The Town of Brookfield announced plans for development of the "Bluemound Road Corridor." The area is bounded by Barker Road, I 94 and Bluemound Road and extends east of Poplar Creek. The development covers about 80 acres. It includes the properties owned by Marcus Corporation and Menards.
The Corridor plans include 4-8 story commercial buildings and 2-4 story multi-family units. Since the plans were announced, the town has sought public comment and met with property owners. Town officials believe it's important to work with the business owners - to meld the visions of the town and business owners together. There is a strong desire to achieve positive acceptance about the development. Indeed, suggestions about roadway placement and project flexibility have already been integrated into the consultant's plans.
The goals of the development plans are to address problems of circulation (pedestrian and automobile), maintain property values and provide an inviting consumer environment. Plans for the Bluemound Corridor Node accomplish all three.
Traffic circulation will be improved by two additional east/west roads (parallel to I94) and a north/south road (beneath high-tension lines). Sidewalks will encourage foot traffic between the businesses and offices.
Taller structures (4-8 and 2-4 stories) provide more business / office space. This yields a more economically-viable development while positively impacting property values. A planned parking structure will reduce the need for large asphalt parking lots.
An inviting consumer environment is provided through urban style architecture. Ground level stores will have large windows, and include eateries and service providers. It's possible that a person working in an office or business could spend his/her lunch hour within the same complex.
The Town of Brookfield's administrator, Rick Czopp, said, "Government should be slow and deliberate because of the future impact on the community" and a desire to achieve positive acceptance.
The town's plans are consistent with Waukesha County's development plans. The town is one of 27 communities that are collaborating with the county.
There are no plans for tax incremental financing (TIF or TID) for this development. These designations are typically used in distressed areas. The town did use TIF funds for the environmental clean up of the new Palladium Theatre site. The ground had become contaminated by underground diesel storage leaks.
The Town of Brookfield will look much different in 10 years.
