From:	Jared Eckes <jaredeckes@gmail.com>
Sent:	Monday, October 6, 2025 5:18 PM
To:	Ellzey, Dameon; Stamper II, Russell
Cc:	DNSGeneral; Elmer, Linda
Subject:	Vacant Building Registration fee, 2414 W Brown St Milwaukee

Hello alderman Stamper,
I am the property owner of 2414 W Brown Street. I got a letter in the mail that I owe the city a 
fee for owning a vacant building in the city of Milwaukee. The property was vacantv when I 
bought it and was in distress. I have renovated the property and it is no longer an eye sore. Some 
examples are new roof, facia, soffit, gutters, windows and doors. I also cleaned up the property 
landscaping.

My work doesn't stop at my property. I have helped my neighbors fix their cars and lawn 
mowers. I have borrowed my lawn mower and tools to the neighbors. I have done some free 
landscaping work for some of my elderly neighbors. I have maintaining the city owned lot next 
to my property in terms of mowing the lot, cleaning up the vines around the tree, picking up all 
the garbage on a weekly basis from the city lot, and raking up the leafs off the city lot. I also 
have been cleaning up the leafs off the side walk and street of the entire block on my side of the 
street.

The City of Milwaukee department of neighborhood services has charged me with two counts of 
not registering a vacant building. I provided documentation proving that the property was not 
vacant during one of the periods and is currently not vacant. The city of Milwaukee is still fining 
me for the first 6 month period. 

I appealed the fines and went to the board meeting. During the board meeting the department of 
neighborhood services extended "leniency" to everyone who requested it except me. The DNS 
said they already provided leniency by waiving the second count and I was not given an 
opportunity to speak after that was said. The second count was not valid, I proved the building 
was occupied during the second account. It was not waived, I proved it was not valid. As well 
there was a person before me that had multiple charges as well and the DNS waived one of his 
charges and still offered him leniency.

I have the same goal as the city, to make Milwaukee a clean safe and desirable place to live work 
and play. I did not know that is was an offense to own a vacant building. I bought the building in 
that condition. The building is no longer vacant. As previously stated, everyone who requested 
leniency was granted leniency, except me. I have no other code violations. I'm requesting the 
DNS reconsider my request for leniency.