WAUWATOSA — The moment Wauwatosa's curfew was lifted at 6 a.m. on Thursday, residents showed up to the intersection of Swan Blvd and North Ave to help clean up damage left behind following a night of unrest.
Residents gathered near Colectivo Coffee at the intersection of North Ave. and Swan Boulevard to help sweep broken glass and clean up after the damage overnight.
The area was heavily damaged by unlawful protesters who defied curfew overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Some of the protesters used bricks and heavy objects to smash windows and doors of small businesses.
The 'Let's Heal Wauwatosa,' event was organized by Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Shawn Rolland, District 6, and Wisconsin State Representative Robyn Vining, District 14.
"I think there’s a lot of people that just want to be part of a solution," said Supervisor Rolland.
Cleaning up broken glass using shovels, brooms, and garbage bags, neighbors worked together towards what many of the volunteers called "a symbol of healing,"
"I don’t know if any of these people are voting republican or democrat or support black lives matter or not. We just got here because we love this city and we want to clean it up and we want to help our business owners who make this city a great place to live," said Nydia Mauras-Jones, who showed up to help clean-up.
The City of Wauwatosa is collecting reports on property damage due to civil unrest activity starting on Oct. 7, 2020.
If you are a property owner, you can use this form to report damage: https://www.wauwatosa.net/government/report-property-damage.
This is not for reimbursement or insurance purposes. This is not a police report. If you need a police report, please call the Wauwatosa Police Department between the hours of 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at (414) 471-8430.
Community leaders and neighbors show up near Swan Blvd and North Ave in Wauwatosa to help with cleanup efforts. More on @tmj4 pic.twitter.com/u3AyiqrjKp
— Ryan Jenkins (@RyanJenkins_TV) October 8, 2020
