First Public Meeting of Cathedral Square Friends –May 17, 2017
Cathedral Square Friends Invite.
On Wednesday, May 17 2017, Cathedral Square Friends held a public community engagement meeting at the atrium of the Cathedral of St John, located on Cathedral Square. Approximately 50 people attended the event, which lasted about 90 minutes. Members of the Friends group were present, along with representatives from Milwaukee County Parks, as well as City Alderman Robert Bauman.
In the weeks leading up to the meeting, meeting announcements were posted in social media, notices were posted in local residential buildings, and Alderman Bauman sent a mailing card to his local constituents with an invite to the neighborhood meeting.
The intention of the meeting was to introduce the concept of a “friends group” for Cathedral Square to the community. It was explained how a friends group is separate organization from Milwaukee County Parks and differs from East Town (who runs various events in the square), but rather is a group of local residents, businesses and organizations who come together set goals, create plans and develop strategies to execute projects to help improve the quality of the public space.
The meeting started at 6 p.m. with a short introduction by Alderman Bauman. Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends, began with a presentation which explained how this idea developed and the steps that have occurred to date to launch the group. Efforts for the organization to receive a federal tax status of a 501(c)(3) organization, one that allows supporters to deduct contributions on their taxes, is underway and hopefully will be in effect soon.
Ald. Bauman Mailer.
Following the introduction, Carl Baehr gave a brief history to show the significance of the square throughout the history of Milwaukee up till current times. The square, originally known as Courthouse Square, pre-dates the founding of Milwaukee by more than a decade. As the first, and later second courthouses that occupied the north end of space were razed, the square was enlarged to its current size. Over the years, the square has seen many variations and changes.
Greg Patin presented slides on the current condition of the Square and the notable issues of concern. Concepts of short term improvement, such a pavers around the perimeter between the curb and the sidewalk, and the addition of flower baskets hanging from streetlight fixture around the perimeter and within the square was discussed. Milwaukee County Parks planned efforts to rebuild the existing playground were also discussed.
The featured guest speaker was architect Chris Socha of TKWA/Urban Lab, who gave a presentation on the process of creating or re-creating public spaces. He gave multiple examples of how this has been accomplished in other locations, and then focused on other efforts currently in discussion in other parts of downtown Milwaukee. The conclusion of Chris’ presentation brought the conversation back to the idea of a longer term vision for the square. A vision that would be built upon public community input and carefully looking at the needs and goals for the space.
The last part of the meeting focused on questions, answer and discussions. The lively group brought up more than a few dozen items, each of which often led to answers by various people in attendance.
In the conclusion of the meetings, Dave requested that meeting attendees leave Cathedral Square Friends representatives their contact information, and better yet, sign up as members.
Throughout the summer, Cathedral Square Friends will be reaching out to the public to make them aware of the efforts and encourage people to join.
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Last Updated: July 8, 2017 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
First Public Meeting of Cathedral Square Friends –May 17, 2017
On Wednesday, May 17 2017, Cathedral Square Friends held a public community engagement meeting at the atrium of the Cathedral of St John, located on Cathedral Square. Approximately 50 people attended the event, which lasted about 90 minutes. Members of the Friends group were present, along with representatives from Milwaukee County Parks, as well as City Alderman Robert Bauman.
In the weeks leading up to the meeting, meeting announcements were posted in social media, notices were posted in local residential buildings, and Alderman Bauman sent a mailing card to his local constituents with an invite to the neighborhood meeting.
The intention of the meeting was to introduce the concept of a “friends group” for Cathedral Square to the community. It was explained how a friends group is separate organization from Milwaukee County Parks and differs from East Town (who runs various events in the square), but rather is a group of local residents, businesses and organizations who come together set goals, create plans and develop strategies to execute projects to help improve the quality of the public space.
The meeting started at 6 p.m. with a short introduction by Alderman Bauman. Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends, began with a presentation which explained how this idea developed and the steps that have occurred to date to launch the group. Efforts for the organization to receive a federal tax status of a 501(c)(3) organization, one that allows supporters to deduct contributions on their taxes, is underway and hopefully will be in effect soon.
Following the introduction, Carl Baehr gave a brief history to show the significance of the square throughout the history of Milwaukee up till current times. The square, originally known as Courthouse Square, pre-dates the founding of Milwaukee by more than a decade. As the first, and later second courthouses that occupied the north end of space were razed, the square was enlarged to its current size. Over the years, the square has seen many variations and changes.
Greg Patin presented slides on the current condition of the Square and the notable issues of concern. Concepts of short term improvement, such a pavers around the perimeter between the curb and the sidewalk, and the addition of flower baskets hanging from streetlight fixture around the perimeter and within the square was discussed. Milwaukee County Parks planned efforts to rebuild the existing playground were also discussed.
The featured guest speaker was architect Chris Socha of TKWA/Urban Lab, who gave a presentation on the process of creating or re-creating public spaces. He gave multiple examples of how this has been accomplished in other locations, and then focused on other efforts currently in discussion in other parts of downtown Milwaukee. The conclusion of Chris’ presentation brought the conversation back to the idea of a longer term vision for the square. A vision that would be built upon public community input and carefully looking at the needs and goals for the space.
The last part of the meeting focused on questions, answer and discussions. The lively group brought up more than a few dozen items, each of which often led to answers by various people in attendance.
In the conclusion of the meetings, Dave requested that meeting attendees leave Cathedral Square Friends representatives their contact information, and better yet, sign up as members.
Throughout the summer, Cathedral Square Friends will be reaching out to the public to make them aware of the efforts and encourage people to join.
The Presentation
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