Brady Street Area Association

Swing Park news:

City plans to transform closed “Swing Park” into “The Landing at Tannery Row” “Previous conversations with residents have revealed a need for increased safety measures and reconsideration of park use and programming.”

Complete text of Chief Norman's letter

“As Chief of Police for the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), a lot of things keep me awake at night. Every morning, I am briefed about the major crimes that have occurred in the last 24 hours and the arrests my officers have made.

Recently, I have had many sleepless nights over the arrests we are making of youth, many who are 14, some older, and some even younger at 11, 12 years of age. These kids are brazenly using fi****ms to take cars and other property from strangers. This compels me to call our community to intervene.

Last night, MPD arrested 7 kids ranging in age from 13 years of age to 17 years of age. All 7 of these kids were in a stolen vehicle attempting to steal another vehicle. They had guns, and when a security guard tried to stop them from stealing the vehicle, they shot at the guard. Many of these kids had prior arrests and prior convictions for taking cars without owner’s consent. Many of these kids weren’t even old enough to get a license.

This is not intended to raise the alarm that the City of Milwaukee is a dangerous place. In fact, our crime numbers are down. Crime and people causing harm to one another has been around since the beginning of humanity.

This is intended to raise awareness about the trends I am seeing in reckless youth behavior.

Recently, MPD arrested a 14-year-old who had robbed a family at gunpoint, stolen multiple vehicles from others, and while driving a stolen vehicle recklessly, killed an innocent motorcyclist who crossed his path. Fourteen. Not old enough to drive, yet doing so with complete disregard for the people around him. He, too, was a kid who had multiple prior offenses for this same type of behavior.

MPD’s role is to respond to crimes when they occur and arrest those who cause harm to others. MPD also works hard to prevent crimes through patrol, education and outreach. We are committed to innovative new approaches. We are always open to new ideas. But even with unlimited resources, we can’t be everywhere, and our primary and priority role in crime is to enforce the law. If crime occurs, MPD arrests. After an arrest is made, we present our evidence to our partners in the criminal justice system who then use that evidence to build a case that goes to court. The court process results in a consequence for the offender.

From our end, these consequences are not changing our youth’s behavior. The kids we are arresting are reoffending. The community must intervene.

To the media, I ask that your coverage of crime includes an exploration into why individuals are committing these crimes. Instead of asking why MPD is pursuing vehicles, ask why are people not stopping when MPD tries to pull them over? Instead of asking why MPD doesn’t write more citations for unlicensed drivers, ask why are so many people driving without a license? Why are kids or young adults using guns to steal, instill fear, and cause harm? What have their parents done to address this behavior? The public has a right to know what is driving the actions of those who are causing harm to others. It is easier to report out on how law enforcement responds when a crime occurs, but it is indeed a more difficult task to get to the heart of what compels the reckless behavior. I challenge you to make that a focus.

To those in our community who can step up to the plate – youth organizations, organizations that work with parents, healthcare professionals, legislators, parents, faith leaders, aunts, uncles, neighbors, what can you do to educate our youth to not bring harm to others, and what can you do to ensure that they don’t?

This call to action isn’t new. I’ve held press conferences, and participated in interviews. I’ve been at community meetings. I am trying to get this message out in any space that I can. We need you at the table. Our youth need you at the table. Be a part of the solution. What are you doing to help?”

Milwaukee police chief's letter to community; 'What are you doing to help?' Chief Norman urges the public, “We need you at the table. Our youth need you at the table. Be a part of the solution. What are you doing to help?”

Some neighborhood development news.

Long-Vacant Riverfront Lot to be Developed Plus: Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio ends up in a sand lawsuit.

Big news for Brady Street! We look forward to the new owners, the Presta family, and we wish Michael and his family the very best! We're glad to see Chef Darin Wisniewski is staying and taking over general management. Thank you Glorioso's for what you started and how you have shaped our street for generations.

New Owners to Take Over Glorioso’s Illinois-based ownership group to purchase iconic Italian market, pledges to 'keep everything the same.'

Best day of the year!

Here’s the 2024 Brady Street Festival lineup “This year’s event is shaping up to be our best yet, with an amazing roster of bands and activities that will appeal to music lovers of all ages.”

You’re invited to an original show/parade by children from Cass Street School and seniors from St. Rita Square working with Quasimondo Physical Theatre to raise awareness of the plight of our pollinators and help BEE the change.

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 11:15 AM SHOW
ST. RITA CHURCH BASEMENT, 1617 N. CASS STREET

POLLINATOR PARADE at Brady Street Fest 12:15 PM
MEET AT BRADY STREET WEST STAGE

Forward Scholars Volunteer Tutoring: A Common Ground Initiative is looking for volunteers!

Due to the programs success, they are partnering with more MPS schools including Cass Street School. Volunteers are trained and then paired with students selected by school staff to provide 1:1 tutoring. Training, lesson plans and onsite help provided. Check out more information below and consider volunteering.

Forward Scholars Volunteer Tutoring: A Common Ground Initiative Light the way. Become a Forward Scholars reading tutor for a child who truly needs you.

Join us at our meeting tonight where you can hear from:
- Ted Chisholm for County Treasurer
- Kim Forbeck - Deep Groove the new vinyl listening lounge at the old Brady Street Futons store
- Dona Hudson - Brady Street garden

Location: Brady Street BID Office - 1220A E Brady St

Time: 6:30pm

See you there!

Save the date, and keep Brady Street beautiful!

🌈 Keep Brady Beautiful! 🌈

For Earth Day, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful (KGMB) is hosting a fun cleanup volunteer opportunity in partnership with Mijenta Tequila and Tito's Handmade Vodka. It gets better—join us for the afterparty where volunteers receive raffle tickets, swag, and samples of Mijenta and Tito's!

🗑 Supplies provided
📍 Warren Ave & Brady St
🕐 1 - 5 PM
🌎 Saturday, April 20

See you there!

We welcome you to join our monthly Board of Directors meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 6th at 6:30PM. We will be kicking off the 2024 year by building our goals for community engagement as the main focus of the meeting.

The meeting will be held at Saint John’s On the Lake and visitors will be asked to wear a badge upon registration.

At this time, there is no virtual option for attendance.

All BSAA Board of Directors meetings are open to the public and are held the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30PM, typically in the Brady Street BID office.

We look forward to meeting you in the 2024 year!

🍂🍁FREE Fall Cleanup Assistance Available! 🍂🍁

Are you or someone you know over the age of 60 and needs help with yard cleanup? Check out this flyer!

Sharing a reminder to the community that our monthly BSAA Board of Directors meeting for September will be moved to next Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30 PM in the BID office.

Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM. Community members are welcome to attend with limited seats available. Our September meeting was postponed due to the Labor Day holiday weekend.

As always, you may direct message us on Facebook with any questions or inquiries.

Have a great week!

We had an amazing time at this year's Brady Street Festival. Thank you Rachel Taylor and the Brady Street BID for all your amazing work! Can't wait until next year!

We’d like to welcome our newest neighbor, Sweet Joy Brigadeiro LLC to Brady Street! Stop on by and enjoy the offerings!

Brazilian Cafe Opening on Brady Street Sweet Joy Brazilian Cafe opens Tuesday, offering coffee, acai smoothies and snacks.

Hi Neighbors! The Brady Street Area Association is looking to fill several spots on its board of directors! The time commitment is about 2-4 hours per month, with a monthly meeting 6:30 - 8:00 pm the first Tuesday of each month. If interested, please email [email protected] along with a bit about yourself and your interest in the position. Hope to hear from you soon!

We’re live at the Brady Street BID Pet Parade! Stop by and take part in our annual raffle!

Please join Rep. Jonathan Brostoff for a Community Town Hall event this Wednesday evening IN PERSON at the Brady Street Firehouse! We hope to see you there!

One week from today, we’ll be lighting up the lakefront with high energy, electrifying lineups across our stages while we light up the sky with our annual fireworks show! Don’t miss a single moment! 🤩🎆🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈❤️

Bicycle RIDE with Pride & Parade Sun Jun 05 2022 at 11:00 am, PLEASE RSVP ON THIS FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE!! PRIDE RIDE LGBT+/QUEER COMMUNITY AND respectful allies ARE WELCOME! It's that time of year again! Join the Wisconsin Bike Fed q***r staff as they host their 4th Ride with Pride on the afternoon of Sunday, June 5

Passionate about Brady Street and looking to work with neighbors and community partners on exciting initiatives? The Brady Street Area Association is looking to fill several spots on its board of directors! These volunteer positions form the backbone of the BSAA. The board meets once monthly, and works on planning and executing events. If interested, please contact us at [email protected]