Study Proposed In Wauwatosa To Address Parking Issues

WAUWATOSA, WI—The City of Wauwatosa Transportation Affairs Committee will consider a parking study for the redevelopment of the Blanchard Street parking lot and outstanding parking restrictions at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday.

David Simpson, Wauwatosa public works director, requested the parking study.

Walker Consultants prepared a proposal for the city's consideration. The team would evaluate and address the following concerns in the study.

• Analyze and provide recommendations on the temporary parking deficit from a new multifamily development for the Blanchard Street parking lot.
• Evaluate existing and future parking supply and demand conditions and project future parking needs.
• Evaluate the need for metered parking at centrally located on-street spaces, as well as additional loading zone spaces.
• Provide analysis and recommendations regarding parking regulations.
• Provide recommendations to maximize the use of existing resources.

The fee for study is $48,500, according to online city documents. The money would come from a mix of tax increment financing, which is a public financing method that is used as a subsidy for redevelopment and general fund accounts, the document said.

The Finance Committee and Common Council must approve a contract with Walker Consultants for the study.

Simpson asked the city to proceed with the study now instead of placing the item in the 2022 budget because the redevelopment of the Blanchard Street parking lot may move forward soon.

Background

Due to the popularity of the Wauwatosa Village area, there is more demand for parking options, according to online city documents.

The project, known as Harlow & Hem, would be developed by Mandel Group Inc. at the parking lot site, 1330 N. Wauwatosa Ave.

The project would comprise 89 apartment units in three- and four-story buildings. The multifamily building would include townhome and studio to three-bedroom units and be connected to the State Street Station

Four two-story townhomes lining Harwood Avenue would replace the Swan Interiors building at 7487 Harwood Ave.

Acquisition of 7463 Harwood Ave. would allow the developers to create a single-story community room and leasing center on Harwood Avenue.

Public parking is located underground, with 114 parking stalls. Resident private parking is located at the second underground level and includes 121 parking stalls.

The next steps for the proposal include the following.

• The Common Council will meet on Sept. 21 to set the public hearing date.
• The Common Council on Oct. 19 will conduct a public hearing with public comment.