Developments in Wauwatosa Village Spark Concerns Among Business Owners and Residents

Headline: Proposed Developments in Wauwatosa Village Spark Concerns Among Business Owners and Residents

In the heart of Wauwatosa Village, a charming neighborhood known for its specialty stores and eateries, proposed developments are causing a stir among business owners and residents. Cindy Hein, the owner of Heinsight Leather, has been a staple in the community for 27 years, creating custom leather goods in her shop on Harwood Avenue. However, with new apartment buildings and luxury condos on the horizon, Hein and others are worried about the impact on the area.

The Mandel Group and Three Leaf Partners are spearheading the development projects, which include a 157-unit apartment building and a 163-unit apartment building, respectively. These projects aim to bring more residents to the area and boost the city’s tax base. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of affordable housing, parking availability, and the overall aesthetic of the historic Village.

Business owners like Jim Niemann of Niemann’s Homemade Candies and Ice Cream and Nat Davauer of Draft & Vessel are calling for better communication and community engagement from developers. They worry about the potential impact on their businesses and the unique character of the Village.

Residents like Laura Hanson are concerned about accessibility and community space in the proposed developments. They want to ensure that the area remains welcoming and inclusive for all, not just new residents. Additionally, business owners like Mark Bauer of The Flannel Fox and Dan Bieser of Tabal Chocolate are advocating for more opportunities for small businesses to thrive in the Village.

As the developments move through the approval process, the community is coming together to voice their opinions and shape the future of Wauwatosa Village. With public hearings and meetings scheduled in the coming months, the conversation around these projects is far from over.

For more information on the proposed developments and the concerns raised by business owners and residents, contact the reporter at [email protected].