Fate of I-794 continues to spark controversy and mixed reviews
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The fate of I-794 continues to spark controversy.
Just last week, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced his support for the current interstate spur to stay and be improved upon, and now a few city leaders are opposing that suggestion.
"I prefer an option that will improve the existing roadway, so that means maintaining the elevated portion of 794," said Mayor Johnson.
Mayor Johnson's stance on future plans for I-794 is causing Milwaukee alders to speak out.
"I was disappointed to see the mayor come out in favor of pretty much keeping the status quo," said District 3 Alderman Alex Brower.
Brower is one of three alders speaking out against the mayor's hopes that the existing interstate be improved upon, with the number or ramps shrinking and the elevated freeway staying.
"We want the city of Milwaukee to be interconnected," said Ald. Brower. "You know, highways serve more to divide people than to bring them together frankly, and you know, that highway never should’ve been built."
Alderman Brower says they want to see 794's stretch between the Marquette Interchange and Lake Interchange removed and replaced with ground-level streets.
"People need to walk around, they need to go to local businesses," said Ald. Brower. "They need to- instead of just like zooming through the city at 70 miles an hour, we should be having a walkable, safe area where there’s more housing and more businesses."
Rethink 794, a community led group, agrees. They say a street-level boulevard would reconnect the community and bring environmental and economic benefits with it.
"We see housing here," said Raphie Torralba, with Rethink 794. "We see a reconnected grid and reconnected communities. You can kind of see behind me, this is the space between two neighborhoods, so it does feel a little bit disconnected, and we want it to be a place for us to feel like we belong here and can navigate this area and spend time here."
Meanwhile, Mayor Johnson says the street level plan would cause economic and traffic concerns, saying the cost to local taxpayers if the elevated portion is removed is still a big unknown.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to WisDOT, who is expected to pick a plan within the next year.