Proposal seeks downtown parking security upgrades
Measures include video surveillance, lighting
Downtown Milwaukee’s large parking facilities would be required to improve their security under a new ordinance proposed by Ald. Robert Bauman.
The proposed legislation comes after dozens of vehicles were broken into at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station in November and December.
“It is clear after recent vehicle break-ins and criminal activity at the Intermodal Station — as well as incidents downtown and in the Third Ward — that we need to require larger parking facility operators to substantially increase security for the protection of customers and the public,” Bauman, whose 4th District includes downtown, said in a news release.
Among the security measures required by the proposed ordinance are full-time attendants, patrols of the lots, security lighting, video surveillance and the installation of gates for vehicle entry.
Tony Janowiec, principal of Milwaukee’s Interstate Parking, said he does not believe the legislation has much hope of passage. Interstate Parking operates 32 lots across Milwaukee, including the Intermodal Station lot.
“Any legislation that tries to create a blanket solution is going to be impractical,” Janowiec said.
Janowiec said that if the ordinance passes, Milwaukee residents should expect a massive increase in the price of parking.
He said Interstate Parking already takes robust security measures, so the cost of making the proposed improvements would drive up the cost of parking.
Janowiec is planning to meet with Bauman Friday to discuss alternatives. Janowiec said they are both aligned with creating a safe downtown.
The legislation is scheduled to be heard by the Common Council’s Public Works Committee Jan. 24. It would need approval from the council and Mayor Tom Barrett.