This week had a bit of (city) news for everyone.
Have you been following the debate over a proposed new City Hall and new library? The council voted to affirm its choice of the $107.2 million option.
Are you a District 6 voter unhappy about lack of council representation? The city this week launched the process for filling that vacant council seat by appointment. Tosa Forward News attended the drawing of lots Friday for the five-member selection committee: Melissa Dolan, Rob Gustafson, Brad Foley and Indy Stluka, with Mayor Dennis McBride appointing the fifth member, Ernst Franzen.
Do you drink tap water? Your water is about to get a little less fluoridated. Milwaukee Water Works, which supplies Wauwatosa's water, is temporarily reducing its fluoride additive by about half until it can address supply chain issues.
David Paulsen
Do you have strong opinions about real estate development and redevelopment in Wauwatosa? Whatever those opinions might be, you'll probably be interested to know that the city just hired a new development director, Nate Piotrowski, who comes to the city from Brown Deer.
And do you ever go outdoors? You might want to know that mosquitoes in Wauwatosa have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
This makes the city one of only six places the virus has been confirmed in Wisconsin so far this year. That's not the greatest of distinctions for the city, though virus cases are likely to pop up in other parts of the state soon. August and September are the most common months for West Nile Virus infections.
In other news, the city has advanced efforts to eventually offer overnight parking accommodations to some residents who have no off-street parking options. The council specified that the city should assist people with demonstrated "hardships" rather than pursue a more expansive program.
The Medical College of Wisconsin held a groundbreaking ceremony for its construction site on Watertown Plank Road where it is building its first on-campus housing. The Business Journal was among the outlets covering that news.
Another apartment complex is now under construction at the corner of Mayfair Road and Wisconsin Avenue, as the Journal Sentinel notes.
The Journal Sentinel also had this report on the impact of last August's flooding on the graves at Milwaukee County Grounds. A group called Descendant Community of Milwaukee County Grounds wants the county to do more to preserve the pauper's cemetery there.
In-person absentee voting began on Tuesday in advance of the Aug. 11 primary election. Info on voting is available on the city's website. Tosa Forward News summarized the local Assembly and Senate races here. Also, check back next week for our preview of the race for the Democratic nomination in the 13th Assembly District.
Finally, this weekend is the 40th annual Firefly Art Fair, hosted by the Wauwatosa Historical Society. "This beloved event will bring together 70-80 talented artisans and makers showcasing their finest work," the historical society says. It will be held Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Kneeland-Walker House, 7406 Hillcrest Drive.
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