Commissioners approve vacation of mistakenly dedicated right-of-way for Westlawn park project

The Milwaukee City Plan Commission on Jan. 26 voted unanimously to vacate an irregular, unimproved triangular portion of right-of-way in the block bounded by W. Birch Ave., N. 66th St. and N. 67th St., allowing the parcel to revert to the original dedicating party and be developed as a park.

DCD planning staff said the parcel was "erroneously dedicated as part of common council file number 18572 in 2018" and does not function as a street. Staff recommended vacation under the statutory procedure for returning the land to private ownership. John Latsko of DCD presented the background and said Transportation and Public Works does not object, provided stormwater management amendments are complied with.

Allison Waznicki, vice president of construction for Turbo Incorporated (working with the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee), said the authority plans two phases: an initial park and later a pavilion, playground and seating walls to support educational uses. Waznicki told commissioners that the project has a funding deadline and they "do have a deadline... to develop this by May 11," asking for expedited action so the project can proceed.

Commissioners asked about lighting, security cameras and parking; Waznicki said the plan includes lighting and security cameras and that there will be no dedicated parking beyond adjacent street parking. The commission approved the resolution by roll-call vote and wished the applicant luck in meeting the funding timeline.

Next steps include coordination on stormwater plan amendments and implementation by the Housing Authority.