I respectfully urge you to oppose substitute ordinance #060705 for the following reasons:

A minimum of 38 objection letters (47 at file #060575) indicates that the neighborhood has serious concerns about the GPD zoning the selling of the municipal parking lot on Downer Avenue.
Over 1000 signatures on a petition opposing an eleven story development in a residential neighborhood, currently zoned for buildings no more than 60 feet, indicates that a serious number of people living in the area have valid concerns.
Two neighborhood associations (Murray Hill and Cambridge Woods) outright oppose the New Land Enterprises master plan for Downer Avenue.
A third neighborhood association (Water Tower Land Trust) requests that the Historic Preservation Commission review the plan before further action is taken (February 2007 meeting) and also requests that a minimum 10 foot green buffer separate any construction on the municipal parking lot from homes located in the adjoining historic neighborhood.

From WTLT January 3, 2007 minutes:

While the changes contemplated in the Plan fall outside of WTLT’s boundaries, the proposed bank building on the parking lot at Belleview and Downer abuts homes within our boundaries.

Motion: Adrienne Houck moved, second by Lloyd Dickenson

Water Tower Landmark Trust supports, via a deed restriction or other appropriate mechanism, a permanent green space buffer of reasonable width (but in no event less than than 10 feet), between the lot line of 2623 E. Belleview and the proposed building at the corner of Belleview and Downer.

Vote: Approved unanimously

Legislative File ID #000424 resolves to designate North Downer Avenue between East Webster and East Park Places as an Historic District (Historic Preservation Commission).
The GPD is too general in that the structural feasibility is yet to be determined (Business Journal article February 16, 2007).
The condo market in Milwaukee is becoming saturated. The Lafayette Towers project has begun construction with approximately 25% advance sales, when 50% is the usual required for financing. It seems there has been no due diligence regarding impact or feasibility.
Developments (Kenilworth & Sterling) in adjoining neighborhoods have left large street-level retail spaces vacant for many months, contributing to a sense of deterioration in the area.
Wisconsin State Statute 295-907(c) states that a DPD should “encourage development compatible with its surroundings and consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.” An 11 story condo is not compatible, nor is a parking ramp. Furthermore, the city is in the process of developing a North East plan. This spot zoning seriously undermines that effort.