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440th
LRA background
Introduction
In September 2005, the U.S. Department of Defense recommended the
closure of the 440th Air Reserve Base, under the Federal Base
Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC). The 102 acre property is located
in the City of Milwaukee adjacent to the County-owned General Mitchell
International Airport, at the intersection of South Howell Avenue and
East College Avenue, south of the airport terminal.
In response and in
accordance with the BRAC law, the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee
County created a 440th
Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA)
to guide the redevelopment of the area. The LRA entered into an
agreement with the Redevelopment Authority
of the City of Milwaukee to hire a project consultant.
After issuing a Request
for Proposals and going through a competitive selection process, the
LRA contracted with
RKG Associates, Inc. of Durham, New
Hampshire in April 2007 to prepare a reuse plan for the site. RKG's
team included local companies
CH2M-Hill, Norris & Associates, and
Beth Foy & Associates. The LRA concurrently applied for and received a
grant from the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment
for planning funds relative to the development of a reuse plan and
transfer of the property.
The LRA consists of two representatives from the City of Milwaukee and
two from Milwaukee County. The State of Wisconsin declined formal
membership on the board, but sent representatives to all
LRA meetings.
The LRA held monthly public board meetings and additional work
sessions throughout 2007 and into 2008.
Planning Process
The development of a Reuse Plan for the 440th Air Reserve Station (ARS)
included:
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An analysis of baseline
demographic, economic and market conditions in the greater Milwaukee region;
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An inventory and analysis of the
440th facilities including buildings, utilities, pavements, and other
features of the site; |
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A review and analysis of
available environmental baseline information on the property; |
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A review of the personal
property that was potentially available for transfer; |
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A review of the BRAC regulations
and available methods of conveyance of the property from the Air Force to
the LRA or other entities; |
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Evaluation of the Notices of
Interest received by the LRA from organizations with potential needs that
could be satisfied by base facilities; |
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A comprehensive public outreach
program including a website, press releases and three public information and
input meetings; |
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Development of four alternative
development scenarios for the 440th property; and |
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Creation of a Preferred Reuse
Plan and implementation strategy for the LRA regarding the 440th ARS
property. |
Facility Information
The 440th
property contains approximately 102 acres and is developed with
approximately 465,000 square feet of built space in 93 buildings,
along with supporting streets and parking areas, full utilities, and
approximately 20 acres of aircraft parking apron with direct access to
General Mitchell International Airport. It is rectangular shaped
(approximately 2,300 feet east to west and 1,750 feet north to south)
with entrances located on East College Avenue and S. Howell Avenue.
There is also an extension of the property to the north along the
airport boundary.
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