The Brookfield Scene

A reader’s recent comments about properties along the west end of the Bluemound Corridor prompted me to contact Rick Czopp, administrator for the town of Brookfield. Here’s his perspective.

“Developments occur amid a sea of change. Any snapshot in time is bound to contain contrasts, even sharp contrasts that disagree with a community’s vision. Old gas stations, motels, miniature golf courses or strip malls exist for decades are relics that simply disappear with the advent of new development.

Even with the power of a TIF, it took decades for some of the old developments in the City to be revitalized. The city has created a 20 year Tax Increment Finance district for the Brookfield Square area. But is this good for the city taxpayer? We will only know the answer in 10 or 20 years to see if this has created tax relief for the average tax payer. The town does not TIF and we still are enjoying dramatic tax base increase. In fact our value as a town is over one billion dollars.

Redevelopment continually updates the town’s property values and creates new and exciting opportunities. The Majestic Cinema, once a long-vacant industrial site, is now an entertainment destination.

Interest in the redevelopment of older properties remains high. The town has a tremendous opportunity in the redevelopment of the Menards and West Point Cinema sites. The town is working on a long-range master plan for this area and it expects development which will enhance the town and create stable tax base for years to come.”

A reader wrote last week and told me how biased my blog was. Evidently she doesn’t appreciate the Town of Brookfield – or its residents.

I do like small government. Small government is more responsive (in my view) than large government. The town’s taxes are lower than the city’s. The town’s paramedics were trained by the city – and, I believe, are equally skilled.

The town has just over 6,000 residents and it hosts small-town events. The city has 40,000 residents and it hosts larger events.

Yes, I live in the Town of Brookfield. Last year, I accepted one reader’s challenge to stay in the town. I tried. I failed. The city surrounds most of the town.

Just think of the economic impact I have on the city.

Please share your thoughts with me at JW-BLOG@wi.rr.com.

Have you ever noticed that when a squad car is on the highway traffic slows down and follows the example?

Well, you can make a difference. The next time you are driving observe the speed limit. Check your rear view mirror. You have become the “pace car” for all the cars behind you.

This holds true whether the speed limit is 15 mph or 60 mph.

You can make a difference.

The City of Brookfield is determined to widen Calhoun Road between Bluemound and Greenfield Avenue. Right of way is being acquired along the east side of the road. The Ruby Farms barns on this side will be bulldozed to accommodate the four-lane road way and its sidewalks.

The city reportedly has had long-standing plans to widen Calhoun Road. The width of the new road, though, exceeds the design the city put forth in its much feted 2020 Master Plan. Once the road is done, Calhoun will be four lanes – between Greenfield and just north of North Ave.

So what about the rest of Calhoun Road? Well, the road narrows to two-lanes from just North of North Ave. to the city's northern boundaries. And it narrows to two-lanes just South of Greenfield Ave. in New Berlin. The City of New Berlin is postponing its own widening Calhoun Road.

Does the City of Brookfield always have to be an over-achiever?

The fate of the Ruby Farms’ buildings on the west side of the Calhoun Road is unknown. They are part of an 80 acre parcel now owned by VK Development. Apparently, the city is somewhat interested in retaining the community’s history. Higher density development will be allowed on the site if VK retains some of the Ruby Farm buildings.

Plans for the 80 acre development have not been shared publicly. There has been discussion of commercial, residential and multi-family development. The apparent need for further development on/near Bluemound Road is driven by the city’s quest for tax dollars.

The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel publishes crime reports in the local paper on Thursdays. A look at the map shows that much “action” occurs at Brookfield Square and nearby hotels. Have you ever wondered how many tax dollars are consumed by police and fire department services that commercial development requires?

Considering the costs and benefits, does commercialization pay?

The Elmbrook Historical Society will have a new exhibit at the Dousman Stagecoach Inn in Brookfield starting August 5. The “Children’s Antique Toys” display is being curated by Marion Bruhn. It features toys from the 1900s to 1950.

Both boys and girls will enjoy seeing the simple toys that children treasured years ago. The child’s play exhibit is sure to bring joy to parents and grandparents as they reminisce about their childhood days.

The treasure chest of toys will be found within a treasure of its own – the Greek Revival Inn that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1843 Inn has been fully restored to its stagecoach days when people traveling between Milwaukee and Watertown stayed overnight.

The Dousman Stagecoach Inn is open for public guided tours on the 1st and third Sundays of the month, from 1 to 4 p.m. It is located at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway (between Bluemound and Gebhardt Roads). Admission is $4 Adults, $3 Seniors (60 plus), $1 Children and $10 Families. Private group tours are available on request, and box lunches are optional.

Please call the Elmbrook Historical Society (262 782 4057) if you would like to share pre-1950 toys for this exhibit.