Tuesday, May 12, 2009

JSOnline: UWM to present lakefront plans for new water program

Milwaukee has access to one of the best assets on the planet - Lake Michigan. As our local economy changes, so does our vision for Milwaukee’s future. The days of beer brewing and manufacturing are behind us. The City of Milwaukee, along with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), is planning to move our economy forward by entering the freshwater sciences.

UWM is looking to enhance Milwaukee’s economy by expanding the School of Freshwater Sciences by building the headquarters of its proposed School of Freshwater Sciences at the former Pieces of Eight site. The School will offer graduate-level courses that will help train water scientists and engineers.


My Thoughts

I never quite understood why Pieces of Eight and Harbor 550 couldn’t succeed on the lakefront. The views of the lake, harbor, and city are incredible from the former restaurant. Most major cities have waterfront restaurants that are doing very well. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly enjoy the food and service I receive at Coast and Lake Park Bistro. However, it would be nice to have the same experience closer to the lake.

If it were up to me, I would keep the site zoned for a restaurant and find a way to make it work. I do appreciate that Milwaukee is forward thinking and we should make use of Lake Michigan to its fullest. Currently, UWM’s School of Freshwater Services is located in Milwaukee’s harbor near Greenfield Avenue. It would be nice to keep the lakefront accessible for the public’s enjoyment. Why not clean up and expand the area around its current site along the harbor for educational purposes?


What are your thoughts?


Tom Daykin, writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, provides more details about UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences and its potential impact on our local economy. Click here to read more about UWM’s proposal>>>

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posted by David Ray @ 3:28 PM

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