The Brookfield Scene

The City of Brookfield is determined to widen Calhoun Road between Bluemound and Greenfield Avenue. Right of way is being acquired along the east side of the road. The Ruby Farms barns on this side will be bulldozed to accommodate the four-lane road way and its sidewalks.

The city reportedly has had long-standing plans to widen Calhoun Road. The width of the new road, though, exceeds the design the city put forth in its much feted 2020 Master Plan. Once the road is done, Calhoun will be four lanes – between Greenfield and just north of North Ave.

So what about the rest of Calhoun Road? Well, the road narrows to two-lanes from just North of North Ave. to the city's northern boundaries. And it narrows to two-lanes just South of Greenfield Ave. in New Berlin. The City of New Berlin is postponing its own widening Calhoun Road.

Does the City of Brookfield always have to be an over-achiever?

The fate of the Ruby Farms’ buildings on the west side of the Calhoun Road is unknown. They are part of an 80 acre parcel now owned by VK Development. Apparently, the city is somewhat interested in retaining the community’s history. Higher density development will be allowed on the site if VK retains some of the Ruby Farm buildings.

Plans for the 80 acre development have not been shared publicly. There has been discussion of commercial, residential and multi-family development. The apparent need for further development on/near Bluemound Road is driven by the city’s quest for tax dollars.

The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel publishes crime reports in the local paper on Thursdays. A look at the map shows that much “action” occurs at Brookfield Square and nearby hotels. Have you ever wondered how many tax dollars are consumed by police and fire department services that commercial development requires?

Considering the costs and benefits, does commercialization pay?