Some in Greenfield Opposed to Milwaukee Streetcar Plan

The modern streetcar line in downtown Milwaukee moved closer to reality when Milwaukee aldermen approved a proposal to build at a meeting Tuesday.

There are still obstacles to overcome, according to a story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, but plans for the 2.1-mile line that would run from the lower east side to the downtown Amtrak-Greyhound station are moving forward.

The cost of the project is $64.6 million, with $54.9 coming from federal transit aid and $9.7 million fro a tax-incremental financing district, according to the story. 

Proponents of the streetcar line believe it will create jobs during construction and spark development along the line. Those who oppose believe taxes and utility bills would escalate.

Through an unscientific poll conducted on Greenfield Patch's Facebook page, 13 of 14 Facebook users who participated called the streetcar proposal a "waste of money."

Greenfield Patch asked, "What do you think of the downtown Milwaukee streetcar proposal?" The available responses were "complete waste of money," "love it; will use it often," "not sure yet; need more info," and "no opinion.

One participant said she was "not sure yet."