Meijer's next to Woodman's is not going to work here in Oak Creek.
The council and city members just want their new office space and are just taking the first store to come forward without thinking if it would actually succeed!

Do you have links of the new plans or video from the meeting?

I don't really see why they keep saying they need an anchor store to bring traffic to the area. It's right next to Woodmans, which already brings plenty of traffic as well as being right on Howell Ave. that has plenty of traffic. It's not like this development is out in the country or an out of the way place, it's right on a busy road in a city with plenty of people. Any stores there would have customers because it's a prime location, they don't need some anchor store to attract people to see other stores.

The best solution is not always the easiest.
What about a little intellectual and fiscal honesty.
Postpone the development of the New City Hall and Library until the City finds a suitable anchor. City Hall and the Library seem to be functioning quite nicely at the moment. Don't let the retailers dictate to the City what this project will contain and when it should happen.

REFERENDUM!

Pathetic! It sounds like they're admitting that they're only going with Meijer since it's the only anchor they can get. I don't think the majority of residents would mind waiting to have the land developed until a suitable anchor was found. I wonder what they'll do when Meijer goes out of business 2 years after it's built. (When the chain discovers where its customer demographic is in WI and decides to built bigger, newer stores in other locations.) Oak Creek is being used by Meijer just as much as Oak Creek is using it to get this town center development built. I can't believe the thought pattern on this one!

All of your comments are very interesting! Just wondering if any one of you were at the meeting last night and really know and understand what is actually the truth! Yes, I was there and I totally understand and agree.

The solution is easy, then speak with your wallets..DO not shop at Meijer's....

I was at the meeting. And the few things that rang out were:

1. How quickly the developers wanted to get Phase One, the first 175-200 units of the apartments started and finished so that they could start on Phase 2 of the apartments. They mentioned nothing about what percentage of phase one they wanted rented before starting phase two. They need to set some goal, like 80 or 90% fill before even considering starting phase 2; otherwise you built up before you had any need to add on. And this applies to the overzealous amount of retail space, which leads to: point 2.

2. A lot of retail space. Has the city looked at the impact of the retail space on existing strip malls? All that retail space may or may not lure existing businesses from the strip malls they are already in, which may leave Oak Creek with empty strip malls on the outskirts of the town square.

3. City hall and the Library: these buildings are the backbone of the city. They should be the anchors of the town square, not some big box store; because if the big box store should close it's doors the city hall and library will remain, as they are city offices.

4. When is the clearing of the site going to start? Have any soil tests been done? I would hate to have people become sick because the "Green Space" was situated on contaminated soil.

I know the city and planners want to start on this project and get it done as quickly as possible, but moving at break neck speed can cause other problems for Oak Creek.

The meeting was a joke. The room was too small, not enough chairs and as I expected, no answers or even acknowledgement of the community's concerns. It's painfully obvious that this project is going forward regardless of what the people think. They'll build the Meijer (after giving Meijer a sweetheart deal so that even if they close the store a few years from now, they won't lose $). They'll build city hall and a library (because the powers that be want fancy new digs). And they'll build low-tier apartments near the train tracks because it's an easy way for the developers to cash out.

Mark my word - you won't see ANY restaurants or smaller retailer in those outlots for at least 5 years. The "main street" shops will be half empty for a decade.

I would Like assurances that the taxpayers of Oak Creek have ZERO liability if any site contamination is found. I heard from several Alderman that the proper bore tests have been sampled. If all the soil samples came up clean, Wispak and the developers should have no issue with a clause that clearly identifies who is liable when contaminated soil is found. Do not trust that we are covered. Take the time to personally see the clause. Do not dismiss this issue. Protect your constituents by personally verifying that legal documents clearly state who handles any site clean up costs. Clean soil samples do not gaurantee no problem. Get this in writing.

State law currently ID's who is liable unless other contracts have been signed or the DNR has determined the site clean. Once the DNR has determined site is clean the responsibility/expense rests on their shoulders. Please remember DNR is funded by your state tax dollars meaning you still pay not necessarily the party that left behind contamination. This is most important in the case of old industrial sites namely the WWII DuPont, war munitions, chemical Property which the city now owns in Carrollville. What I'm concerned about with the Delphi site is creation of a TIF and the probability in the current economy of economic stagnation pending economic collapse and another failing TIF that we the taxpayer will finance.

Slow your roll Oak Creek! What is the rush to develop this site with the wrong anchor? Let's take our time and do it right. The plans look beautiful with the exception of Meijer. Please find something better. I look forward to seeing a new library with a great kids' area and media resource center - but that doesn't mean we should rush off and marry our first proposal in fear we won't have another that suits our city's needs better. Oak Creek deserves better and I'm willing to wait for it.

Remember, elections are approaching and the current elected needs to take a look at their performance and not the Drexel Square project. Too many get grand ideas wanteing to be like Chicago and not OC. This goes for the Mayor who cast the deciding vote. Be aware Meijer is not the proper fit for this land. Mpre like an IKEA who would warrant visitors from the state more than just OC.

Come on OC, stand up and be counted.

However, the City Hall and LIbrary is the vocal point here. Step back, take a breath, and refigure just what we need including jobs.

So what about a Golf Dome next to the tracks? Generate some revenue? I have seen golf domes in other states near the great lakes pay for themselves in 2 years. Attached sport bars and even indoor putt-putt. One I know of one in NY even has a small Golf Galaxy attached. Put the big pillow next the track and insulate the rest of the area from the noise. Not big fan of lots and lots of low income housing in the area. As for the current city hall I believe the bigger plan involves a high school expansion.....I have talked with a few of the "workers" at city not the "officials". Working conditions are cramped and all records are kept in the basement...wonder what that looks like?

I liked periodically going to World Market when they were at Southridge, but because they were located in the old Gimble's anchor end, now Macy's, they had to close the store when Macy's took over the space. Now the only World Market is out by Brookfield Square, which I haven't been to due to the distance from Oak Creek. Another store I used to frequent... Woodcraft... keeps moving further from Milwaukee, and I don't shop there as often as I used to due to the distance. I was talking to a former employee a couple months ago, and was told that the manager of the store moved the store from Highway 100 south of Greenfield Ave. to 141st and Greenfield Ave. to "follow the money" that can be gained from potentially more affluent customers in Brookfield; Nice idea, but most affluent people are not big DIYers, and in the process you disenfranchise the regular customers.

The southeastern corner of Milwaukee County has been forgotten about for way too long, with retailers favoring the southwest; and more affluent northeast and downtown areas of Milwaukee County, and Waukesha County. Like I said, this project is adding a lot of retail space, some will be needed by new retailers, some by retailers already in the city looking to move into a nicer store, but we don't want to expand way beyond the needs for retail space before the city realizes that they overestimated and overbuilt the needs; and Oak Creek is left with vacant retail space, both in the strip malls and the town center.

Why is it only the right-wingnuts are the only people griping about this amazing plan that will change Oak Creek for the better forever. Don't let these fools stop this great plan!

I don't know what everyone is so upset about. This is not a strictly new project it's been in the making for several years, where were you then? A few of us have been objecting. Have ran for office, circulated petitions which resulted in legal action. FYI, OC city hall and library were built with flat roofs to expand in current locations up. If it weren't for all the open enrollment transfers our schools population would be in decline meaning we may never need to expand the HS. Library shouldn't have even been considered for this move and wait until the rest of the plan is revealed some of you are not going to believe the power of the elect over the people. Oak Creek officials do not consider themselves accountable to you. They regard the city as a business not a local governmental entity and operate accordingly. Remember, Bolendar, et al, drained all funds. We don't have a Capital Improvement Fund, all improvements, all new development is being done via borrowing from their revolving door debt funding accounting scheme. Again, you live in the bathroom community of Milw. Co. You house the 6th largest coal power plant in the country. You have the dirtest air in S.E. WI. We are failing in providing safe water to residents but were considering selling more water to other communities. City employee's earn more than most residents but you wouldn't know that. Meijer's big box is taking a chance even considering coming to OC. On the positive, you won't have to drive to Brookfield

JUST PUT AN IKEA THERE AND USE THE REST FOR PARKING; WHICH WILL BE NEEDED DUE TO THE HUGE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE IT WILL DRAW.

My family recently moved to the area from Michigan so we're familiar with Meijer stores. I think Meijer as anchor will not be good for the community. It isn't much different from other retailers in town and won't be a draw from other suburbs. It seems like Oak Creek lacks a community type of place--community center, recreation/health club complex, etc. Why the focus on a big box retailer? Meijer is'nt going to attract the type of customer you want and definitely won't bring in good or unique outlot businesses. It'll just kill some of the other small businesses that already exist in the community. I hope the leaders think more about this.

I'm surprised Meijer's would even consider this area since Woodman's, Target, and PicNSave are a mile away.
The large specialty store (IKEA, Container Store, Nordstrom's) is the logical choice here.

Mark, I had every intention of showing up but I had family obligations get in the way. Did anyone suggest a better alternative to Mejiers?

What about Costco? Not the best thing ever but I think it would be more of a Draw for people farther away.

My suggestion is to ask Trader Joe's - or World market which was posted earlier. Something different. I personally love the idea of The Drexel market, but I can only hope that make it like Bay Shore Mall with the stores they have up there so we don't have to make that drive any longer!

I agree. It would be a dream to have some of the retailers found at Bayshore or in Brookfield nearby. We drive to shop at these places now so imagine how much business they would get if they were located in town. I would love to have a place in town to buy children's clothes, shoes, sporting equipment other than boring old Target and Kohl's. I would be very interested to find out how much research was done to find an adequate anchor. Meijer certainly doesn't seem very well thought out. If their aim is warehouse type of store that would draw people, I reluctantly would have to go with Costco. I'm not a fan, but I know many people are. It was successfully added to the Grafton area without destroying their retail market.

I guess I should clarify before someone jumps in--clothes and shoes other than Carhartt and the like that would be found at Meijer (and already found locally at Farm & Fleet)..................

Someone asked for suggestions on stores to go in. Here would be some ideas (shops, restaurants, entertainment, etc.) that might work for the area: Dick's Sporting Goods, Michaels, Old Navy, REI, DSW, Crate & Barrel, Whole Foods (if it must be grocery, let it be good and a different niche), ipic Theater or similar cinema grill, Ragstock, StirCrazy, Hu Hot, etc. While I'm not a fan of either of these but I do think a Dave & Buster's or a children's play complex like a Pump It Up would do great. I know Jump Zone is in Franklin but, as a parent, it pales in comparison to a well-run Pump It Up location.

I think it should be a giant sports comples with Baseball fields, football fields and i guess soccer fields. Indoor facility for basketball, hockey etc.

Why are so many people hell bent on getting Ikea in here? All they sell is cheap imported stuff. I couldn't find one thing made in America there. Am I the only one that looks for American made products anymore? You want upscale with a side benefit of American made products? How about LL Bean? Upscale enough for everyone?

I agree with the comment that says "take a breath". It would help if the conspiracy wingnuts (one in particular) would stop their constant barrage of negativity against the elected officials, the city staff, and the developers. The electeds live in our city, pay taxes like everybody else, and from my conversations with them are interested in doing what's best for the city and its residents. Why wouldn't they, they live here as well.

This development, if you listened to the people who actually made the presentations and were present at the various display boards, has the potential to increase the tax base significantly. Cities have to invest in infrastructure if they want to succeed. The cities that don't, are having significant problems, which are only going to get worse.

Last point, the market dicates what developers can do, not city hall. If a company like Meijers feels they can come into this city and run a successful business, then that is the very definition of free enterprise. Read a paper, read the Milwaukee Business Journal or the BizTimes, and get a honest appraisal of what this proposal is. PLEASE don't base your opinion on some of the nonsense and insanity that some of the commentors are trying to pass off as enlightened opinion. And I said some, I don't have a problem with someone if they disagree with the Meijers option, that's a reasonable difference of opinion, which is healthy.

What is the panic with you people? You are going to get your other shops that you want. Not one of you even has a concern about what will be in those shops. All you care about is Meijers not being able to have a store here. I welcome Meijers and hope that they will be able to have a store in Oak Creek. Woodmans is a mad house all the time. It's constantly packed and Meijers will be a pleasant change. It seems some of you think it's Meijers is not good enough for you. You want a high end store. If that is the case, then ask the council to put "high end" shops on the other end of the project. Meijers has a wonderful reputation and has a lot to offer. It's good enough for me. Stop complaining and be glad that more people will be able to have jobs.

Haven't heard one word about Xperience Fitness building a new club in the Square, yet this is what I have been told. Anyone know if this is part of the plans?

A Gold's Gym would be nice. Real equipment, locker rooms, towel service, etc. Something better than the tiny sweatbox gyms that are already in town.

Oak creek resident---I think everyone is worried about high end shops not taking an interest in the development if Meijer (a discount big box) is the anchor. It's not a draw and not known for attracting nice outlots. Think along the lines of Great Clips, banks, and fast food. Exactly what OC does not need more of. The choice of a good anchor is detrimental to the entire project and, in turn, the future economy of the community.

For those of you who are opposed to a big box/Meijer at the Drexel Town Square, you are not alone! Join our group, and let's unite together to have our voices heard. Contact me at nomeijerinoc@gmail.com for more information.

I wish it were Trader Joe's, Outpost, or Whole Foods if the anchor had to be in that realm. Meijer will make it feel like just another strip mall and certainly not bring in an upscale clientele if that is the goal. As a younger family with kids in a middle/upper middle class bracket, we'd love to be able to spend more time and money in our own community rather than having to go downtown/west for dining, shopping, and family fun.

As far as restaurants, look at Joey Gerard's in Greendale. You have a proven name in the Bartolotta group and decent range of price points because they don't have as high of rent to cover like all downtown/west suburb restaurants face, and it is packed even on weeknights.

What's also sad about this project is the number of empty spaces and, in some cases, totally empty shopping centers in this city. I wish we could try to attract some viable businesses to fill the empty shopping centers at the corner of Howell and Rawson, Howell and Ryan (Wheaton building and also the Maritime Savings building), across from the Post Office (containing Children of America only), old Fashion Bug, old Famous Footwear, etc. Some of these are eyesores. This should be an embarrassment to the city that we cannot attract and retain retail to stay. Let's focus on this and then think about the new development plans.

Hey folks, why don't we take this discussion directly to our aldermen...there are two "listening sessions" coming up: Aldermen Tom Michalski is hosting one today at City Hall from 10am to noon, and Alderman Dan Jakubczyk, who is up for re-election next month, is hosting one next Saturday (3/16) from 9am to noon.