red hot, in comparison to today.

Imagine if your community was doing a re-assessment this year, instead?  If everyone's valuation goes up 10%, all taxes generally remain equal. BUT, and there's a huge but .. the greatest chunk of your property tax goes to the School District.  Of course, the State of Wisconsin foots a chunk of the Schools' expenses. 

How is that aid calculated?  By property value wealth, of course.   If your community has high valuations, you get lower State Aid.  (For comparison's sake, the State of Wisconsin pays about 82% of the City of Milwaukee's education bill.  Wisconsin pays about 19% of Whitefish Bay's.)

The end result is, as a community, you want your property valuation increases to be lower, relatively, than the rest of the state.  Otherwise, your state aid goes down, and each individual home owner pays more.
 

Here's a tip to save you some time .. since the NOW news is but a trickle, and I only write a few times a week, you may not have site on your daily-check list.

I'll make it simple for you.  This blog can be emailed to your inbox every time a new post is written.   That way, you'll never miss an episode, and won't need to check the website.

Click here, and you will be asked for your email address.  A confirmation email will be sent, and presto, you're all set.  Don't worry, your email is never used for anything but sending you this blog, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=1481356

It's free, and very simple.

A month went by, and we got another call.  We were in!  Honestly, I was pleased.  I watch TV.   Having Nielsen record our TV habits would translate into higher ratings for shows we enjoy, hopefully ensuring they would continue.   There are 400 families in SE Wisconsin who are, let's just face it, our Television Overlords. 

What they watch is important.  If they don't watch your favorite show, it gets canceled.  Case in point, last fall, NBC rolled out a new show called "Journeyman".  I got hooked, and after a number of episodes, it was my favorite show.  It was one of the few smart, interesting shows on the tube.  Of course, you know how this ends.  It's been canceled, probably replaced by a reality show about makeovers for house pets.  Or the wild world of crocodile dentists.

So being a Nielsen family gives you a say in what's "good" on TV.  We are at their mercy.  If they like it, you see more of it.  Bow down before them.

Nielsen came out this week to hook my television up to their system, or so I thought.  It turned out to be much more than just the TV.  Truly, it hadn't been completely explained, the extent to which they monitor. 

They open your TV and insert a gadget.  They open your cable box and insert another gadget.  Oh, and your DVD player?  Another gadget.  They not only record your TV watching, but what DVDs you play as well.   This made me uncomfortable, not because I'm embarrassed to be caught renting Howard the Duck movies, but because they are opening and tinkering with every piece of home electronics I own.  And monitoring every ounce of what I do in my living room, every show, every button push.   Behind my TV was a cornucopia of new devices, a computer, power supply, modem, and UPS and a few dozen new cables.    Had I known the extent of the electronic surgery, I would have declined. 

But.  I allowed them to continue because I wanted to be part of that Television Overlord group.  I thought I could single-handedly bring the A-Team back to prime-time.  And, of course, the Tom Crean show and all Marquette games would have had huge rating spikes.  Oh yeah, and I was psyched that every time a local newscast was blathering on about a BIG STORM, I'd flip them off.  Double entendrically, of course.

Unfortunately, I have one device they'd never seen before.  A relatively simple "one-box" speaker that my TV, DVD, and stereo use.  In their third (3rd) hour of installation, they decided they couldn't completely monitor the speaker, so they were calling it quits. 

They promptly removed all the electronics, and presto, we were dumped.

I didn't put up a fight.  I was somewhat pleased to see them remove their equipment from my stuff.  The dozen cables I'd spent years getting just right were thankfully put back the way I had them.  They were polite and apologetic about the whole ordeal, of course. 

We're back to being television watchers just like you:  Simple TV watching peasants, begging for crumbs off of their television overlords; voiceless.

Bummer.

This I like to see:

Initial streetscape construction is scheduled to start late this year, and CDA Chairman Raymond Krueger is pressing for the bulk of the work to be done in 2008, with some finishing work to be done in 2009. That is a faster pace than had been envisioned. The initial timetable called for most of the streetscaping to be done in 2009, because so much utility and sidewalk work is needed in 2008.

Now, whether the CDA can actually make the rusty village gears grind faster, I know not.  But it's a great sign that someone "gets" the urgency of what needs to be done on Silver Spring before more businesses close their doors.

There's another story about The Drive today .. here's a clip:  

Whether Whitefish Bay residents want more four-story buildings in the East Silver Spring Drive shopping district as it redevelops is one of the questions officials hope will be answered at the second visioning session (mid-to-late February) to be held by the Community Development Authority.

Truly, I haven't thought much about the height of any new buildings on Silver Spring.  No doubt, the Condotastrophy on SS and Lake looms large over the street, and I've heard from neighbors who hate that aspect. 

What's going in those 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stories of possible new buildings?  Condos?  I will say I don't believe Silver Spring needs condos in order to survive.  I do recall one of the bullet points of renewing urban retail is "turning night into day" .. which would be enhanced by people actually living on Silver Spring.  But what are we talking here, 10 units?  20?  An extra 40 people living on SS isn't going to make or break its success.  There's probably 2,000 people within a two minute walk.

It's the businesses, stupid.  You need quality businesses and restaurants that generate foot traffic for the benefit of all establishments on the street for it to thrive.  The focus should be on the ground level.  What's above that is gravy.

The "iPic" movie theater, bowling alley, bar, and restaurant complex opened up last month at Bayshore.  

I get the bar.  I get the restaurant.  With the old "Echo Bowl" being replaced by Walgreens in Glendale, I get the bowling alley.

I don't get the movie theater.  Or rather, I can't fathom the price.  $15 a pop, so $30 for a couple.

For $30, you get a movie, reserved seating, popcorn, and valet parking.

Absurd.  First, reserved seating is hardly a benefit.  It could be, if you intend on showing up at the last moment, but for most of us, we like picking out our own seat while in the theater.   One variable is who is in front of you, left, and right.  Don't know that if you're picking your seat before you get there.  With $15 seats, I imagine many empty seats and room to spread out.

Valet parking?  The drop-off is INSIDE the parking structure.  What's that going to save you, 30 steps?  Those are some expensive steps, plus you'll probably end up tipping the valet.

Ok, you get popcorn.  That better be some delicious, delicious popcorn, served in sterling silver bowls with a personal usher, ready to spritz each handful with butter.

There's a better option 3 blocks away.  It's called the Fox-Bay Cinema Grill.  Two tickets and a large popcorn will run you $21 .. 40% cheaper.  Ample parking in back.  Plus, you can have drinks and food while watching the movie.

One can imagine the iPic's prices are so high to prevent the theater from becoming like Mayfair's theater, with its real (and perceived) youth crime problems.  Here's my bet.  A year from now, with a huge of every iPic movie showing going empty, they quietly lower prices to a reasonable rate, and hope for the best.
 

Well, the filing period came and went, and we've got a few races. 

While I'd focused on the Whitefish Bay Trustee spots, of which two are open for three candidates, a last minute entry came into the dock for WFB Board President to challenge Katie Pritchard.  Doug Weas, who, if Google is correct, is this guy, and heads Weas Development, which appears to be a real estate developer, or consultant of some sort. 

I'm pleased that Weas has entered the race, as uncontested races are no good.  I will try to get interviews with Pritchard, Weas, and David Fee in the next few weeks.

State-wide, we have a race for State Rep (22), since Sheldon Wasserman is challenging Alberta Darling for State Senate.   Sandra Pasch (of Whitefish Bay) and Rosemary Ponik (Brown Deer), both Democrats, will face off in the September 2nd primary.  Winner coasts to victory in November.

With news last week that a third candidate was running for Village Trustee, Whitefish Bay now has a race, three people for two spots on the Village Board.  Since incumbents have a great probability of re-election, David Fee will probably retain his job, which means this race is mostly between Julie Siegel and Thomas Fehring, who submitted campaign paperwork last week. 

Again, please note, I am not a journalist, I'll endeavor to be fair, however, I suppose I will write an endorsement later in the election process.  In general, I will ask each candidate the same questions.

THOMAS FEHRING:

I contacted Thomas Fehring, and spoke to him at length, asking a range of questions, from his educational background to specific issues that will be discussed in this election.

Thomas is a long time resident, living in Whitefish Bay for the last 34 years, which is probably why this interview took two hours.  He has a rich feeling for the Village and its direction. 

He has a Bachelors and Masters from Marquette in Mechanical Engineering, and was formerly a vice president and general manager at We Power (Wisconsin Energy Corp.) and is now consulting on energy matters out of his home office.  Tom is currently the secretary on the WFB Historic Preservation Commission, and was named "distinguished volunteer" by the board in 2007.  He's also served as a director for Dominican High School.

His engineering background may account for one of his platforms for running.  He explained that he has a great concern for the deterioration of Village infrastructure, from roads, to water mains, sewers and street lighting systems.  "At a time when residents are making an unprecedented investment in improving their own homes, through remodeling and additions, the municipal infrastructure is deteriorating, and our efforts to improve it aren't keeping up," he said.

His other reasons for running were due to his concern with the lack of action on the renovation of Silver Spring.  "There doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency.  The streetscape has deteriorated, businesses have left, and this reflects badly on the community. We can and should have a vibrant, pedestrian friendly, shopping district."  Fehring believes his background in engineering and project management and long history of service to the village will be an asset on the board.  He has worked with and has great respect for outgoing Trustee Ken Berg, and felt his leaving is a great loss.

And, his wife encouraged him to run to get him out of the house. Whose wouldn't?

We spoke at great length about the re-development of Silver Spring.  Fehring is frustrated by the lack of urgency that has surrounded the process, noting that the Village has been talking about the issue for years and yet very little has been accomplished, while during the same time, Bayshore has been planned and constructed.    He believes that Silver Spring desperately needs new businesses, especially restaurants. 

We had a long discussion about how that could be accomplished, and Fehring tended away from monetary partnerships between the village, landlords and entrepreneurs, and instead wants to create regulatory environment through which businesses can prosper. 

"WFB probably took a step backward when Silver Spring properties were valued so highly.  This increases taxes and, of course, rents."  "Heinemann's was a great asset because it served as a community meeting place for decades.  Whitefish Bay needs to partner with businesses like that to accommodate their needs, make it work for them, for example, with outdoor seating space, alcoholic beverage sales, or increased hours of operation."

Fehring also said that it is important for existing Silver Spring merchants to be proactive in developing and enhancing their own businesses, and the Village officials should be willing to work with them to facilitate the improvements. 

He believes the Village should, on an informal basis, bring together strong community voices who can assist developers with their projects, and help communicate their ideas to the public. 

We spoke about eminent domain for a while, and generally speaking, Fehring is against the use of eminent domain except as a last resort, if a land owner was allowing a property to go unused for a protracted period of time, or when a single hold-out is preventing a desirable project from moving forward.  

As for the demolition of residences, or tear-downs, Fehring believes the historic preservation committee and architectural review boards have gotten the regulations "about right" although he noted that there remains opportunities to strengthen them.  While around 150 homes would qualify to be on the Village historic register, he believes that property owners should have rights to improve their buildings as they see fit, as long as it is not disproportionate to the neighborhood and has proper mass and scale and is sensitive to historic and architectural features.

As for my pet issue, night-time Trick or Treating, Fehring believes WFB should encourage the use of Neighborhood Associations, like Wauwatosa does.  Neighborhood Associations can do many communal events that bring the smaller areas together, including night-time Halloween celebrations.

Tom had a ton of things to say and I've tried my best to summarize our conversation.  I appreciate the time he took with me.  I will try to follow up with all the candidates later in the election cycle.

The Winter 2007 "Bay Leaves" arrived in the mail today.  Looks like it's a bit late, as there are a number of announcements meant for December.

But the bigger story was the front page "Greetings from the Village President" by Katie Pritchard.   Usually, Pritchard writes a quality, professional missive full of news items without histrionics.  Not this quarter.

"Kudos to the many of you who took the time to determine the facts before responding to the rumors about CVS.  The fact is that while CVS did look at a site on .. Silver Spring .. the Village has not received an application .. that would be required .. to proceed."

Umm. How are you supposed to interpret that?   Pritchard identifies two types of people who are interested in the issue.  Those that have the facts, kudos to them, and those who do not, who, to put it kindly, get no kudos.

And then there was:

"Unfortunately, some people were similarly misled when they were told that Village ordinances discourage restaurants on Silver Spring... I commend those of you who took the time to consult the website or contact our Village Manager to verify the facts in these situations and encourage all of you to consider the importance of sound information in good government decision making."

Hey, you know what would have been a better response here, instead of criticizing those who weren't as informed?  How about informing them?    While WFB did have some bits of information on this subject on the village website, they have since been removed. 

At worst, however, what Pritchard should have taken away from this is that there is a lack of accurate information floating around the Village, and instead of complaining about the complainers, get on your horse, get a newsletter out, call a press conference, post a lengthy explanation on the website of what's happening, what the rules are, in short: COMMUNICATE!

Honestly, I'm flabbergasted with this very public poke in the eye to a segment of Village residents.  Pritchard's jibes sounded like that first draft you write from your gut, including impolite things you want to say, but edit out in future drafts because you realize how unprofessional it sounds.

And for the record, I'm not insulted.  Besides voicing my opposition to the possibility of CVS moving in, I went to the Village Board meeting where the Manager discussed the CVS situation, and WROTE about it here, sharing the information.  -- I know people who've claimed WFB officially discourages restaurants and liquor licenses, but I have reserved judgment due to lack of facts, as I've personally never read that it has occurred.

I can imagine Pritchard's frustration, but there's an antidote to ignorance.  Truth be told, the information flow in the Village is very weak.  With shallow news coverage and, let's face it, a terrible village website, sidewalk chatter fills the void.

That should be WFB's New Year's Resolution:  Better communication.  If the newspapers won't do it, then updates should be plentiful on WFB's website.   Minutes of official meetings should be posted quickly, not two months after the fact.  When an issue, like Silver Spring or CVS comes up, a bulletin should be posted with all the relevant information and frequently asked questions.  That's how you combat public ignorance. 

Or how about .. start a blog!  Imagine what a few paragraphs each week from the Village President or Manager would do for information flow and community dialog!