15th Annual Avenues West Association Awards Luncheon

The Fifteenth Annual Avenues West Association Awards Luncheon was a wondorous event. A silent auction, guest speaker and award ceremony made up the 90 minute event held at the Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union.

Gift baskets from the Ambassador Hotel, WISN and other local entities filled over four (4) tables. Featured speaker Frank Busalacchi, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation focused on transportation highlights like the recent announcement of the $800 million project for train service to and from Milwaukee and Madison.

A community investment award was given to ASB Capital Management for the 2040 Lofts. An impact award was given to Marquette University accepted by Father Robert A. Wild. A special recongition award was given to Joseph J. Zilber (posthumous honor).

Construction Season for SOHI

It is construction season and the SOHI District and surrounding neighborhoods are seeing the effects. Here is a list of sites that DPW will be tackling this summer in a project to replace sewer mains that are over 100 years old. The majority of these sites will take two to three weeks unless noted.

Site #1: 25th & Michigan

Site #2: 27th Street (State to St. Paul) 4 weeks in total

Site #3: Clybourn (26th to 30th)

Site #4: Michigan (24th to 27th)

Site #5: St. Paul (27th to 28th)

Completion date for all projects is August 31st, for a total of 90 days. If you have any questions on this or other work going on in the area, please feel free to give me a call at (414) 933-9007.

Why Should You Attend the Crime Analysis Meeting?

The SOHI District has experienced one of the best relationships with the Milwaukee Police Department. We have great beat officers, community liaison officers and a great district.

So why should we as a community attend the monthly crime analysis meetings? There are many reasons to do so, here are a few:

Reason #1: Strengthen Relationships

It is a great feeling to know your local police by name. You get a sense of community and respect from knowing the men and women in blue. They know you support them and they support you.

Reason #2: Information

To know what is happening in your distict and how the police are responding is so important. At the crime analysis meetings you get the opportunity to get and share information about trends and initiatives.

Reason #3: Crime Prevention

Whether you are a business or property preventing crime is important to us all. Attending the crime analysis meetings is an opportunity to gain insight and get up-to-date on the latest crime prevention techniques.

Listen to Ricky's owner Don on how is has benefitted from attending these meetings, http://www.youtube.com/user/SOHIMKE#p/u/7/1FDPkL6BMfE

Reason #4: Socialize

Do you know your neighbors? Prior and after the meeting is a great time to catch up with your neighbors and find out what is happening in your community.

3 Important Steps for Gas Stations In Milwaukee

There are many ways for gas stations to do a better job in the City of Milwaukee. Although many will not make change unless they are in front of a license committee, I hope small yet significant changes are not overlooked by concerned station owners and residents.

Step #1: Increase Trash Cans

Gas stations are selling an increasing volume of soda, beer, liquor and chips however do not increase the number of trash cans on their lot. The number of trash cans should be directly related to sells volume and/or space dedicated to the sell of food and snacks.

Step #2: Install Professional Signage

Many gas stations are open passed 12:00 a.m. and when taverns and clubs close, music can be heard throughout many resident neighborhoods. There is also loitering, panhandling and littering. Gas stations should have signs posted for these major offenses if they are a problem.

Step #3: Maintain Landscaping

All throughout Milwaukee are once beautiful gas stations that installed a beautiful landscaped lawn that has not been appropriately maintained. Broken fencing on masonry and faux iron metal fences, uncut grass, weeds in cracks are just some of the problems. I have yet to see a gas station in the city maintain their once beautiful landscaping beyond the ribbon cutting ceremony.

'SOHI District May 2010'

'SOHI District May 2010'

Art in Empty Spaces

On last month I had the opportunity to visit a really cool and yes mobile art gallery housed in several empty storefront spaces in the Pabst Brewery Development Site near 10th & Highland.

Funky art exhibits with music, energetic young artist and bewilder older folks like myself created an eastside vibe.


I met with one of the creators of this event and founders of the Parachute Project, Makeal Fammini to discuss this event and the possibility of the SOHI District getting a Parachute project on 27th Street. Check out the video on YouTube.

Makeal was very much excited about the possibility of a partnership. It is the goal of her organization to have 3 more mobile exhibits this summer. Hopefully, the SOHI District is next.

The coolest part about the Parachute project was the diversity of art on exhibit. From poetry reading to music and video. All the artist were really accessible and friendly and there were plenty of people.

I look forward to working with Makeal to bring this to the SOHI District, maybe even a partnership with one of our local neighorhood groups like HCNI for the home tour?

Top Five Ways to Improve Your Business

So you have a business in the City of Milwaukee that is based on customers coming in the door, sometimes called pedistrian traffic. Here are some ways you can improve that traffic specifically if you are in a commercial corridor.

1. Keep it Clean

Try to keep your establishment clean. If you have to, add additional trash cans where possible. Have regular cleaning schedule. Keep a subtle fragrance in the air. Don't forget the bathroom.

2. Maintain the facade and entrance

Patrons and passerbyers will always see the facade and entrance first. This is your first impression. Clean windows, fresh paint and professional signage is important. Masonry, lighting and awnings are just important.

3. Get Involved

Attend meetings when possible and participate in events.

4. Know Your Community

If you do not know who the local stakeholders are, you are missing out on very key supporters. Community organizations, alderpersons and other businesses all play a role in community.

5. Keep it Green

Keep the grass cut, remove weeds from the cracks, plant flowers (when possible) and maintain the landscape. Many businesses stop maintaining the lot after the grand opening.

'West Pointe, Tyler Perry and Theft Prevention'

'West Pointe, Tyler Perry and Theft Prevention'

Tyler Perry and the SOHI District

So I'm driving home from work late Tuesday a little bit after 7:00 p.m. Fond du lac Avenue is pretty quite during that time.

However on Tuesday, March 16th something was happening. Hundreds of cars going to see Tyler Perry's play at the US Cellular Arena caught my eye. Specifically seeing these cars in traffic several miles away on Locust and Fond du lac.

So my thoughts wondered on my SOHI District.

The SOHI District has two vacant theaters, the Tower and the State Street, that could possibly hold theatrical space, recital halls, restaurants, ballet and dance centers. Such activity brings art, artists and their following to the district.

Parking maybe a perceived issue however there is plenty at the County City Campus and we have many vacant lots that can be converted to into parking structures.

Security maybe an issue however the district has seen a major decrease in crime, a surveillance program and strong working relationship with the police. There is also perception versus reality which works for the district in that land and property values are depressed allowing savy developers to do their job.

Cost is an issue when it comes to the redevelopment of the two theaters. Estimates for the State Street theater which once housed up to 1200 people has went as a high as $650,000. However you can buy it for $10,000.

Also, the SOHI District would support major funding efforts to assist an established organization.

The Tower Theater at its height held over 1800 people. This beautiful movie palace has beeen mutilated over the years however with the right team and resources could turn back to something beautiful and usable.

Tyler and his world dominating movies, plays and television shows represent (to me) the role that entertainment could possibly play in strengthening the economic engine of many communities including in the City of Milwaukee.

This potential economic engine that has Tyler rubbing elbows for the past few years with some of the richest people in the world could also employ many people from dancers, musicians, actors, stage crews, promoters, etc.

How can the SOHI District tap into this industry? How can we create an environment that encourages and develops such artistry, talent and success? What role does the development, government and community play in making this possible?

It Can Be Done!

Look around the City of Milwaukee and you see them everywhere! Hand painted cartoon characters on windows, brightly colored cheap banners, very large exotic letters and temporary signage that becomes permanent.

I've met with a number of businesses in my life as a main street manager and I have had the opportunity to hear some of the stories.

Many business owners believe that this cheap looking and in bad taste signage speaks to their patrons and adds to their bottom line. I disagree (of course) and believe it becomes a liability to the community and brands the community.

However, some are getting this right in the City of Milwaukee. Which business owners understand that branding starts with good service and/or product, in addition to good signage and clean storefronts.

Here are some of my personal picks in the city. These businesses demonstrate what it means to brand a community with good street presence. It is not just just signage, but a well maintained lot, clean clutter free windows, etc.

Pilgrim Child Development Center on 70th & Center

Now, if I had kids I would consider this place (just judging from the outside). A landscaped parking lot with a clean, warm, inviting facility. The signage is really nice and adds a mark of professionalism. The playground is off in the distance however looks clean and seemed to have been installed by a professional.

Quick Pick Food Mart on 24th and Wisconsin

Now this place is a little closer to home however Quick Pick does an outstanding job keeping the lot clean. Windows are for the most part clutter free. Well at least you can see what is happening from the outside of the building. They have great customer service, wide isles and the signage is not over the top.



Signature Auto Sales 42nd and Fond du lac Avenue


I think there are possibly new owners since this post went live. This is not the best picture however this is the best I can do from my desk. If you can avoid the street merchant and boarded up window you find a really well maintained car dealer in the city. The lot is always maintained professionally. The signage for a car dealer is not that over-the-top. There is a color theme that is maintained throughout the lot. The cars are priced professionally and parked in an orderly manner.


To recap, businesses need to:

• Keep their lots maintained (cut grass, trim shrubs, remove weeds from sidewalks)
• Keep windows clean and clutter free
• Keep signage to a minmum
• Use signage professionals (I have plug for Chad at Innovative Signs - 262-432-1330)
• Avoid box lighting when possible
• Keep a clean entry way
• Keep trash off the lot
• Provide trash cans when possible and empty them
• Add a fresh coat of paint where needed
• Avoid painting brick buildings as much as necessary
• Repair broken fencing, windows, etc. immediately

If you have items to add to the list let me know!

Sisyphus in SOHI!

Greek mythology speaks of a character named Sisyphus who was punished by the devil with a task of pushing a boulder up the hill only to have it come crashing down each day. Can I relate to Sisyphus? Can we all relate to this greek character? I bet we can.

The sisphyean task that is set before us as a community is to improve the large majority of low quality businesses. We work as a community to clean one up and another one moves in! However, let's not get this twisted. This district and community is not and will never be anti-buisness. There are several businesses in the area who cater to very diverse, "thrill seeking" crowds. These businesses have clean, professional signage and well run business operations. Yearly police reports for these business are proof on the quality of their operation.


Building maintenance, signage and security are the main symptons of low quality. Have you driven the SOHI District lately? How about the City of Milwaukee? Look at the type of signage in certain areas. Stores are overflowing with tacky, hand painted, WIC, alcohol, and food signs.

The truth is, no matter how much we meet, discuss and strategize, store owners for the most part do not listen. They are satisfied because (I think) the majority are maybe not from Milwaukee and do not have a vested interest besides "milking" the community. It could also be that the bottomline is more important than a human life.

So the detractors say it can't be done! Look at the Check 'N Go in downtown Milwaukee and compare it to any store in Milwaukee's urban community (see picture to the right).

It can be argued that business owners have to get in the "game" before making major investments. I counter that argument with the majority of my convenience stores in the district. Many have been in the neighborhood for a long time, however, getting them to install a new sign, increase lighting or even hire professional security for a limited amount of time (let's just say) is more than challenging.


The Main Street Milwaukee program, SOHI District and even the Avenues West BID #10 has money set aside that is similar to a matching grant that businesses can take advantage of, however these tools and resources are overlooked by many.


So how can communities get business and property owners to make change?


First, we make a stand for our taxes! Why should our police department act as the security firm for businesses who do not have basic quality business practices.

Second, we assist these businesses on what are basic quality business standards and practices.

• Customer service
• Lighting for day and night
• Digital video surveillance
• Clean stores
• Clutter free windows
• Professional signage
• Well maintained lots and facilities
• Local hires when possible
• Uniforms
• Responsive management
• Community involvement
• Coordination with the Milwaukee Police Department
• Coordination with local alderperson
• Coordination with local community groups and social organizations

This is not rocket science! You start a business to make money, you make money by treating your customers right, and you treat your customers right by being a good neighbor.

The last step and tool communities have is meeting these business owners at City Hall where the things sometime "hit the fan" (who actually came up with that saying?).

Businesses want these licenses for alcohol, tobacco, and 24 hour operation however are not willing to make the necessary improvements to their business plan. A potential, honest and responsible business owner could go long way with a document (1 to 100 pages) that addresses his or her operations. Being able to articulate and address the challenges within any industry (wheter Wall Street or Main Street) is important. The Milwaukee daycare industry got plenty of "heat" over 2009 because of shady business practices. Toyota is dealing with an international mess as it relates to their cars and more specifically their response. Why is Milwaukee overlooking the retail environment?

Maybe we as a community are overlooking the retail environment (the convenience stores, gas stations, etc.) and not holding our businesses and property owners accountable. We continue to patronize these places despite risks to our safety and health. Even death has not stopped many from continuing to go to places that place the dollar above a human life.

So, we are left with the sisyphean task of working with a low quality business that will soon be replaced by another.

Store and Community Branding with Pine Sol?

Recently, I had the opportunity to read an article in SOHO magazine which covers Entrepreneurial Profiles, Social Media and Business. The author goes into unknown territory for many of our urban businesses with themes and terms that include branding and differentiated public presence. These ideas got me thinking about my main street, my community and my shopping experience here in the City of Milwaukee.

How many references to beer and tobacco can you count here at, "Family Super Saver, Inc."?

Getting our main street businesses to address issues such as broken and overcrowded windows, dirty and unmaintained facades and bad operational procedures is one of the most difficult challenges I face as a main street manager. These issues all play into branding not only the store but a community.

Beyond investing a dime in signage and other improvements many of our stores meet you with a smell prior to entering (how much does Pine Sol cost?), dirt and peeling paint (how much does Lysol and a bucket of paint cost?) and staff without a uniform, training in customer service and suspiciously naive command of the English language. It does not cost much to purchase t-shirts, hats or a overcoat for a basic uniform. The language issue is whole another deal.

These operational flaws would be forgiven if these spaces were clean, organized and spacious. However, many corner stores and gas stations are packed with merchandise with adult oriented products like tobacco and porn next to the candy, sodas next to beer and the chips next to the drug parapharnelia.

Beyond the inside many of these stores operate has hangouts for the locals during the warm weather months. I have had the opportunity to see large crowds congregate and grow in size until a fight breaks out. It does not help the situation that many of the onsite staff are not trained to deal with these situations and only know how to deal with people from behind a 2 inch thick plate glass window. For many years I thought that was the norm until I left my community.

This situation is exaggerated by the lack of social responsibility on behalf of these owners. In most neighborhoods in the city, "its make your money and leave". Most owners and/or staff do not attend community meetings, support community initiatives and programs or work to better the surrounding area.

As an African American male in this city I always tried to "buck" the steriod types and dress, speak and carry myself with respect however many businesses whether it is the gas station or corner store could care less about engaging in respectful conversation about their operation and/or neighborhood.

So at this point we could possibly step back and ask why? We could review the history of corner stores in our city. It could be that corner stores have always been this way or that until the clientel change the stores will remain the same.

I would rather look for solutions to deal with this problem rather percieved or real. As a main street manager I work with DNS to identify problems where I can and then work with business and property owners to correct them. I also work to change the mentality of some of my more receptive business owners. I work with MPD to schedule and attend security surveys. This free service encourages owners to deal with many of the issues discussed from a security perspective. For example, most stores will cover their windows with signage and merchandise. For a would be robber this provides great cover at night. Lights, store layouts and good customer service area also great deterents. Many experts agree that good customer service can prevent shoplifting.

DNS, and MPD are not the only agencies involved with assisting businesses in addition to the main street program that many non-profits with funding set-aside for such improvements. Nelson Solar of the MultiCultural Institute was offering a course that covered some of these topics with a grant of $8,000 at the end course. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) works closely with the State Department of Commcerce and they offers several grants for willing and able store owners.

Many of these programs take time and are not quick fixes but work to establish healthier businesses. And that is what we want for our communities long term established businesses that are connected to their local government and neighborhood.

I work each day for a better Milwaukee and I believe in a better Milwaukee. However, it is my desire to continue to work with our businesses both gas station and convient stores to share that vision of a better Milwaukee one store at a time.