Let's use their talents

The Franklin Economic Development Committee (EDC) met last night. The EDC consists of professional business people with a variety of talents that Mayor Olson isn't utilizing. The members spent the majority of time trying to define their roles and how they can help the city. This is all occurring while Franklin is facing stagnant development.

The city has a large problem with empty buildings. It would be nice if Olson would ask EDC to look into the problem by meeting with property managers and owners to determine what assistance the city could provide.

Olson's philosophy is that the empty buildings pay taxes. However, empty buildings create a negative image and bring down property values. Once that image is painted in a city, it's difficult to clean up. Maybe that's why Franklin is losing quality businesses to surrounding communities and new businesses don't want to invest in Franklin.

Mayor Olson and common council clash

Last night's common council meeting clearly showed there is a problem at Franklin city hall and it starts with Mayor Olson. The common council scolded the mayor about his comment, "I've been prohibited by the common council to encourage any development outside the Rawson/Loomis area." It was clear the aldermen were upset that Olson would insinuate they had taken any kind of action to preclude him and his staff from getting and keeping businesses in Franklin. The council vigorously denied Olson's claim, except Alderman Andrea (Olson's 2017 campaign manager).

Former Mayor Tom Taylor was in the audience to voice his concerns about Olson's ridiculous comments. The controversy was over a document that former Mayor Tom Taylor drafted and was submitted to the common council by former alderman Doug Schmitt. Taylor confronted Mayor Olson by saying nowhere in the document he refers to did it say it restricts the mayor and his staff from doing development in Franklin. Taylor was upset that he was being blamed for the lack of development in Franklin. The line of people being blamed by Mayor Olson continues to grow.

Alderman Barber, who circulated 2017 nomination papers for Olson, expressed his concerns about the numerous calls he's getting from constituents on the lack of economic development and businesses leaving Franklin for Oak Creek. Barber was quoted as saying, "Oak Creek is handing us our lunch." He went on to state that Franklin must do something about this. Was he saying that Olson is the problem, not the solution?

The common council made it cear that Olson was introducing politics in his bid for re-election by blaming everyone but himself for the poor economic development in Franklin over the past 25 years.

Mayor Olson shifts the blame

At the 6:30 p.m. common council meeting at city hall, the council will take up item 15 -- the issue of who is responsible for economic development failure in Franklin. Mayor Olson has recently been quoted as saying, “I’ve been prohibited by the Common Council to encourage any development outside of the Rawson/Loomis area.” Several council members deny his ridiculous claim. It's apparent he is trying to blame the common council for his failure.

They stated all you need to do is look at the common council agenda to see the mayor and staff are working outside the Rawson/Loomis area, but have no results to show for their work. Franklin is structured as a cabinet form of government, meaning all department heads report to the mayor. It is apparent Franklin is lacking in development compared to surrounding communities.

Franklin Independent Journal recently published a story titled, "Basil Ryan speaks out about businesses leaving Franklin."

Overcrowding at Kayla's Park causes safety concerns

Many people took advantage of the unusually high temperatures today and were out enjoying the spring-like weather. But it looks like they all ended up in the same place. Kayla's Park, located at 35th and Puetz, is new to the Franklin park system. It was built in 2016 at a cost of $1.4 million on the existing Franklin Nature Center land using funds set aside for Franklin's community center.

Many of the local residents were upset their quiet neighborhood park was destroyed in favor of a regional park. The neighbors were so upset they pushed the blame on their Alderwoman Janet Evans and they recalled her. The park was always Mayor Olson's idea and at a recent meeting he was heard to say that Kayla's Park will be his legacy.

As a result of overcrowding at the park today, DPW workers were called into work to relieve chaos in the parking lot. Some vehicle owners disregarded the caution tape set up by DPW. But that wasn't the only problem.

Once the parking lot reached capacity, people were observed parking on the grass area, sidewalks, and even spilling onto the local streets, creating an unsafe environment for families. Restroom facilities were closed and children were observed urinating in the park. Neighbors never experienced this type of traffic volume when it was considered a local neighborhood park. They question why a regional park was placed in their neighborhood, causing overcrowding and unsafe conditions.

Children have a habit of darting in and out of traffic. If the mayor does not take action to deal with the overcrowding at the park, a serious accident will occur. Many residents will remember the woman that was killed by a motorist less than a block away from the park. When you have parked cars on streets, cars and bikes driving both ways, deep ditches, and no sidewalks which force families to walk in the street, you have to shake your head and pray that nothing happens.

Basil Ryan speaks out about businesses leaving Franklin

 
Three Cellars and Zund America Inc. are two more Franklin companies who recently announced they are moving to Oak Creek.

Three Cellars is a craft beer and wine shop and lounge located at 7133 South 76 Street. The 40-seat Franklin store, which opened in 2006, will be moving to the former Rafters Restaurant building which closed in 2010. They expect the move to be completed by March 31.

Zund America Inc., which makes die-cutting equipment and supplies, is located at 5068 Ashland Way in the Franklin Business Park. They plan to develop a building on about 40,000 to 50,000 square feet on a vacant site on Oakfield Drive just west of Woodman's Food Market, said Chris Nicholson, company vice president. Nicholson stated, "It's important for us to be close to hotels an restaurants." They plan to move to Oak Creek in early 2018 if the project is approved by Oak Creek officials.

"Maybe the mayor, along with his new economic development director who earns $93,840.03 plus benefits, should be talking with Nicholson to try to keep them in Franklin. At the same time working on attracting amenties that will keep businesses in Franklin. If I was mayor, I would," stated Ryan.

Basil Ryan, Franklin mayoral candidate, speaks out

Basil Ryan, a candidate for Franklin mayor, stated, "Franklin needs an optimistic future." He stated: "Clearly Franklin needs a plan for development. The goal of 70/30 (70% business/30% residential) is a slogan without a plan. Mayor Olson's leadership lacks the direction to reach 70/30. The current method takes any open space and drops something on it without a community vision. Thinking something is better than nothing is not a plan, it's desperation."

Ryan acknowledged Olson pushes for TIF districts throughout Franklin, using the phrase, 'build it and they will come.' He doesn't inform or bring residents in early enough and listen to their valid concerns before he commits to developers. He is then met with resident opposition when the zoning changes degrade their home values. Olson has continued his same strategy since the 1990's, which has left Franklin behind in comparison to neighboring Oak Creek, Muskego, Greenfield and Greendale. Ryan points out the businesses are leaving Franklin for the surrounding communities. Ryan believes Franklin won't attract new business if it can't keep the businesses it has.