Milwaukee Aldermanic candidate Ray Harmon announced his plan for redeveloping Milwaukee Northridge mall, with the goals of creating jobs, while increasing land value and tax revenue.
“Northwest Milwaukee has the potential to become an economically vibrant region again and the main catalyst for this revitalization is the redevelopment of Northridge Mall,” said Harmon. “Growing up, it had a lot of activity and was the place to be. Now, I want to help bring back growth and prosperity to this underserved community. I spoke with over 1,000 residents about the redevelopment and we all want a dramatic change to Northridge Mall, with the aim of creating a destination center with a sense of place and renewed identity. I am proposing a pedestrian and environmentally friendly mixed-use town center with retail, residential, office space, public amenities, green space and a public market.”
“I am pleased to see this type of leadership emerge from someone with a bold vision to revitalize Northridge Mall. It is an interesting concept being brought to the discussion table,” said Alvin Hill Jr., President of the Granville- Brown Deer Chamber. “Our desire is that it stimulates more open dialog with stakeholders and creates a sense of urgency with all stakeholders.”
Gary Mohn, Board Secretary of the Granville-Brown Deer Chamber, said in a recent Chamber release, “when we look at our local businesses as a part of the Granville- Brown Deer Chamber, this is the preeminent activity that needs to occur.” Mohn also states, “Northridge Mall and the Brown Deer corridor is the area that is the priority for all the businesses in the area”.
Also interested in the announcement was Ricky C. Benjamin, Complex Commercial Litigator and Employment Attorney at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, S.C., who stated, “I have toured the facility and look forward to its redevelopment. My firm is prepared to explore using Midwest Disaster Area Bonds, tax credits and all other possible means to facilitate funding for the project.”
Ray Harmon grew up in Milwaukee where he learned the values of hard work and community service.
He has spent his career as a public servant, having served as a legislative assistant for the city and county governments, with the Milwaukee Urban League, Neighborhood Schools Initiative and the administrations of former Governor Jim Doyle and former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.
He has overseen programs for crime reduction, economic development, affordable housing, parks, libraries, public works and civil rights. A heart transplant recipient, Ray is a volunteer for the Wisconsin Donor Network and other health care charities.
