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| | 1. | | Roll Call
Minutes note: Meeting convened at 9:03 am
Ramandeep Kaur left at 10:00 am
Rupinder Sandhawalia left at 10:15 am | | | |
Roll call
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| | 2. | | Review and approval of the minutes of the April 1, 2026 meeting.
Minutes note: Member Rupinder Sandhawalia moved approval of the meeting minutes seconded by member John Erdmann. There were no objections | | | |
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| | | | Old Business | | | |
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| | 3. | | Discussion and possible vote on reschedule application Christina Cunningham for A Nurturing Home Away From Home at 8225B N 107th St
Minutes note: Appeared Christina Cunningham- stated she was joined by legal counsel (William Sulton, Sulton Law Firm),
Christina said she addressed issues shown in received photos by making corrections at the facility.
She explained missing floor tiles were related to grease-trap work; tiles had been removed and she forgot to replace two, then replaced more than just the two.
She cleaned and organized a back room described as a storage area where residents are not allowed.
She assembled/put together newer outdoor furniture intended for summer use, in response to feedback that furniture looked worn.
She noted she did not have enough time to get her landlord on the call as previously requested.
She said a resident who could speak for himself declined to provide a statement, stating he has been there since 2019 and would not stay if he had a problem.
The committee asked whether the landlord was making efforts to update/change the building.
Dr. Brookshire asked about resident satisfaction surveys that had been discussed previously. Christina said she could not require residents to participate and reiterated the resident’s verbal reassurance.
Member
Ms. Upshaw emphasized the committee’s intent is to support businesses while holding them to district expectations, especially when serving elderly/fragile individuals. She stressed professionalism, staff accountability, and having policies/expectations so cleanliness and maintenance issues don’t recur.
Christina expressed feeling singled out and objected to the photos/approach, saying she believed support was offered during the visit but then negative items were presented to the committee.
Alderwoman Taylor stated she supports businesses in the district but expects high standards of service, she noted the photos showed items that needed correction.
Alderwoman Taylor stated corrections should not have required an external prompt and reiterated she wants Christina to succeed.
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 4/2
John Erdmann-No
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-No
Natasha Upshaw-Aye
Ramandeep Kaur-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Aye
Ivory Britton-Aye
Approved with expectation/condition that efforts continue; suggested a follow-up in about a year (either returning to the committee or a facility visit by Alderwoman Taylor).
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| | 4. | | Discussion and possible vote on reschedule application Mary Akande for Authentic Nigerian Food and Catering at 8704 W Brown Deer Rd (application reschedule unfinished business)
Minutes note: Appeared Mary Akande (Authentic Nigerian Food and Catering) joined to address concerns around property maintenance, signage, and parking.
Appeared Catherine Okoro joined the call to clarify landlord vs.tenant responsibilities.
Catherine stated the business is located in a plaza shared with another building, and she also operates a business in the same plaza.
The landlord has a contract with Waste Management for waste disposal, with a trash can located outside the building.
The landlord has a management team responsible for caring for the compound/plaza.
Catherine confirmed maintenance of the plaza/building is fully the landlord’s responsibility; the tenant has no responsibility for property maintenance.
Mary stated her landlady is on the call and that a letter confirming additional parking was sent to Yadira and forwarded to Carmen.
Carmen confirmed the parking/landlord letter was included in the emailed package.
Ramadeep asked whether there is a written lease agreement outlining tenant vs. owner duties (beyond the parking agreement).
Mary and Catherine confirmed there is a written agreement covering responsibilities.
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 3/2
John Erdmann-Abstain
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-No
Natasha Upshaw-Abstain
Ramandeep Kaur-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Aye
Ivory Britton-No
Application Approved - Ensure all committee members have the full documentation package (including the landlord/parking letter and relevant written agreements).
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| | | | New Business | | | |
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| | 5. | | Discussion and possible vote on new application Olonda Delarosa for The Growing Zone, LLC 5225 W Mill Rd
Minutes note: Appeared Olonda Delarosa
Ms. Olonda Delarosa shared her background in childcare since 2007, and as a mother/grandmother, emphasizing trust, safety, and child development as her motivation to open a center.
Proposed licensed group childcare center in Milwaukee with capacity up to 35 children. Ages served 4 weeks to 13 years old. Hours of operation 5:30 PM to midnight.
Program approach: play based learning plus structured educational activities supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Compliance plan: meet Wisconsin Department of Children and Families requirements (licensing/inspections, background checks, staff-to-child ratios, CPR/first aid, health/safety regulations).
Ms. Delarosa goal is to obtain licensing and open within 3 months, reach 70% enrollment within first 3 months and reach full capacity within 6 to 9 months. Maintain parent satisfaction/retention and possibly expand capacity/services.
Ms. Olonda stated there is a front parking lot for safe drop-off at the front door, plus a side driveway (Mill Rd to Woodward) with side-door access to reduce exposure to traffic.
Committee members questions focused on how many staff would be in place and how staffing scales with enrollment.
Ms. Olonda emphasized that enrollment is accepted according to staffing (ensuring sufficient staff before accepting children), rather than accepting children first.
Natahsa encouraged Olanda to participate in childcare support organizations (WECA/NAEYC) to stay informed and compliant.
Playground safety and proximity to Mill Road were discussed.
Member Erdmann was concerned about a temporary orange fence.
Ms.Olonda clarified the temporary orange fence was for personal reasons related to her family living upstairs and preventing balls from going into the street, and could be removed.
Committee confirmed the state reviews/approves playground suitability. Ms. Olonda stated children play area is fence. Natasha noted fencing is a plus, especially on Mill Road.
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 6/6
John Erdmann-Abstain
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-Aye
Natasha Upshaw-Aye
Ramandeep Kaur-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Aye
Ivory Britton-Aye
Natasha stated she plans to stop by/visit and check in on new childcares opening in the district.
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| | 6. | | Discussion and possible vote on new application Cassandra Holley for Dreamland Childcare at 9171 N. 76th
Minutes note: Appeared Cassandra Holley
Dreamland Childcare has been in business since 1987, with the current location operating since 2015 after relocating from Teutonia Ave & Florist Ave (where they were for 28 years).
Ms. Holley noted that the District 9 renewal process/procedure is different now, and she is seeking committee approval to proceed.
Dreamland Childcare serves children ages 4 weeks to 14 years.
Hours of operation are 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Staffing is currently 8 staff members due to enrollment; Cassandra said they are fully staffed for current needs and have applicants and substitutes available.
Hiring plan: as enrollment increases, they will hire ahead of children starting; typically children start on the 1st of the month, allowing time to orient new staff if enrollment occurs mid-month.
Ms. Holley said Dreamland has organically specialized in supporting single parents, particularly single mothers, motivated by her own experience as a teenage mom struggling to find childcare while in nursing school.
She described providing resources and mentorship to help single parents sustain their households and raise children.
Member Natasha Upshaw offered strong personal endorsement, crediting Cassandra’s mentorship and operational example as a model for her own childcare centers.
Member Rupinder Sandhawalia highlighted the thoroughness of Cassandra’s application materials (insurance documents, lease, business plan, staffing model) and suggested it could be used as a model for other businesses.
Cassandra agreed and offered to make herself available for trainings.
Dr. Terry offered congratulations on Cassandra being cancer-free and thanked her for continued community work.
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The committee conducted an official vote and unanimous approved Cassandra’s renewal.
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 7/7
John Erdmann-Aye
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-Aye
Natasha Upshaw-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Aye
Ramandeep Kaur
Ivory Britton-Aye
The committee indicated they will send confirmation to the Board of Zoning so Cassandra can be scheduled for a hearing.
Cassandra invited the Alderwoman to contact her anytime to coordinate support for upcoming applicants who may need assistance. | | | |
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| | 7. | | Discussion and possible vote on new application Jalisa Rodgers for Xquisite Xperience at 7937 N 76th St.
Minutes note: Jalisa Rogers introduced herself as owner of Xquisite Xperience
This is her first salon; she currently sells hair extensions and is expanding into a salon business.
Intent is to bring a professional, welcoming business to the district that the community can feel proud to support. The salon will operate as a professional beauty salon offering semi-private booth suites for beauty professionals (hairstylists, braiders and makeup artists).
Her goal is a clean, structured, up-skill-oriented environment where professionals operate independently while clients still get a comfortable, welcoming “salon” experience.
Security measure noted: 24/7 camera monitoring to help maintain a safe and secure space.
Differentiator is the layout: not an open-floor salon, but also not fully private suites; individual booths allow personalization without the cost burden of owning a full salon or private suite.
Committee discussed the building’s location (across from the bank on 76th, near Bradley Rd.) and noted it appears well-maintained.
Jalisa confirmed she will manage the business (not work as a stylist) and has not previously managed a salon/business.
Committee encouraged her to pursue business/management courses or seminars.
Operational details clarified: approximately 1,400 sq. ft.; seven booths; seven individuals working there; no other retail sellers besides Jalisa potentially selling her own hair extensions.
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The committee conducted an official vote and approved.
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 6/6
John Erdmann-Aye
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-Aye
Natasha Upshaw-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Aye
Ramandeep Kaur-Exused
Ivory Britton-Aye
Jalisa to research and enroll in business/management courses or seminars to prepare for salon operations and management.
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| | 8. | | Discussion and possible vote on new application Brittany Jones for ASE Venue at 9175 N 76th St.
Minutes note: Brittany Jones presented ASE Venue, a professionally managed event space.
Intended use: safe, structured, welcoming space for small to mid-size gatherings (baby showers, birthday parties, graduations, community events).
Venue model: pre-booked events only; no walk-ins; not a late-night entertainment venue.
Market focus: steering toward older adults and businesses for classes, workshops, micro weddings and receptions (Brittany is an ordained minister).
Ms. Jones stated she will not apply for a alcohol license, no alcohol allowed.
Proposed hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
No food service or on-site cooking; clients may bring in already cooked food (no stove for prep).
Youth restrictions: no teen or unsupervised youth events; Brittany specified no events for ages 13–18.
Interior and exterior surveillance cameras.
Security: contracted security for events over 50 guests.
Booking controls: ID required for the booking party; final guest count required before events to manage entry/exit.
Screening process: prospective clients must meet in person; Brittany uses a structured script to probe event details and will refuse business if the event appears to be teen/young adult-focused (shared example of
declining a 19-year-old birthday event).
Loitering policy: strict rules tied to deposits; consequences if guests loiter outside, play loud music in cars, or smoke in undesignated areas.
Community intent: explicitly aiming to avoid issues seen at other event spaces (safety concerns including gun violence) and support positive community celebrations.
Committee concern: district is saturated with event spaces; members raised concerns about teen/young adult parties and prior incidents at other venues.
Location clarification: space is in a strip mall near where a sporting goods store used to be; the former sporting goods space is now a furniture warehouse (not the venue).
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The committee conducted an official vote and approved with contingency of no teen parties/young adult parties.
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 5/6
John Erdmann-No
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-Aye
Natasha Upshaw-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Aye
Ramandeep Kaur-Exused
Ivory Britton-Aye | | | |
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| | 9. | | Discussion and possible vote on new application John Tucker for Accudrive LLC at 7800 W Brown Deer Rd.
Minutes note: John Tucker described a small-volume used car dealership built around internet sales rather than walk-in traffic. Model emphasizes strong digital listings (including 360° vehicle tours), home delivery options, and targeting online shoppers seeking low prices.
Planned inventory is intentionally small (generally ~3–5 cars at a time; not expecting more than 5–6).
John confirmed it would be solely operated by him with no subleasing, noting subleasing can create accountability/maintenance issues.
Question raised about legal limits for number of cars on-site; committee members were unsure but John indicated the lot has much larger capacity (40–50 spaces) though he would keep only a few vehicles for sale.
Committee raised concern about traffic/parking conflict with Ross Employment Services (W-2 office) in the same area.
John explained his vehicle area is separate: a fenced lot with a different entrance (Ross enters from the south off Brown Deer Road; John’s access is from the north near the old Northridge/Menards side).
John stated he had a certificate of occupancy issued 2/10 by the Department of Neighborhood Services; permit listed under AcuDrive LLC for a “Light motor vehicle sales facility.”
Committee discussed that a City of Milwaukee secondhand dealer license process includes fingerprinting/background checks and is required to operate.
Clarification later indicated John did submit and pay for a “Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealer License Application,” which is why he was before the committee; the license had not yet been issued pending License Committee review.
Members emphasized preventing the site from becoming an eyesore (no “hoods up,” parts scattered, or excess vehicles); John agreed and shared he also dislikes accumulating inactive vehicles.
Chair motion a roll call vote:
The committee conducted an official vote and approved.
The motion PREVAILED. Approval by the following vote: 5/5
John Erdmann-Aye
Cyndee Chatham-Aye
Terri Brookshire-Aye
Natasha Upshaw-Aye
Rupinder Sandhawalia-Excused
Ramandeep Kaur-Excused
Ivory Britton-Aye
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251073
| 0 | | Communication | Communication relating to the 2026 activities of the Granville-Havenwoods Advisory Council. | | | |
Action details
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| | | | Meeting Adjourned at 10:40 am
Carmen O. Roman
Staff Assistant | | | |
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