Tuesday, March 31, 2009: Manual Newsfeed

(Manual in the sense that I don't actually have feeds feeding me things.)
Local Industrial Economy Improved in March

Tuesday, the Milwaukee chapter of the Institute for Supply Management said that its seasonally adjusted manufacturing index registered 30 in March, up one point from February.

I never know what to think of reports like this. Yay we're up! Boo it's only up slightly. But improvement is improvement.

We are still below 50, which means that Milwaukee is still loosing more on the industrial side of things we are gaining. Apparently this index is something I am supposed to be watching to help me figure out the economy. (Along with other things I've been told to watch including supermarket prices, gas prices, if the sky is falling or not, and if the sun rises and sets each day).


Realtors:City Hall Should Take Over Park East Land

“The City has the tools, resources and expertise to work directly with potential developers and investors, as well as the County, to ensure the best and most effective use of the property,” said Jim Villa, group president, in a statement.

Yes, the city does have these tools ect...just not the money or the cooperation of the county board who believes that it is only the economy that keeps the Park East land barren. Not red tape or sluggish governmental boards.

Since apparently downtown Milwaukee hasn't been developing since...whenever we tore that freeway down. I'm fairly certain that there have been plenty of good economic times to get something there.

Now, I don't mean to sound like I'm up for anything, but I'm really getting sick of seeing that giant swath of earth there. Come to Downtown Milwaukee! See acres of dirt and surface parking! Blame it on the economy!

(Obviously it isn't a result of the virtual non-existent cooperation between the City and the County.)

And In Waukesha News:
Housing May Fill Waukesha YWCA Site

After the presentation, neighbor Kim Pipkin expressed her concern that 16 homes would be too close together and the lots would be undersized.

"Obviously, they'll really be starter homes," she said. "I was glad to hear plans for condos."

Let me translate that last quote for you. "I'm afraid that we might have poor people or minorities living in Waukesha and getting family supporting jobs! They also might build houses on lots less than 1/2 an acre and have houses closer together! That might create a sustainable neighborhood! Oh God...we'll look like Milwaukee or something! That disgusting city with poverty and sidewalks and neighborhoods and black people!"

Yeah, that was a little harsh, but I don't see how homes that are priced between $150,000-$200,000 are really all that affordable priced.

Also, what "condos?" Is this the suburban way of saying that condos=family-owned versus houses=rental properties?

I guess redevelopment is good and all, but I think that Waukesha's supposed push for affordability is really fake.


In other news, will spring be coming to Milwaukee again so I can go out and explore without getting wet and cold?