December | January | February | March | April | May | June
December 6-11, 2008 | December 12-19, 2008 | December 20-26, 2008 | December 27, 2008-January 2, 2009
Development News for the week 12/27/08 to 1/02/09
NEIGHBORHOOD AMBIVALENT TOWARD PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXIT FOR WILLY STREET CO-OP
The prospect of the popular Willy Street Co-op adding a back door to its Williamson Street store, a parking lot exit onto residential Jenifer Street, has the neighborhood list-serv jumping. Why should residents of Jenifer Street pay for a "commercial" problem, Marquette neighborhood resident and local businessman Tom Christensen asks. Others say there's no doubt another parking lot exit is needed to ease congestion on Williamson Street. Some point out that the co-op promised in 1999 when it opened the store, at 1221 Williamson St., that it would not do just what it's looking at doing now.
JOBLESSNESS CREATES JOBS AT STATE OFFICE BECAUSE OF SURGE IN CLAIMS, LABOR DEPARTMENT HAS HIRED 83 WORKERS.
Citing an "unprecedented" surge in unemployment claims, the head of the state's labor department is hiring 83 workers to help handle them. Officials at the state Department of Workforce Development said the short-term workers will boost the employees available to handle the unemployment insurance claims by more than 20 percent. The workers' salaries, which are federally funded, will cost some $215,000 a month.
REFERENDUM ON EAST SIDE ARTS BUILDING COULD BE ON APRIL BALLOT
A referendum on the planned development of an arts incubator at a crumbling former feed mill will be an opportunity to tell all of Madison about the $15.4 million project, says Marianne Morton, executive director of Common Wealth Development. "With some education, I'm confident the voters will support it. I don't think it will be controversial," Morton said of the Garver Feed Mill project at east side Olbrich Park.
HEAVY SNOWS, BUDGET WOES MARKED CITY'S YEAR
December's record snowfall for Madison is likely giving city streets superintendent Al Schumacher flashbacks to earlier this year, when heavy January, February, and yes, even March snowstorms smashed the city's previous record snowfall for a season. The 2007-2008 season saw 101.4 inches of snow fall on the city, breaking the former record -- 1978-1979's 76.1 inches -- by more than 25 inches. The snow and its impact on the city, from street condition complaints to budgetary concerns, was one of the biggest news stories of the year for city government.
WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE PREVIEW: BUDGET SHORTFALL WILL DOMINATE
For the first time in a generation Democrats control the Legislature and the governor's office, but their ability to set the state's agenda will be hamstrung by the overwhelming $5.4 billion budget shortfall. "I think it's going to be really ugly," said Mordecai Lee, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a former Democratic state lawmaker.
DOW JONES' PAST PERFORMANCE SHOULD EASE SOME WORRIES
If you have just finished some last-minute year-end tax-loss selling or are dreading the arrival of your December 401(k) statement, it is time to remember that recessions do end and stock markets do recover. While picking the market bottom is nearly impossible, history provides some perspective and optimism for the future.
115 MARSHALL ERDMAN JOBS TO BE CUT
Charlotte, N.C.-based Cogdell Spencer announced Monday a 2009 business plan that includes the elimination of about 115 jobs at its Madison-based Marshall Erdman & Associates subsidiary. The job cuts will take place Jan. 6-9, Cogdell Spencer said in a news release.
GIMME SOME OF THAT! INTEREST GROUPS, STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WANT PIECE OF THE STIMULUS PIE
Local governments, trade associations, business lobbies and others sat on the sidelines while the federal government bailed out banks and automakers. But now they're angling for their own slice of the massive economic stimulus package that will be unveiled next month. "Politicians and interest groups see that the pipeline to the treasury is open right now and now is the time to get in on the action," said Bob Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, a fiscally conservative budget watchdog group based in Washington, D.C.
MORE BAD NEWS THAN GOOD IN 2008
Given everything that's gone down in 2008 - from 401(k) balances to consumer confidence - it almost seems like piling on to come up with the annual list of Business Black Eyes. So let's start with a few positive business stories from the past year.
GENESIS CENTER ON UPSWING CITY BUSINESSS INCUBATOR HAS HIGHER OCCUPANCY RATE, BUT STILL FACES PROBLEMS.
Leaders of a Madison business incubator that helps minorities and lower-income people start companies say the nonprofit organization is doing considerably better than nine months ago but still faces tough challenges. Genesis Enterprise Center now has 31 tenants renting about 80 percent of its three-story office and warehouse building on the South Side. That's up from 26 tenants and a 49 percent occupancy rate in March.
ECONOMY WATCH A DAILY DATA UPDATE ON KEY ECONOMIC REPORTS
LENDING REPORT: The Federal Reserve said commercial banks averaged $86.3 billion in daily borrowing from its emergency lending program for the week ending Wednesday. That was down from $88.4 billion in average daily borrowing for the previous week. Investment firms drew $45.7 billion over the week ending Wednesday, compared with an average of $50.5 billion the previous week. COMMODITIES REVIEW: Gold for February delivery rose $4.10 Monday to settle at $875.30 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. March copper futures added 0.0045 cent to close at $1.3080 a pound. March silver rose 29 cents to close at $10.82 an ounce. March wheat futures fell 7.25 cents to finish at $5.92 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade. March corn futures fell 18.75 cents to settle at $3.935 a bushel. March soybeans slid 11 cents to settle at $9.455 a bushel.
KALAHARI TO DELAY WATERPARK RESORT PROJECT
A tight economy has delayed the construction of what could become the largest indoor waterpark in the nation. Kalahari Resorts said Tuesday it won't begin construction on its $250 million resort in Fredericksburg, Va., until August. The project was to have broken ground in April and be open in time for Christmas of 2010 but will now likely open in January or February of 2011
APARTMENT OWNERS PRAISED FOR TURNAROUND
New owners have helped turn around serious problems with crime and public disorder at a large North Side apartment complex, police and neighbors said. "They have been extremely responsive in terms of dealing with problem tenants," North District Capt. Cam McLay said about Nimrod Realty Group's rehab of Woodland Park Apartments at 1502 Troy Drive.
PSC TO STUDY STATEWIDE SOLAR REGULATORS WILL LOOK INTO WHETHER SOLAR PANELS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO STATE POWER SUPPLY.
You may not think of Wisconsin as a place to bask in the sun, but a study will soon begin to see if a statewide solar power project would be a viable way to add to Wisconsin's energy supply. State regulators will start an investigation into the idea of setting up a statewide solar collaborative that would "dramatically accelerate" the use of photovoltaic solar panels around Wisconsin, said Timothy Le Monds, spokesman for the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
WILLY ST. CO-OP EYES MIDDLETON GROCERY IS CONSIDERING TWO SPOTS IN THE MADISON SUBURB FOR A SECOND STORE.
Middleton is back in play for Willy Street Co-op's second store. The iconic Madison grocery may still locate in an 8,750-square-foot space on the ground level of Phase 2 of Metropolitan Place, but with the condo tower in receivership, Willy Street officials say they have reopened their search for a site for a second store.
DEMOCRATS FACE BUDGET DEFICIT ABILITY TO SET AGENDA WILL BE HINDERED
For the first time in a generation Democrats control the Legislature and the governor's office, but their ability to set the state's agenda will be hamstrung by the overwhelming $5.4 billion budget shortfall. I think it's going to be really ugly," said Mordecai Lee, a political science professor at UW-Milwaukee and a former Democratic state lawmaker.
SECRET DONOR LEAVES ANOTHER GIFT FOR NEEDY
Secret Santa has come through again for Wisconsin food banks. The anonymous donor recently gave $75,000 to America's Second Harvest of Wisconsin, which has food banks in Milwaukee and Omro. The donor has given the organization more than $2.2 million since 1983
REP. OBEY'S PLAN TO TACKLE RECESSION
The carnage on 9/11 distracted Americans from an economic downturn and serious corporate and financial scandals, such as the collapse of Enron and WorldCom. Something was profoundly wrong with the structure of business and finance. Yet there was only a cursory response, a few new laws and prosecution of some corporate outlaws. Why? The 9/11 attacks left many Americans fearful. President Bush was able to convince the nation to support a pre-emptive war against Iraq, with no proof of an Iraqi connection to 9/11. Talk of economic reform faded, yet fundamental problems festered. And, a housing bubble grew.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
-back to top-
City officials keeping tabs on effects of economy, state budget
City officials keeping tabs on effects of economy, state budget. Glendale City Administrator Richard Maslowski’s biggest concerns in the coming year are how the national economy and the state’s $5 billion-plus deficit will impact the city...
Pigeon Creek project likely, others possible in 2009
Pigeon Creek project likely, others possible in 2009. The Pigeon Creek flood control program may get its start in 2009. Bids on the project are being accepted in January, and Thiensville officials hope there will be no unpleasant surprises. Trustees would like to approve the $3 million project at their 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, meeting.
What's coming in 2009
A new committee will begin to review municipal energy usage in an effort to conserve energy and reduce costs. Second District Alderman James Krol pitched the idea of working toward an energy policy to the Common Council Committee of the Whole on Aug. 5. The measure is needed to curb increasing and uncertain energy costs as well as fulfill the city’s commitment in the Cool Cities, a national agreement to stop global warming through exploration of energy plans.
Development, roads and water on tap in 2009
Development, roads and water on tap in 2009. The much-buzzed about, mixed-use development project known at the Town Center will begin to take form in Mequon in 2009, officials say...
Truck terminal could be converted to other uses
Truck terminal could be converted to other uses. West Allis officials continue to negotiate the purchase of about nine acres of mostly asphalted property near 116th and Rogers streets...
Officials hopeful despite economic forecast
Officials hopeful despite economic forecast. Although economic news continues to be grim heading into 2009, Shorewood officials are holding out hope for future development. Adherence to the village’s master plan, first drafted several years ago, is another key issue administrators and Village Board members are contending with in the new year.
USPS expects new facility to aid bottom line
USPS expects new facility to aid bottom line. Logistics, equipment to provide efficiencies. With the U.S. Postal Service reporting a loss of $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2008 and projecting another difficult year in 2009, building an 870,000-square-foot mail processing and distribution center might...
Streetscaping, other construction anticipated in village
Streetscaping, other construction anticipated in village. The long-awaited beautification of the East Silver Spring Drive business district in Whitefish Bay will be something to look forward to in 2009, Village President Kathleen Pritchard said...
What's coming in 2009
What's coming in 2009. In 2008, Brookfield residents dealt with invasive road construction projects, debated the relocation of two of the city’s fire stations and saw proposals for massive commercial and residential developments come forward...
There is no Sanctuary from taxes
There is no Sanctuary from taxes. Apartment complex’s tax bill highest in city. Wimmer Bros. got a tax bill this year as big as a house...
State closes year with record budget deficit
The Wisconsin state government closed its books on fiscal year 2008 with a $2.5 billion deficit, the largest in the state's history, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group dedicated to policy research and citizen education.
Wisconsin's most unmentioned story of 2008?
MADISON — Wisconsin closed its books on fiscal year 2008 with a $2.5 billion deficit, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX), a nonprofit, nonpartisan group dedicated to policy research and citizen education. The deficit figure was reported in the state’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) prepared by the state controller, audited by the Legislative Audit Bureau, and released before Christmas.
Reasons for Hope: Why Wisconsin's tech industry is positioned to weather 2009
Economists are hanging black crepe on the New Year's baby even before the tyke pushes the old guy out the door. And no wonder: From the financial industry to real estate to auto manufacturing, there's plenty of grim news seeping into almost every sector.
Wisconsin governor focuses on economic stimulus.
Gov. Jim Doyle says he's working on creating a structure to quickly disseminate any money that comes to Wisconsin as part of a federal economic stimulus package. Doyle said Tuesday that he wants to streamline bidding requirements and other regulations to help get people to work faster. He says the money should go toward projects that can be started immediately, such as road repairs, and long-term projects like building high-speed passenger rail lines.
Contractor claims delays add $485 million to cost of power plant
We Energies is being asked to pay $485 million more to Bechtel Power Corp., the company building two new coal-fired power plants in Oak Creek, because the most expensive construction project in state history is running late and over budget. Bechtel blamed severe weather conditions and labor problems for construction delays that have put the $2.2 billion project three months behind schedule.
Real estate investors expect slump to continue well into '09
Most real estate investors believe the market will not recover until well into 2009, according to a survey, conducted by Colliers Investment Services Group, a division of Boston-based Colliers International, a leading global real estate services firm.
Wisconsinites appointed to Federal Home Loan Bank board
Wisconsin will have a strong presence on the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Chicago board of directors in 2009. The FHLB of Chicago is a $91 billion wholesale bank and government-sponsored enterprise that provides housing finance to more than 800 member commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and insurance companies located in the 7th Federal Home Loan Bank District of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Development News for the week 12/20/08 to 12/26/08
-back to top-
RATE CUT KEEPS LENDERS BUSY IN MADISON AREA
Rising demand for mortgage refinancing is occurring in the Madison area, along with the rest of the nation. "A couple of weeks ago, the phone wasn't ringing," said Jim Bradley, president of Home Savings Bank of Madison. "Now, a loan officer will have to return 20 calls."
RETAILERS STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE
Retailers are accelerating their use of survival tactics - slashing prices further and pulling merchandise off shelves to send to liquidators - as the number of holiday shopping days dwindles. But January and beyond look scarier for even relatively healthy merchants as the passing of the holidays gives shoppers less incentive to spend. What's worse, the industry expects a rise in returns after the holidays as shoppers seek to convert their unwanted gifts to much-needed cash as they struggle with rising layoffs, tightening credit and shrinking retirement funds.
CITY NAMES NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
The third time proved to be the charm for Madison's quest to find a leader for economic development in the city. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz nominated Tim Cooley, vice president of the California-based consulting company H2Squared, as the city's new economic development director Tuesday. H2Squared works with corporate boards, universities and public institutions on a variety of subjects from management to marketing and economic development .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HEAD NAMED MAYOR CHOOSES CALIFORNIA BUSINESSMAN
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on Tuesday named Tim Cooley as the city's economic development director. Cooley, a graduate of UW-Madison, returns to Madison after serving in business consulting and several economic development initiatives in California.
WHAT'S IN A NAME? THE WORDING OF ALLIED DRIVE'S NEW NEIGHBORHOOD SIGN SPARKS CONTROVERSY
A neighborhood sign is not coming easy for Allied Drive. It isn't the money. As for many other neighborhoods, a city grant is covering the cost of making and erecting it. But unlike most areas, controversy over just how the name of the neighborhood should be spelled out has rubbed up against ideas about identity and image - "them" and "us."
VOTERS MAY DECIDE FATE OF GARVER FEED MILL
Madison voters will decide if the old Garver Feed Mill in Olbrich Park on the city's east side should be redeveloped as an arts incubator. City officials realized, after the multi-million dollar arts incubator proposal by Common Wealth Development was selected by a special task force in March, that the Preservation of Shoreline Park ordinance applies to the project.
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT - MADISON HAS BEEN FORTUNATE, BUT NOT ALL SECTORS ARE SO LUCKY
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nonfarm employment in the U.S. declined by 533,000 jobs in November. According to Wisconsin WORKnet, nonfarm employment in the state fell by 7,600 in November, but employment in the Madison metro area increased by 1,500.
THE UNFOLDING DRAMA: MADOFF SCANDAL COULD FOLLOW OVERTURE FOR SOME TIME
The shows will go on in 2009, but so will the financial cloud hanging over the Overture Center due to major holdings in a tainted Wall Street hedge fund. News broke last week that the Support Organization for the Madison Cultural Arts District or "SOMCAD" at one point had $27 million invested with Fairfield Greenwich, a $7.3 billion fund being called the biggest loser in the unfolding Bernard Madoff fraud case.
Home and condo sales in Dane County plunged in November.
Local home and condominium sales last month reflected a November plunge in the national market, according to a preliminary report by DaneCountyMarket.com, a Web site that tracks the area real estate market. A final November sales report will be issued early next month by the South Central Wisconsin MLS.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
-back to top-
Realtors call for stimulus for housing market
National sales of new homes fell to a 17-year low in November. The real national gross domestic product contracted by a 0.5 percent rate in the third quarter, unchanged from the federal government's previous estimate, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported Tuesday.
Commercial real estate industry asks for bailout
First the banking industry, then the automotive industry and now the commercial industry is asking for a piece of the federal bailout. The electrical distributor has served customers in the Sheboygan market for many years, but recently completed construction on a 15,000-square-foot building to better serve the region.
Town Centre changes not agreed upon by city; Pabst Farms looking to Target and Kohl's
Town Centre changes not agreed upon by city; Pabst Farms looking to Target and Kohl's. Mayor Maury Sullivan is frustrated with the kinds of retailers apparently being sought for the Pabst Farms Town Centre.. Mayor Maury Sullivan is frustrated with the kinds of retailers apparently being sought for the Pabst Farms Town Centre...
Hearing on Cardinal Stritch South Shore campus is Jan. 5
Hearing on Cardinal Stritch South Shore campus is Jan. 5. A public hearing on a zoning change that would allow Cardinal Stritch University to turn the Cousins Center, 3501 S. Lake Drive, and the adjacent We Energies property into a $150 million campus is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5...
Board OKs Brightwater subdivision - Developer optimistic about high-end lots
Board OKs Brightwater subdivision - Developer optimistic about high-end lots. After about a year of planning and construction, developer John Siepmann's final plat for the Brightwater subdivision was unanimously approved by the Town Board.. After about a year of planning and construction, developer John Siepmann's final plat for...
Council approves leasing land for northwest side park
Council approves leasing land for northwest side park. Lease begins when improvements are made by city. The city of Brookfield’s Common Council last week unanimously approved a deal with the Elmbrook School District to lease a 12-acre parcel of land that could serve as a neighborhood park
Rehab ideas continue Waukesha’s housing mix debate
Rehab ideas continue Waukesha’s housing mix debate. Waukesha - Regional planners identify a lack of affordable housing as one of Waukesha County's key economic hurdles...
Oak Creek approaching deadline on Drexel interchange decision
Oak Creek approaching deadline on Drexel interchange decision. Oak Creek - The Common Council has decided against a $10,000 study of the economic benefits of a new I-94 interchange at Drexel Ave., but that doesn't mean aldermen have made up their minds about committing $7.6 million to get the interchange built,...
Conservation area grows
Conservation area grows. MMSD buys more Germantown land for flood control. Germantown - The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District now owns more than 289 acres of wetland, meadows and lowland forest at the headwaters of the Menomonee River, and district officials said more...
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Lawsuit filed to block Milwaukee sick leave law
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce Inc. sued the City of Milwaukee on Monday seeking to strike down the paid sick leave law that voters overwhelming approved in November. The MMAC also is asking for a temporary injunction to block the city from enforcing the mandate, scheduled to go into effect Feb. 10. A hearing has been set for Jan. 29 .
Affidavits demonstrate impact of sick leave mandate on businesses
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce's lawsuit filed Monday against the City of Milwaukee's paid sick leave mandate included affidavits signed by four employers about the adverse impact the ordinance would impose upon their businesses.
Wisconsin business group to fight new sales taxes
Protecting independent businesses and farms from expansion of the sales tax base tops the legislative agenda for Wisconsin Independent Businesses (WIB) going into the 2009-10 session. Health care costs, business contracts language, unemployment insurance and small claims court reform round out the top five agenda issues that the WIB will pursue before the new legislature.
Development News for the week 12/12/08 to 12/19/08
-back to top-
TomoTherapy announces staff cuts
TomoTherapy, one of Madison's star technology businesses, cut its staff Thursday. About 65 employees lost their jobs, most of them in Madison, and at least 20 other vacant positions will be left unfilled for a total 12 percent work force reduction. It's the first staff cut for the 11-year old company, which makes specialized radiation machines that treat cancer patients.
"It's been very difficult. This is a close-knit organization," said chief executive officer Fred Robertson. TomoTherapy had 721 employees, as of Sept. 30, with about 400 of them at the headquarters building, 1240 Deming Way, and at the manufacturing building nearby, at 1209 Deming Way.
TomoTherapy cuts staff by 12% by laying off, dropping unfilled positions
TomoTherapy is the latest Madison company to announce a round of layoffs. The company, which produces cancer-fighting radiation treatment systems, said late Thursday that it has reduced its workforce by approximately 12 percent through a combination of layoffs and the elimination of positions that are currently not filled.
Borrowers rushing to refinance loans as rates drop
WASHINGTON -- Homeowners around the country are scrambling to refinance their mortgages at the lowest rates since the early 1960s as the economy staggers through what's likely to be the worst recession in decades. Mortgage brokers are already reporting a surge of calls from borrowers trying to take advantage of the Federal Reserve's extraordinary actions this week. Meanwhile, President-elect Barack Obama is laying the groundwork for a giant economic stimulus package, worth possibly $850 billion over two years, which Democratic congressional leaders say could be passed within two weeks of Obama taking office.
WARF issues patent license to VistaGen
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has signed a license for human embryonic stem-cell patents with VistaGen, a biotechnology company in South San Francisco, Calif. The license from WARF, UW-Madison's tech-transfer arm, is for the development and commercialization of research tools based on stem cells. The patents are from research by campus scientist James Thomson.
State unemployment rate climbs to 5.3 percent
Wisconsin 's unemployment rate for November was 5.3 percent, up 0.9 percent from October, and 1 percent higher than November 2007, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday. From October to November, total Wisconsin non-farm jobs decreased by an estimated 7,600 to about 2.9 million. Private-sector jobs decreased by 14,700, led by a decline of 9,400 in the leisure and hospitality sector. Trade increased by 9,000.
Arts district could be on the hook for investments tied to Madoff collapse
The entity that developed the Overture Center could still have some financial exposure from the Bernard L. Madoff investment scheme when the case ends up in bankruptcy court, warn legal experts a day after city officials said Overture dodged a bullet. Madoff Investment Securities collapsed last week when federal regulators arrested the financier on charges that he had masterminded a scheme defrauding investors of $50 billion. Elite Swiss banks, prominent billionaires, asset management companies and wealthy retirees have lost billions in the scandal.
Liquidated Overture fund had investments connected to Madoff scandal
A forced liquidation of the $100 million Overture trust fund in September likely helped the fund avoid even bigger losses from major exposure to the Bernard L. Madoff investment scheme.
The Madison Cultural Arts District (MCAD) trust fund at one point had $27 million invested in Fairfield Sentry Ltd., a $7.3 billion hedge fund that is being called the biggest loser in the unfolding Madoff case. Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities collapsed Thursday when federal regulators arrested Madoff, 70, on charges that he had masterminded a scheme defrauding investors of $50 billion by his own estimate.
MortgageIT to lay off 72, close Middleton office
MortgageIT, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, will lay off 72 employees and shut down its Middleton office at 1350 Deming Way, according to a notice filed this week with the state Department of Workforce Development. In the notice, the company blamed "severe economic conditions" for the closing. The first layoffs will occur Feb. 9.
Middleton's Mortgage IT to close, lay off 72
Bad economic news continues. Mortgage IT Inc. in Middleton has informed the state Department of Workforce Development that it plans to shut down its Middleton office, 1350 Deming Way. "This mass layoff, which resulted from the severe economic conditions, will affect approximately 72 employees and is expected to be permanent," parent company Deutsche Bank said in a letter to the DWD.Bad economic news continues.
84 Lumber closes truss facility
Just over a year after opening, 84 Lumber on Monday closed its truss manufacturing facility in McFarland. The closing resulted in 28 people losing their jobs at the 32,000-square-foot facility. The company's 24,000-square-foot retail outlet will remain open, said company spokesman Jeff Nobers. "It's the overall nature of the housing market right now," said Nobers. "The market in the Madison/McFarland area just isn't there for what that plant produces."
Midtown Commons day care center OK'd despite neighbors' objections
The city Plan Commission has narrowly approved a day care serving up to 160 children in the center of the Midtown Commons development, sending at least one new condominium owner home in tears. On a 5-3 vote Monday, the panel backed a proposal from a group including developer Peter Frautschi to site a day care center, 8133 Mansion Hill Ave., on the city's far west side past Elver Park. The issue goes to City Council in January, although the council rarely overturns Plan Commission votes.
Cardinal Health NeuroCare will move to Middleton
Cardinal Health NeuroCare, a longtime Fitchburg medical device company, will move to Middleton. The new company headquarters and manufacturing facility will be at Esser Place, 1800 and 1850 Deming Way. Production is expected to begin there by September 2009. "After an extensive search of the Madison area, we chose the Esser Place facility because it best met our needs for both today and into the future," said K. "Bala" Balachandran, vice president and general manager, in an e-mail interview. "The move will allow us to consolidate into one facility, greatly improving our operational efficiencies."
Hy-Vee grocery store may replace part of Westgate Mall
The West Side may be getting another grocery store and a revitalized mall. Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is scheduled to make a presentation to the Urban Design Commission Wednesday to raze part of Westgate Mall to build an 83,000-square-foot grocery store. The mall opened in 1960 and is located at the corner of Whitney Way and Odana Road. At one time it was home to a Piggly Wiggly and later an Eagle grocery store. The mall has some vacancies and on Sunday, Westgate Cinemas will close, after 30 years at the mall.
Iowa-based Hy-Vee grocery hopes to rebuild Westgate
The Iowa-based Hy-Vee grocery chain is looking to tear down a big chunk of the blighted Westgate Mall and build a new 83,000-square-foot, full-service grocery. Hy-Vee, which is already working toward opening a new store on East Washington Avenue in the former Kmart, will make an initial presentation Wednesday before the city Urban Design Commission. If all the city approvals can be secured, Hy-Vee hopes to open at Westgate by the summer of 2010, said spokesman Pete Hosch. "We're working on a very tight timetable," Hosch said.
Dane County manufacturers more likely to trim staff in 2009
Dane County manufacturers are more likely to trim staff in 2009 than those in biotechnology, health care or insurance, according to a recent survey of 144 local companies by The QTI Group. In the survey by the Madison human resources organization, 44 percent of respondents said they do not plan any changes to their full-time staffing levels in 2009, but 37 percent said they may freeze or reduce employment. A smaller number, 24 percent, said they are likely to cut their temporary staff. Within specific industries in Dane County, 51 percent of manufacturing companies and 47 percent of education, public administration and nonprofit organizations queried said they expect job reductions.
No beer here: City unanimously denies license to Quiznos in University Square
A Quiznos submarine sandwich shop in the new food court at University Square will not be able to sell beer after a unanimous vote by the city's Alcohol License Review Committee Wednesday night. Susan Crowley, the director of prevention services for UW Health Services -- the largest tenant in the student services tower part of the development -- spoke against the move. She said the large seating area would make it nearly impossible to control the distribution of alcohol once it was sold by Quiznos.
Local leaders break ground on Allied Drive redevelopment project
State and local officials gathered Wednesday to break ground for an Allied Drive revitalization project, the centerpiece of which is a building that will provide 48 rental units of new housing when completed. Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz was joined by Wisconsin Housing and Communtiy Development Authority executive director Antonio Riley in the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment project, which includes hiring 18 residents from the Allied Drive area to work on the building of the apartment units.
Sun Prairie, state's fastest-growing city, works hard to step out of Madison's shadow
SUN PRAIRIE — Punch "Sun Prairie WI" into the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, and you'll see it's pegged as "a bedroom community of Madison." Mayor Joe Chase is looking to change that — literally and figuratively. Chase says he's tried multiple times to remove the definition on the Wikipedia entry but has been stymied. "Their editors won't listen to me," says Chase, a fifth-generation native who's taken charge of guiding his hometown through some major changes. Since 1980, the population of Sun Prairie has more than doubled, introducing thousands of new arrivals to Jimmy the Groundhog and the Sunday night midget auto races.
T. Wall library plan would cost less than Fiore's
T. Wall Properties' proposal for a new Downtown library is less costly than one from the Fiore Cos., a new city analysis shows. Under Wall's proposal, the library would cost $38 million while Fiore would do it for $43 million — each including $15 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment. But Fiore is proposing $6.6 million in seller financing that leaves its proposal, at least at the start, with a $16 million private fundraising gap, slightly smaller than the $17.6 million gap for Wall.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
-back to top-
Automakers to get $17.4 billion; Paulson asks for second $350 billion
WASHINGTON - Citing danger to the national economy, President Bush approved an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in rescue loans in exchange for tough concessions from the deeply troubled carmakers and their workers. The government will have the option of becoming a stockholder in the companies, much as it has with major banks, in effect partially nationalizing the industry. At the same time, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Congress should release the second $350 billion from the financial rescue fund that it approved in October to bail out huge financial institutions. Tapping the fund for the auto industry basically exhausts the first half of the $700 billion total, he said.
Pabst Farms mall struggling to attract tenants - JSOnline
A spokesman for Pabst Farms said Wednesday that developers of a proposed shopping mall are struggling with the economic recession and have not yet signed any tenants. "Obviously, it's become a tougher economic environment," spokesman Thad Nation said. Nation said Pabst Farms and its mall partner, Development Diversified Realty, had representatives at a trade show in New York City last week, hoping to land anchor tenants for the mall. He said he could not speculate when tenants might be on board.
"It will get done when it gets done," he said. Scheduled to open by 2010, the mall is proposed as part of the 1,500-acre million Pabst Farms residential and commercial complex in Waukesha County. A $25 freeway interchange at the site near I-94 and Highway P is also planned.
Home builders seek incentives to boost economy - JSOnline
The nation needs a better homebuyer tax credit, a program with below-market rates for 30-year fixed mortgages and more measures to prevent foreclosure to help end the housing crisis, home-building industry representatives said Wednesday. "If Congress takes the necessary steps, housing can be the cog that pulls us out of this recession," Jason Steen, president of the Wisconsin Builders Association and president of Steen Construction in Osseo, said in a conference call about the industry's proposed stimulus plan.
More Fed creativity on the way: Historic rate cut a hit on Wall Street
WASHINGTON -- By cutting its benchmark lending rate to historic lows Tuesday and promising to combat the U.S. recession head-on, the Federal Reserve served notice that more unconventional actions probably are ahead as it fights to reverse the nation's economic woes. The Fed pushed its federal funds rate from an already low 1 percent to a target range of 0 to 0.25 percent. This marks the lowest point ever for this target rate, which banks charge each other for overnight loans. The funds rate serves as a benchmark for a wide range of loans in the U.S. economy.
Associated Bank leads state in Small Business Administration loans - JSOnline
Associated Bank once again is Wisconsin's top Small Business Administration lender. In the SBA's 2008 fiscal year, Green Bay-based Associated made 400 of the million. It is the fourth consecutive year Associated Bank loans for almost $30 has made more SBA loans than any other bank doing business in Wisconsin. Generally, SBA loans help small businesses find financing at more affordable terms than might be available through regular lending channels. The SBA guarantees a percentage of the loan, typically 50%, will be repaid to a bank or other lender.
Milwaukee council OKs $1.1 million for apartment project - JSOnline
Developers seeking to build a $10.3 million apartment project on Milwaukee's north side will get $1.1 million in city funds after committing to do the project even if additional city cash isn't forthcoming. The Common Council unanimously approved funds Tuesday for nonprofit developers Bishop's Creek Community Development Corp. of Milwaukee and St. Paul-based CommonBond Communities.
GM announcement won't impact Janesville plant
The announcement Friday of new production cuts for GM will not have any impact on the Janesville plant, GM spokesman Chris Lee said. "Their production is still scheduled to go through Dec. 23. Could they end up...
GM loan won't help Janesville plant
The emergency federal loan for General Motors Corp. apparently won't help bring new production to GM's Janesville assembly plant. Asked if the bailout will affect an earlier proposal by state and local leaders to bring a new product to the Janesville plant, Tony Sapienza, a GM spokesman in Warren, Mich., would say only: "This will not impact Janesville."
Washington Post: Obama team assembling $850 billion stimulus
President-elect Barack Obama and congressional Democrats have entered discussions over an economic stimulus package that could grow to include $850 billion in new spending and tax cuts over the next two years, a gigantic sum that some Democrats say could prove difficult to push rapidly through Congress. A package of that size -- which would include at least $100 billion for cash-strapped state governments and more than $350 billion for investments in infrastructure, alternative energy and other priorities -- is a significant increase over the numbers previously contemplated by Democrats. It would exceed the $700 billion bailout of the U.S. financial system, as well as the annual budget for the Pentagon.
Alcoa will close Beloit plant, costing 240 jobs - JSOnline
Alcoa Inc. (AA) will close its Beloit aluminum wheel plant that serves the auto industry next year, a move that will result in the loss of about 240 jobs. The closing was announced today and is expected to take place by June, said Bob Borremans, executive director of the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. The Alcoa Cast Auto Wheels plant, which opened in 1995, serves Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan, Jaguar, BMW and Volvo, according to Alcoa's Web site. Kevin Lowery, a spokesman for Alcoa, said the business has been hurt by the economic downturn as well as the troubles in the auto industry. Alcoa is planning to exit the cast aluminum wheels business, he said.
Eschweiler property to be divided - JSOnline
Waukesha - A judge has approved a settlement that allows lake property owned by the descendants of famed architect Alexander Eschweiler to be divided for sale. Family members at odds over whether to divide the 11-acre Chenequa property had gone to court and reached an agreement after three days of trial last week in Waukesha County Circuit Court. The agreement also allows for the demolition of Eschweiler's former summer home, which he lived in but did not design.
Developer requests more time for downtown project - JSOnline
A North Carolina developer who has run into delays for a proposed downtown Milwaukee retail and entertainment complex is seeking to extend his control of the project's city-owned site. Afshin Ghazi would have his purchase option on the property, south of W. Wisconsin Ave. and west of N. 4th St., extended to July 1 under a proposal disclosed Friday by the Department of City Development. He would pay $10,000 to the city for the extension. The extension would allow Ghazi, who operates Ghazi Co. of Charlotte, N.C., time to secure financing, said department spokeswoman Andrea Rowe Richards.
Ozaukee County approves $1.76 million bid for bike bridge - JSOnline JSO
Port Washington - Christmas came a few days early for supporters of a bicycle bridge over I-43 in the Town of Grafton when the Ozaukee County Public million bid to build it. Works Committee on Thursday approved a $1.76 The bid by Zenith Tech Inc. of Waukesha, made through a state Department of Transportation bidding process, is significantly lower than the nearly million estimated cost of the project, which will be part of the Ozaukee $2.12 Interurban Trail system, which stretches more than 30 miles. With Thursday's approval, construction on the project is expected to begin in February and be completed by September, said county planner Andrew Struck, who also is chairman of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council.
Wal-Mart moves ahead with Supercenter in Waukesha - JSOnline JSO
Waukesha - Wal-Mart has closed on a piece of property here and will begin construction early next year of a 184,100-square-foot combined supermarket and retail center, Mayor Larry Nelson said. The Wal-Mart Supercenter will be located on 32 acres at S. West Ave. and Highway 59, Nelson said. The store will be built where the closed Cretex Concrete plant was located.
The Supercenter would bring 350 jobs to the area, about 60% of those full time with average hourly pay of $10.91 and benefits. Nelson said the store would bring a stronger retail presence to Waukesha's south side. That part of the city has been somewhat underserved by retail businesses, Nelson said. Nelson expects construction to begin in spring. "All we need to do is have the weather warm up," he said. The store has a scheduled opening sometime in 2010, Nelson said.
Chrysler to shut down factories - JSOnline
Workers at Chrysler LLC's engine factory in Kenosha will be laid off for four weeks, beginning Friday, as the cash-strapped automaker moved Wednesday to cut production nationwide in response to dismal sales. Chrysler's announcement came on the same day that Ford Motor Co. announced it will extend its holiday shutdown by a week and General Motors Corp. said it is delaying construction of a new factory in Flint, Mich. The factory will build one of the company's most important future products – the plug-in hybrid-electric Chevrolet Volt. Chrysler's announcement will have ripple effects for auto-parts suppliers in Wisconsin, which were already bracing for weaker car sales and production in 2009.
MPI International in Deerfield seeks buyer to stay open
Employees at MPI International, Deerfield's largest employer, are hoping a buyer will come to the company's rescue and keep its two plants open. The parent company, Precision Parts International of Rochester Hills, Mich., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Friday. Chief executive Joe Lefave cited "depressed conditions" in the auto industry and "continued tightening of credit markets." MPI makes metal parts, primarily steel, and its biggest customer is the auto industry. MPI components are used in a vehicle's transmission, brakes and exhaust system, said Deerfield general manager Felix Egli.
Kohl's acquires store sites from bankrupt Mervyns
Kohl's Corp. prevailed Thursday in a joint bid with Forever 21 Inc. in an auction of leaseholds held for former Mervyns store sites. Together, the retailers acquired 46 locations for approximately $6.25 million. Kohl's will assume 31 of the locations, while Forever 21 will assume 15, pending approval by the court overseeing Mervyns bankruptcy proceedings.
Real Estate: New Stritch campus could rekindle Mandel’s St. Francis project
Milwaukee-based development firm Mandel Group Inc. purchased a vacant 12-acre site near the lakefront in St. Francis with high hopes about two-and-a-half years ago. The firm planned a 130,000-square-foot development, primarily with retail space, to serve what it expected would be a surging population in the lakefront area of the south shore suburb.
Northern Trust to cut 450 jobs
Northern Trust Corp. announced today it will eliminate 450 jobs in 2009. The Chicago-based company, which operates an office in Milwaukee, said it expects to record a pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 of approximately $20 million to $25 million (5 to 7 cents per share) associated with severance and benefits relating to the elimination of the jobs and other costs.
The actions are expected to generate approximately $50 million to $60 million in annualized pre-tax savings, the company said. Northern Trust said the layoffs are needed to improve its profitability under "difficult economic conditions. The layoffs will begin after the first of the year, and the company said it will use attrition whenever possible.
Distressed Harley-Davidson borrows $500 million
Harley-Davidson Inc. has received $500 million in an advance loan from its lenders, according to a document filed by the company with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission on Friday. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer's subsidiaries Harley-Davidson Warehouse Funding Corp. and Harley-Davidson Credit Corp. entered into a loan and servicing agreement with a group of lenders, including JPMorgan Chase Bank NA. Repayment of the loan will be due March 31, 2009. Harley (ticker symbol HOG) has $400 million in medium term notes (MTN) maturing today, according to a research note written by UBS analyst Robert Farley today.
Development News for the week 12/06/08 to 12/11/08
-back to top-
MIDTOWN COMMONS CONDO OWNERS NOT EAGER TO SEE A CHILD CARE CENTER ADDED
When plans were unveiled a decade ago for Midtown Commons -- the city of Madison's first "new urbanist" neighborhood -- developers envisioned some sort of public building anchoring the center of the project. Ideas floated included a community center, library, music gazebo or other civic use.
'MASSIVE' LAYOFFS POSSIBLE AT STOUGHTON TRAILERS
The economic downturn could cause a "massive" layoff at Stoughton Trailers early next year as the company faces a rocky road in the truck trailer industry. The company, which employs about 500, sent its possible layoff notice letter to the state Department of Workforce Development late last week.
CITY CUTS RIBBON ON REBUILT SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Nearly 100 people braved icy rain Monday night to celebrate the grand opening of the newly rebuilt Sequoya Library on the city's near west side. The library, which is part of the larger Sequoya Commons project on Midvale and Tokay boulevards, technically has been open to patrons since the end of November. But Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and others involved in the building process officially cut the ribbon Monday in an evening that included refreshments, an architect-led tour of the building and the multigenerational Westmorland Walking Band playing The Music Man's "Marian the Librarian" for guests.
HISTORY SHOWS THAT THE ROAD TO RECESSION RECOVERY CAN BE LONG
The National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that economic activity in the U.S. peaked last December. This marked the end of a six-year period of economic expansion and the beginning of a recession. The bureau is not a government agency. It is a nonprofit economic research organization. More than 1,000 professors of economics and business at U.S. universities conduct research for the bureau.
A CALL FOR A NEW FIRE STATION ON THE EAST SIDE
When Jon Stacy plunked down $200,000 for a new three-bedroom condo on Madison's Southeast Side in 2003, he thought the city was close to building a fire station about three miles away from his new home. That's what Stacy said his real estate agent told him, and the likelihood of having the station on Femrite Drive was a major factor in his and his wife's decision to buy. Now in their mid-60s and retired, both have health problems, he said.
HOUSING STARTS FALLING SHORT OF 2007 MARKS
Dane County had 35 housing starts last month, down 58 percent from 84 in November 2007, according to MTD Marketing Services in Menasha. The monthly total of permits issued for single-family homes and duplexes was the lowest November total since MTD began keeping records in 1999.
INTEL FIRES BACK, SUES WARF COMPUTER CHIP IS INVOLVED
Already in court in a patent infringement lawsuit, computer chip giant Intel fired back at UW-Madison on Friday with a lawsuit of its own, this one alleging that Intel was denied the use of UW research that the company funded. A popular Intel computer chip inside millions of computers is at the heart of the controversy between Intel and UW-Madison. In February, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the university's patent and licensing arm, sued Intel, alleging that the chipmaker infringed on a patent owned by WARF for technology that improves computer processing speed. It is used in Intel's popular Core 2 Duo microarchitecture.
FUEL FOR THE FUTURE VIRENT ENERGY SYSTEMS DEVELOPS BIOFUEL FROM PLANT SUGARS THAT HAS SAME COMPOSITION AS GAS
In an East Side laboratory, across from Madison Area Technical College, a pale liquid flows through tubes and vats, a liquid that could eventually shake up the powerful petroleum industry and even alter the global economy. That's the dream of Virent Energy Systems, a company that is rapidly moving ahead with its product: biofuel derived from plant sugars. It is gasoline for cars and jet fuel for airplanes - not a gasoline substitute or add-in but actual fuel with the same chemical composition as the stuff that cost more than $4 a gallon over the summer.
FIDELITY WILL CLOSE MIDDLETON OFFICE
Fidelity National Information Services will close its Middleton office and lay off 53 employees
MOST HERE EXPECT STEADY STAFFING LEVELS
Jobs in the Madison area should remain relatively stable for the first few months of 2009.
SLIDE IN NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES IN NOVEMBER
Single-family and duplex construction in Dane County was down 58 percent in November from the same month a year ago, according to the latest new home construction report from MTD Marketing Services. Only 35 building permits for single-family homes or duplexes were issued in the county in November, compared to 84 permits in November 2007.
VEHICLE FEE BOOST OPPOSED
Gov. Jim Doyle offered up a little something for car owners Friday. The Democratic governor said he would be reluctant to raise the cost of state vehicle registrations to help fill the state's projected $5.4 billion budget hole. Last year, Doyle and lawmakers raised the price of vehicle registrations from $55 to $75.
ECONOMY WATCH A DAILY DATA UPDATE ON KEY ECONOMIC REPORTS
CONSUMER CREDIT: U.S. consumers unexpectedly cut back on their borrowing in October as the economy sunk deeper into recession. The Federal Reserve said Friday that consumer credit fell at an annual rate of 1.6 percent in October. That compares with a 3.1 percent growth rate in September. Economists expected consumers to boost their borrowing by around $2 billion in October from the previous month. Instead, consumer debt dropped by $3.5 billion, to $2.58 trillion. The Fed's measure of consumer borrowing does not include any debt secured by real estate. COMMODITIES REVIEW: Gold for February delivery dropped $13.30 Friday to settle at $752.20 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. March silver lost 9 cents to $9.43 an ounce. March copper futures shed 9.6 cents to $1.3735 a pound. March wheat futures fell 10.5 cents to $4.755 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade. Corn for March delivery dropped 24.75 cents to $3.0925 a bushel. January soybeans fell 27.5 cents to $7.835 a bushel.
FORECLOSURES = BARGAINS YOU CAN GET A GOOD DEAL ON A HOUSE NOW, BUT BE PREPARED FOR SOME PROBLEMS.
More home foreclosures have spawned a hot alternative real estate market in Dane County. Bargains can be found, but buyers should be prepared for pet odors, dirty carpets, ripped-out appliances and personal items left behind.
ECONOMY WATCH - A DAILY DATA UPDATE ON KEY ECONOMIC REPORTS
ZERO INTEREST: Interest rates on four-week Treasury bills fell to zero in Tuesday's auction. The Treasury Department says it sold $30 billion in four-week bills at an interest rate of zero percent. That meant investors were willing to earn no return at all on their money as long as they cold park it in the safety of Treasury securities. The rate was down from an interest rate of 0.04 percent at last week's government auction of four-week bills. BANKING UPDATE: The government on Tuesday said it has supplied $3.84 billion to 35 banks in a third round of payments from the $700 billion financial system rescue program. The Treasury Department authorized the payments on Friday, bringing the total supplied to banks to $165.3 billion. That leaves less than $85 billion to be spent out of the $250 billion that has been earmarked to make direct purchases of stock in banks as a way of bolstering their balance sheets and encouraging them to resume more normal lending.
THE REAL WORLD, RECESSION-STYLE RECRUITERS ARE STILL COMING TO CAMPUS, BUT IT'S NOT AS EASY TO LAND THAT ENTRY-LEVEL JOB
UW-Madison students looking for a job this year don't need a dismal report from the National Bureau of Economic Research to tell them the United States is officially suffering through a recession. They're living it.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
-back to top-
Plan Commission approves second phase of long-term plan for Brookfield
Plan Commission approves second phase of long-term plan for Brookfield. Council yet to vote; state requires plan. Brookfield property owners will have a chance to voice their opinions on the long-term development plan for the city if the Common Council approves a recommendation from the Plan Commission next week...
Parks commission backs leasing land
Parks commission backs leasing land. Parcel makes up for loss of space at Fairview North. Brookfield’s Parks and Recreation Commission on Dec. 1 unanimously approved a deal with the Elmbrook School District to lease a school district-owned parcel of land on the city’s north side for $1...
Sports complex plans thwarted
Sports complex plans thwarted. Rural area, small site concerns for many. Plans to develop a sports complex at the new Milham Park on the west side of New Berlin were quashed by the city Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission on Dec. 8...
Wal-Mart store put on ice after project scaled back
Wal-Mart store put on ice after project scaled back. City officials reject supercenter, plan Iceport demolition. A Wal-Mart will not be constructed at the intersection of Layton and Nicholson avenues, and city officials are working to regain ownership of the property to ultimately demolish the rusted,...
CDC approves Toldt’s final plan
CDC approves Toldt’s final plan. 427 residential units eyed for DPW yard. A residential development near the public works yard has received committee approval of its final plans...
Hearing set for university zoning
Hearing set for university zoning. A public hearing on a zoning change that would allow Cardinal Stritch University to turn the Cousins Center, 3501 S. Lake Drive, and the adjacent We Energies property into a $150 million campus is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5...
Civil rights group fights I-94 road plans
Civil rights group fights I-94 road plans. ACLU joins objections over limited 27th Street access. Oak Creek and Franklin officials expressed surprise at the recent news of a civil rights-based complaint lodged against a state proposal to widen Interstate 94, build an interchange at Drexel Avenue...
Developer given lot flexibility
Developer given lot flexibility. But village will have more aesthetic control. The Menomonee Falls Village Board on Dec. 1 approved a request by Shady Lane Development to rezone about 17 acres northeast of the intersection of Christman and Maple roads to a planned-residential development...
DNR board OKs development restrictions near Holy Hill - JSOnline
Residential and commercial development will be prohibited on 133 acres on the edge of the Holy Hill woods natural area in the Town of Erin in southwestern Washington County as part of three easement acquisitions approved today by the state Natural Resources Board at a meeting in Madison.
Doyle proposes state projects for federal stimulus package
Gov. Jim Doyle on Wednesday gave Washington officials a sweeping wish list of $3.7 billion in highway, education, environment and energy-saving projects that he said could be started by spring, if President-elect Barack Obama and Congress agree on a stimulus package for states.
Landowner to fight Cudahy foreclosure action
Cudahy - An attorney who represents the owner of land where a Wal-Mart Supercenter was proposed said Tuesday the city will be in for a legal fight if it tries to proceed with foreclosure on the land
Future Pick 'n Save property sells for $5.5 million
The site of a future Pick 'n Save supermarket in Wauwatosa has been sold to an investors group for just over $5.5 million, according to documents filed with the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds. The property, at 1701-1801 N.
Five-story apartment building wins zoning approval
A five-story apartment building with up to 90 units, proposed for the southwest corner of N. Farwell Ave. and E. Kenilworth Place, won unanimous zoning approval today from the Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee.
Miron awarded $15.5 million school construction contract
Miron Construction Co., with regional offices in Middleton, said today it was awarded a contract to build an addition to Lake Mills Middle School and remodel the existing building. The $15.5 million project will start April 1 and be completed Sept. 1.
Zoning panel approves new UWM dorm
The Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee today unanimously approved a $45 million residence hall for 700 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students, setting the stage for final council approval next week.
Little city is at center of a great debate
Pipes link the Great Lakes with massive oil reserves in friendly Alberta. They may bring jobs, energy and pollution. And it's all happening as the century of oil gives way to the century of water.
Wind over water
A service vessel steers between offshore windmills set up in the North Sea, miles off the coast of Denmark. Some predict that large wind projects will be developed on the Great Lakes as well.
Wisconsin Technology Network.
Tom Still - Inside Wisconsin: As recession grips Wisconsin, business groups search for common ground.
Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee.
Chase to cut 270 jobs in Milwaukee. The jobs will be eliminated by early February, Chase spokeswoman Christine Holevas said Wednesday.
New York Times.
( Wisconsin) paper mills swept up in debate over Chrysler aid. Cerberus Capital Management’s vast web of investments is becoming an issue in the battle to bail out Chrysler.
Actuant and A.O. Smith to cut back on production
The recession is taking a significant toll on two more venerable southeastern Wisconsin manufacturers who announced today they will be forced to cut back on production because of a slowdown in demand for their products.
Manpower survey shows widespread hiring freezes
Two-thirds of employers in southeastern Wisconsin are planning no changes in their staffing levels during the first quarter of 2009, according to the newest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
-back to top- |
