Defying years of opposition from state and county officials, as well as resistance from some of its own members, the Milwaukee Common Council (City Council) approved a streetcar plan for the city's downtown on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.
The 9-to-6 vote in favor crystallized continuing concerns voiced by streetcar opponents over perceived safety issues, operational cost estimates, and social justice concerns expected to rise from construction of the $124 million, 2.5-mile route.
The Common Council on Tuesday, also in a 9-to-6 vote, approved the creation of a tax incremental financing district at the east end of Michigan St. that would generate $31 million to help cover the project's operating costs, estimated at $3.2 million per year.
The Federal Transit Administration's support of the project, including $55 million in funding, has aided pro-rail supporter despite constant and continuous efforts to undo the line from Milwaukee County and the administration of Gov. Scott Walker.
City officials anticipate a groundbreaking sometime late this year, with a target startup date of mid-2018.
Last December the city’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee voted 4-1 to eventually expand the streetcar to 4.6 miles in length, adding a spur extending toward Lake Michigan and the Couture development project, a proposed 44-story high-end apartment building.