Nonprofit group Common Ground calls for increased safety on Milwaukee’s south side, fair rent
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The nonprofit, non-partisan group Common Ground held an event announcing two new campaigns encouraging safety and renters' rights at American Serb Hall on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Leaders with the organization spoke in front of a crowd with more than 800 people. Speakers shared stories of violence they’ve experienced in the area.
“I used to live on 14th and Roger,” said José González, a St. Hyacinth parishioner. “We moved after five gunshots from the drug house across the street went through our porch, two walls, and entered my 11-year-old son’s room. I’ve never felt so powerless and scared as a father.”
“I stand in my front yard and I can actually hear bullets on one side of the street and bullets on the other side of the street,” said Stephanie Newsom of Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church.
Common Ground leaders say they asked public officials to attend their gathering. City Attorney Evan Goyke and Common Council President José were just a couple of those who came to hear from residents in the area.
“Clearly the quality of life of many southsiders isn’t where it needs to be,” Pérez said. “You have my steadfast commitment to call out our injustice when it occurs and to be a partner with you in demanding better service.”
Common Ground leaders said they invited Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, who was not at the event on Sunday. Speakers said they want to meet with the Milwaukee Police Department or MPD to talk about improving policing strategies in the area to help reduce crime.
"We don’t want to turn around and see an officer and think 'should we run or go the other way'," said Ruben Rosalez of Common Ground. "It should be welcoming them in, they should feel part of the neighborhood, part of the community.”
“We want to work with MPD leadership,” said Gabriela Diéguez of Common Ground, adding that group members will meet with Chief Norman in January. “We appreciate the positive first meeting we had with District 2 Police Captain Erin Mejia. We have a second meeting in December. And we look forward to sitting down with Captain Lietzke in November.”
CBS 58 reached out to the Milwaukee Police Department about the four-month delay in a meeting with Common Ground. Our team has not heard back as of Sunday evening.
District 6 Captain Timothy Lietzke was in attendance Sunday evening.
Holding corporate landlords in Milwaukee accountable
On Sunday, Common Ground announced a second campaign, with Tenants United, to organize tenants in three Section 8 properties owned by Related Companies in Milwaukee.
Related Companies is a New York City-based private equity firm founded by Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins.
Some people who previously lived in those three buildings owned by Related Companies in Milwaukee spoke at Sunday’s gathering, citing poor living conditions and issues with management.
“I just moved out because I wasn’t willing to be cold again this winter,” said Gloria Gant, a former tenant at a Related Companies building on State St. “It’s terrible. Mold. Busted plumbing. Abusive management. It feels like a prison. It didn’t used to be that way. Only since Related came. I had to leave.”
"Landlords should be held accountable for the environment that they have tenants living in," Newsome said.
Common Ground says they’ve asked Related Companies Regional Manager Cathrine Boerschinger to meet in November and she agreed.
You can read more about Common Ground’s work here.