Coalition Wants Money For Milwaukee Schools If Bucks Get Taxpayer Funds

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A coalition wants at least $150 million to go to athletic facilities at Milwaukee County public schools if public money is used to build a new basketball arena in Milwaukee.

Common Ground is a non-profit made up of religious groups, small businesses, neighborhood associations and others. It previously convinced banks to put $33 million into Milwaukee to deal with foreclosures; now, the group wants at least $150 million to improve athletic facilities in Milwaukee County public schools, if tax money helps the Milwaukee Bucks get a new home to replace the Bradley Center. Common Ground’s Jennifer O’Hear is a Milwaukee public school parent, who worries about deteriorating school fields and athletic courts.

“What we can’t allow is construction of a new $500 million playground for 10 guys to run around in shorts while our kids are breaking their ankles trying to get some exercise.”

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Common Ground says it plans to survey more of the school facilities over the next few weeks, and then keep the pressure on business leaders and politicians who may decide if a new arena is needed and how to pay for it.

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