The Brookfield Scene

The City of Brookfield considered a historic building preservation ordinance in the 1990's.  An inventory of historic city structures was done at that time and is still the primary source of information on historic structures for city planning.

The preservation ordinance was vehemently opposed by residents who felt it was an unnecessary intrusion on personal freedom.  The chief opponents were from the Brookfield Village area (Brookfield Road by the railroad tracks), the location of many such buildings, who felt that requiring preservation would scare away potential buyers of their properties.  The Village nodal plan adopted a few years ago does have some preservation aspects, but again opposition from residents made restrictions impossible.  Having served on that task force, I remember the public comments and letters.  I do not recall a single member of any historical preservation society attending or making any appeal for such rules.  The one possible exception is a single resident known as the champion for preserving the old railroad depot.  I believe that it's still owned by the railroad.

Aren't elected officials supposed to listen to the voters?  Doesn't the total lack of interest by people claiming to be most interested in local history at the task force meetings devoted to the Village speak volumes?

By the way, does the Town of Brookfield have a preservation ordinance or even a formal inventory of buildings that might be considered historic?

Thank you Janet for another wonderful article filled with interesting local tidbits and great opportunities for family fun in our community.

Please do not be offended by those who would divide our community by looking past your wonderful contributions in journalling our many assets, and focus on a consideration made a decade ago to forego historic preservation.

Keep up the good work.  If the weather's agreeable, we'll attend the activities at the Douseman Stagecoach Inn this weekend. Thank you again for the timely reminder.

I agree with QUOTABLE.  It's very disconcerting that every time Ms. Wintersberger comments on subjects with a historical slant, she gets slammed by Mr. Berg as he critizes the Town.  Although Janet lives in Town of Brookfield, she is a Board Member of the Elmbrook Historical Society. Along with Elm Grove and other communities, we have every right to be concerned with the dwindling historic sites.  I seem to recall a southside neighborhood group promoting the Historic Preservation Ordinance at City Hall.  I think the big money in Brookfield had a louder voice.

The city dropped the ball on historic preservation as evident by considering to do something but not doing anything.  There is more value long term in preserving the history of a place versus tax dollars from development of bland office and retail.

I seem to recall Mayor Speaker talking about making Brookfield a "destination city."  When I look for a place to spend some quality time, I think of going to a place like Cedarburg or Lake Geneva where they have made an effort to preserve their charm and history. People don't travel to Europe for offices and retail, they go for the history and art.  I can find fast food chains and malls anywhere.  We need to appreciate and protect our history before its all gone. The "improvements" done to the village were not what we need.  Higher buildings and bright reproduction street lamps didn't do anything for historic preservation. Keep putting the word out, Janet.

OK Mr. Berg, are you listening now ?