Number
160339
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. KOVAC AND BOHL
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning, from Parks to Institutional, of lands located south of West Hampton Avenue and east of North Port Washington Road (6th Aldermanic District).
Analysis
This ordinance changes the zoning of lands located south of West Hampton Avenue and east of North Port Washington Road from Parks (PK) to Institutional (TL).
Body
Whereas, The Estabrook Dam on the Milwaukee River has been in decline and has developed major structural issues due to years of neglect; and
Whereas, The dam is a crumbling "public nuisance" that hasn't operated since a 2008 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources order to shut it down; and
Whereas, Industrial pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, have been accumulating near the dam for decades, mostly from industrial sources upstream in the Lincoln Creek watershed; and
Whereas, There is no viable reason to maintain the dam and keep it permanently open as the short-term repair costs and long-term maintenance costs of that scenario would far exceed removal costs; and
Whereas, The dam removal alternative means the complete removal of the dam, including the gated control structure and fixed crest spillway, and the creation of a free-flow condition; and
Whereas, Removing the dam and restoring free-flow conditions would allow for unimpeded passage of boats, fish and aquatic invertebrates, yield the greatest positive impacts on river ecology, flood management, water quality, sediment management, fish and aquatic life, terrestrial wildlife and recreation, would support natural wetland hydrology, and may result in a net gain of wetland acreage; and
Whereas, The ecological health created by a free-flowing river offers greater long-term value than maintaining the present water body behind the dam; and
Whereas, On May 12, 2016, the City of Milwaukee passed resolution number 141707 expressing the...
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