Nardelli doesn't like details of MU's new plan for avenue

0 Comments | Milwaukee Journal, The, Mar 10, 1995 | by MIKE NICHOLS

Ald. Thomas Nardelli has sent a letter to Marquette University President Albert DiUlio objecting to the school's new plan to narrow Wisconsin Ave.

"I believe this plan is worse than your effort to close off Wisconsin Avenue," Nardelli said.

"This new proposal guarantees significant traffic congestion not only on Wisconsin Ave., but also on Wells St., especially during morning rush hour."

Nardelli, who chairs the finance and personnel committee, said he believes that Mayor John O. Norquist's "proposal for a four-lane road is far better."

Marquette this week abandoned its attempt to close Wisconsin Ave. between N. 11th and N. 16th St. Instead it wants permission to narrow the street to two, 16-foot-wide lanes, one each way, and build a scaled down esplanade.

The school also wants two- way traffic on Wells St. near the campus, and would like to close down N. 12th St.

Nardelli is opposed to those parts of the new plan as well.

Dennis Conta, a consultant working for Marquette, said a feasibility study performed by the city found that there would be sufficient capacity on surrounding streets even if Wisconsin Ave. were closed completely.