Wauwatosa continues to generate plenty of news, and Tosa Forward News is working to get as many of those stories to you as the days will allow. Thanks for reading, subscribing and supporting!
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The week's headlines include this report posted today about a modest credit rating downgrade for the Wauwatosa School District, which Moody's says is because of reductions in the district's cash balance over a period when it was investing in staff. It may come as no surprise that this has become School Board campaign fodder, with less than a month to the April 7 election.
David Paulsen
In city news, there has been a lot of talk of apartment developments, with two proposals coming before the Common Council: One would bring a 55+ development to the former St. Piux X Parish parking lot at Wright and 74th streets. The other would redevelop a parcel on Mayfair Road just north of Mayfair Mall and would require the creation of a TIF district to provide $2.85 million in city financial incentives.
And the council also will consider a series of revisions to the city's garbage and recycling ordinances. Among the changes are guidance on "small dead animals" disposal.
Only three of Wauwatosa's 12 council races are contested this year. Tosa Forward News caught up with the six candidates for those seats for this story about who they are and why they are running.
Even if you don't have a contested election in your district, you can nominate a deserving neighbor for Wauwatosa's annual Distinguished Citizen Award. The deadline is April 3, and more information is here.
David Paulsen
Sadly, Cafe Blue announced this week that it would be closing after 11 years in business on North Avenue in East Tosa. "It is time for a new chapter," the Yiannackopouloses said, and they invited loyal customers back one more time before they close for good at 2 p.m. this Sunday.
A few blocks east, another North Avenue business is getting much deserved recognition. Ca'Lucchenzo is in the running for a James Beard Award, and Tosa Forward News interviewed owners Zak and Sarah Baker just in time for the Tosa Restaurant Week.
Next time you see them, tell them you can't wait to try the ossobuco.
David Paulsen
Finally, congrats to new Wauwatosa Fire Chief Barbara Kadrich, who was named to the department's top job this week by the Police and Fire Commission. Kadrich had been serving as interim chief since the retirement of former Fire Chief Jim Case in January. Kadrich is the first woman to serve as the city's chief.
A news release on the city's website said Kadrich will hold that role until Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue, the new joint department serving Wauwatosa and West Allis, conducts a nationwide recruitment for its first fire chief.
