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Franklin Council to Vote Tomorrow on $15M Poth’s General TIF as Debate Over Blight, Financing and Political Influence Intensifies

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By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News FRANKLIN — The Franklin Common Council will vote Tuesday night on whether to approve Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 10 , a financing plan that could direct up to $15 million in future property tax revenue toward redevelopment of the former Poth’s General and Orchard View property. The proposal, which involves construction of approximately 292 apartment units and limited commercial space , has sparked debate in recent weeks as residents question whether the project meets Wisconsin’s statutory requirements for tax incremental financing and whether the public financing is justified. The council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Franklin City Hall, 9229 W. Loomis Road. How the Proposed TID Would Work Under Wisconsin’s tax incremental financing system, the current value of property within a district is established as a “base value.” Property taxes generated from that base value continue to be distribute...
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Two Posts, Two Standards? Disorderly Conduct Citation Puts Nelson and Eichmann in Spotlight Before April Election

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By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News With Mayor John Nelson seeking reelection on April 7, a pending court challenge to a disorderly conduct citation and a recent social media post by Alderwoman Michelle Eichmann are fueling debate about how Franklin’s ordinance is enforced. KEY FACTS • A Franklin resident received a disorderly conduct citation after criticizing city officials online. • Police reports documented no direct threat in the post. • The citation is now under review through a Writ of Certiorari in Milwaukee County Circuit Court . • A recent Facebook post by Alderwoman Michelle Eichmann comparing an unnamed individual to Darrell Brooks and Timothy Olson prompted a new police report requesting review under the same ordinance. • The post was later removed from Eichmann’s Facebook page . • Mayor John Nelson is running for reelection on April 7 as the controversy unfolds. • Nelson, Eichmann, and County Supervisor Steve Taylor have been named i...
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Rock Festival Permit Returns to Franklin Council Agenda as Regional Concerns Grow

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By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News A dispute over noise and oversight at the Rock Sports Complex has continued across two recent Franklin Common Council meetings, drawing residents from neighboring communities and increasing regional and political attention surrounding events at the venue. At the February 18 Franklin Common Council meeting , Greendale resident Andy Kleist spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting urging the council to delay approval of festival permits until the requirements outlined in Resolution 2024-8109 are fully implemented and sound monitoring issues are addressed. Kleist questioned the status of third-party oversight of the Rock’s sound monitoring system and referenced earlier public discussions indicating the city would assume control of monitoring equipment and implement independent oversight. While Kleist was still standing at the podium during his allotted public comment time, Franklin Mayor John Nelson responded di...
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