Recently, The Chronicle attempted to contact various neighbors of the Karl Jewish Community Campus to obtain views about the plans of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center to expand and renovate facilities there.
Gary Close, who lives on Bay Ridge, has been cited in news media as an organizer of the opposition. However, he said in a statement to The Chronicle that he is “simply one of hundreds of JCC neighbors that oppose any additional expansion of the JCC” and is not “a leader of the opposition.” He declined to be interviewed, but did agree to provide written answers to questions.
The Chronicle then provided virtually the same questions to Carol Cochran, a resident of Santa Monica Blvd. near the campus, who favors the plans and who also provided written answers.
Neither respondent was permitted to view the other’s responses. Together, the responses appear to reflect the range of thinking of Whitefish Bay residents regarding the proposals.
• Why are you opposed to — or in favor of — expansion of the JCC and educational facilities on the Karl Jewish Community Campus?
Close: The Karl Jewish Community Campus resides in a fully developed, 70-year-old, residential community. It is serviced primarily by two, two-lane residential streets that are also major access points for neighborhood auto and pedestrian traffic, including hundreds of minor children living in the immediate area. As such, traffic and safety concerns, noise and surface water run-off are hugely amplified for the residents.
Thus, I believe the campus is already over-utilized given this location and certainly way beyond that which was originally agreed to when the federation purchased the property.
Cochran: I feel that the JCC is such a great asset to have in our WFB community, and I understand the unsuitability of that set of buildings for what any organization needs to do to provide services to its members.
The proposed plans offer solutions to many current problems (most notably for non-member neighbors: improved traffic flow, increased parking, and coping with the water run-off problem), and add facilities that would greatly benefit members (a larger gathering hall much needed for events which draw the Jewish Community together, revamped workout facilities, a sensible day-care layout, and a self-contained outdoor pool which would be a great friendship-builder for children and adults alike).
• Of those reasons, which are the most important?
Close: In terms of why any of us select a particular neighborhood to purchase a home and raise our families, they are all important. I believe excessive land use in a residential setting as described above will diminish the overall desirability of our neighborhoods, prompting neighbors to relocate and new, prospective homeowners to look elsewhere.
Cochran: Keeping the JCC as a part of what WFB can boast to offer.
• Have the changes that the JCC and Milwaukee Jewish Federation officials made in their plans in response to neighbors’ concerns changed your views in any way? Why or why not?
Close: Absolutely not. The main components of the plan that would produce more aggressive use of the site remain virtually unchanged from 2001; 7,800 sq. ft. water park (albeit relocated), 500 person social hall and new buildings. And the other plan elements pertaining to a new 200-car parking lot, expanded Devon driveway and water detention pond remain wholly objectionable for the reasons stated above.
Cochran: The people concerned have been extremely responsive to our worries; I feel comfortable with their solutions to the problems we foresee. If others are not reassured, I would encourage them to go talk directly with the planners.
• Is there anything JCC and MJF officials could do or offer that might mitigate concerns of opponents? Why or why not?
Close: Again, the answer is no. No concession to or from the village can overcome safety concerns for our children and our rights as homeowners as guaranteed by the zoning code to peace of mind and quality of life for our families.
Cochran: I think the JCC and the MJF have tried repeatedly to reach the WFB community with facts and research concerning the project. I am surprised at the reaction of this highly-educated and (I thought) forward-looking community for the vehemence of its objections, some of which seem to defy reason. I don’t know what else can be done, other than to continue pointing out that all of the concerns I have heard voiced are addressed by the current plans.
• Have you had any personal problems with the campus? (e.g., storm water flooding onto your property, traffic or parking spillovers, campus users trespassing on your property, disturbance from lights or noise.) If so, have you brought your complaint to campus officials and have they responded?
Close: Our neighborhood has experienced an increase in traffic, especially on Devon St. This is a street that our children must cross to access other WFB neighborhoods. Other neighbors living on N. Bay Ridge have also experienced chronic surface water problems.
Cochran: I have often been awakened in the middle of the night by snowplowing of the parking lot. I used to use it as an alarm clock that let me know when I needed to get up early to shovel my own walk. The most recent time, I called the grounds supervisor the next day, and sure enough, the next time it snowed the plow didn’t start until two hours after it “used to” begin.
• If the JCC had to move from the facility, what would you prefer to see there instead?
Close: I believe that if the JCC were to move from the facility, it will have come to the realization that the WFB site is inappropriate for the level of services it wishes to provide and the level of membership necessary to sustain its operation. Clearly, any use of the site must respect its residential setting and as such, adhere to the use guidelines as set forth in village ordinances.
Cochran: I think it would be a huge loss to the community. I do not want to see condos, apartments, or an extended-care living facility over there (nor do I think this is a financially feasible alternative)! (All have been proposed to me by neighbors.) University School’s experience proved that the campus is not ideal for a large school.
Many other private owners would never allow WFB residents the opportunity to join in their activities and use their facilities. The JCC welcomes all WFB residents to join as members, and allows all members to participate in the many interesting cultural, educational, social, fitness and children’s activities. It serves a community that is socially conscientious and very respectful of neighbors.
I think it is a wonderful neighbor and I would be so sorry (and quite worried) to see it move. Having a vibrant JCC in our community adds a dimension otherwise very notably lacking.
Editor’s note: The Chronicle has not trimmed or re-worded either person’s responses here; but we do need to state in the interests of accuracy that JCC officials have said to The Chronicle and in written statements to the neighbors that the plans call for a family swimming pool, not an elaborate “water park;” that the pool covers 7,500 sq. ft.; and that the social hall is planned to seat 400 people.
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