Franklin Today

Remember those who fought for our freedom on this day

Veterans Day Tribute - Watch today’s top amazing videos here

An update on budget coverage

Two days ago, I made several remarks of disappointment with the FranklinNOW. I noted that while the aldermen whose districts are going to be impacted most weren't quoted, Alderman Steve Olson, representing a district with no significant impacts due to unfilled vacancies, was. I posed the question:

With all of that said, if I was the NOW reporter would I take a quote from Olson or from an alderman where the vacancies really hurt, like Taylor or Wilhelm?

Well, it was a plus that the NOW, in their full article, decided to include a mention of CCP Taylor's efforts:

Wyndham Village & Legend Creek updates

Interesting news out of the Shoppes at Wyndham Village and the proposed location for the Shoppes at Legend Creek. MidAmerica Real Estate, which is the broker for both sites, has updated their information. Here's the scoop:

Saber Sentinel - November, 2009

Attached for download is the November, 2009 edition of the Saber Sentinel, a newsletter created by FHS students and staff for the community.

Download Nov Newsletter

One topic that grabbed my attention was a column from the FHS Guidance Department/Student Services discussing the various issues facing teenagers today.

Here is the column:

County budget approved, but will likely be vetoed

Those of us in Franklin can let out a sigh of relief. The proposed $20 wheel tax for Milwaukee County residents was scrapped by the County Board early in deliberation. However, in light of no revenues coming from the proposed tax, the Board ended up approving a tax levy increase of 3.8%.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the budget is still very contentious, and with that said I wouldn't be surprised if County Executive Scott Walker whips out his veto pen on this one. The budget was approved with only 10 votes. To override a veto by Walker, the County Board needs 13. Expect a lot more news coming out of the Milwaukee County Courthouse in the next few days; this budget is far from being complete.

Lastly, as perhaps a final update for this year on the aquatics center petition, the County Board voted for $6 million to expand current county pools and facilities at Noyes and Pulaski, and scrapped the current concept for an aquatics center for the southern portion of Milwaukee County for the time being. It will take immense leadership on the County Board by our two supervisors, Paul Cesarz and Mark Borkowski, to bring the concept back to the table.

Don't hold your breath.

The spirit of the aquatics center petition lives on

Just under two weeks ago, I ended the online petition drive that collected nearly 220 signatures from residents in Franklin and surrounding suburbs that asked for an aquatics center to be located in our community. While the county budget this year was a dog to contend with, and still has several hurdles before final approval, hope lives on and many elected leaders got an awakening.

Looking for a budget compromise to add police and fire positions

Keeping a closer eye on the FranklinNOW as the Spring 2010 elections loom, I was disappointed to see the coverage on the compromising to ensure a police officer and firefighter/EMT is hired in 2010. While correct in saying that aldermen are looking at ways to add another officer and firefighter, little-to-nothing in terms of credit goes towards the aldermen working to make it happen.

Trails Committee to expand first priority of network to include FHS

I was among three residents in attendance at last Thursday's Trails Committee meeting. Personally, I'm glad the number of residents was more than just me! It was a good evening for the committee, which is currently riding on a wave of support from Franklin residents to better connect the schools with their neighborhoods.

Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake: A First Look

For those who have been with Franklin Today since my blogging started in 2007, you know how I am with the looks of a new building's exterior. I believe that quality developments should have quality architecture associated with them. Well, in the case of the Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake senior/retirement complex, some high quality architecture isn't needed to get the job accomplished.

In the renderings below, you'll notice that while the complex is all one structure, it is planned to be built in phases. Apparently the architect and the folks at Sacred Heart want that to be known, for every phase has a totally different feel in architecture.

Good news emerging at Wyndham Village

It looks like the information presented several months ago on MidAmerica Real Estate's flyer promoting the Shoppes at Wyndham Village is coming to life.