The future of the Milwaukee streetcar route is up in the air after the city's alderman held the $52 million expansion plan Tuesday.
The Milwaukee Business Journal says this hold potentially threatens Mayor Tom Barrett's goal of completing one link of the extension before the Democratic National Convention in July 2020.
A group of alderman are leveraging their votes to push for more central city redevelopment programs such as funds to encourage real estate investments and prevent gentrification.
Ald. Russell called for the unanimous committee vote to hold the project.
"Yes, I'm leveraging this support, mainly because my community says if they want $52 million, I need this and I need that, where is our investment?" said Russell.
Barrett's proposal includes a $28 million extension to Wisconsin Avenue as well as extensions north to Bronzeville and south to First Street and Pittsburgh Avenue in Walker's Point.
Tuesday's vote holds the item in committee instead of sending it to the Common Council. It still could get a full council vote on May 29 if the issues raised by the alderman are resolved in the following eight days.
