Condo owner upset about bridge noise, alderman proposes extended restriction hours

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Possible changes to city regulations for bridge openings is rocking the boat, so to speak.

Living and working on the waterfront for several years, Kelly Condon still isn’t used to the sound of bells going off every time the bridge at Wells Street goes up to let a boat through.

“Last summer the Wells Street Bridge went up 55 times from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the summertime,” Condon told CBS 58.

She brought her concerns to the city and now the Public Works Committee is considering extending restrictions on boat traffic.

Currently, bridge opening restrictions last for one hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. but a new proposal would extend the restricted hours for three hours between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Brent Holmes with the McKinley Boat Owners Association says it isn’t fair that he wouldn’t be able to enjoy the use of his boat for those hours. What’s more, he says it will hurt local businesses.

“Boats come up here and they dock and they drink and they eat and they enjoy what they do all the time and if they can’t do that it’s going to be difficult for some of these businesses,” said Holmes.

Kelly Condon says she just wants to find a quieter and fair middle-ground.

“I would like to see everybody work and live in Milwaukee and that includes the Milwaukee boaters.

The issue is expected to be discussed on Wednesday, April 25 at a meeting of the Public Works Committee.