MILWAUKEE – Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) released the following statement after today’s Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announcement regarding the Holt Avenue and College Avenue Park-and-Rides in the City of Milwaukee:
“I started receiving calls from my constituents about the park-and-rides in September of last year. Since then, I have worked relentlessly with state and local partners to address the encampments at the Holt and College Park-and-Rides. After their announcement today, I am optimistic that DOT is beginning to put an end to this problem.
“For the last year, the Milwaukee County Housing Services division has gone to these park-and-rides daily to meet newcomers to the park-and-ride and offer to work with them to find a sustainable, permanent housing arrangement. Through these efforts, more than 80 individuals have been placed in reliable housing options – this is a good thing!
“Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the health and safety concerns at the park-and-rides have risen to a level that cannot be ignored. With reports of robbery, shots fired, and drug overdoses, it has become necessary to close several of the park-and-rides indefinitely. Over the next several weeks, WisDOT will close the Holt Avenue lot, the northeast College Avenue lot, and portions of the southwest lot at College. A portion of the southwest College Avenue Park-and-Ride will remain open to maintain bus services that help people in our region commute to work or school.
“I am optimistic about the DOT’s plan, and am sincerely hopeful that they follow-through with it. I’m thankful we’ve been able to collaborate across party lines to get this addressed,” closed Rep. Rodriguez.
WisDOT and the Milwaukee County Transit System are working together to assist transit users who park in the Holt Avenue lot and take the bus from there to work or school. More information about Milwaukee County transit options can be found at https://www.ridemcts.com/.
The Housing Services division at the county Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will continue to work with individuals to discuss safer and more suitable housing options. More information about this can be found at https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/Housing.
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