Members of Common Ground wore matching shirts to the meeting. Chuck Quirmbach/WPR
Business and community groups are squaring off over the city of Milwaukee’s proposed contribution to a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The city’s plan to spend $47 million in tax incremental financing on a plaza and parking structure near the new arena isn’t good news to the grassroots group Common Ground. Spokeswoman Jennifer O’Hear told a public hearing that if taxpayer money goes to the Bucks, it should also go toward building more youth playgrounds and athletic fields.
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“Without a substantial investment in our neighborhoods, Common Ground opposes all public money for a new Bucks arena,” said O’Hear.
But some business advocates, such as Linda Gorens-Levey, said the arena financing package would be good for the local economy.
“This project will have a multiplier effect and create a rising tide that lifts all,” said Gorens-Levey.
Milwaukee Common Council members expect to vote on the city’s portion of arena financing next month.
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