Is it any surprise that the Brady Street “Code of Conduct” signs aren’t working? Exactly like when the city blamed food trucks on Water Street for violence and mayhem.
The city simply refuses to address violence in our entertainment districts with real solutions to stop the disorder and chaos.
On July 15, Brady Street residents met with the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and city officials, including the Office of Community Wellness and Safety, to discuss the sharp increase in violence and disorder.
Neighbors described repeated late‑night fights, car break‑ins, looting, and large mobs of teens taking over streets and parking lots.
Residents voiced their frustration with the all out “insanity” that they are experiencing.
“One man told them, “My car was stolen three months ago.” He said it was the latest of at least seven car break-ins he’s experienced, and he’s no longer driving to avoid another theft.”
As CBS Channel 58’s Adam Rife reports:
“Nick Harrington remembered one [incident], saying, “More than 30 shots were fired. People shooting bullets used our house as cover. Our house was struck by a stray bullet. And the entire block looked like a war scene with the amount of cars and houses that were struck by bullets.”
The Walgreens lot on Brady Street is open 24/7 and has become a focal point for looting, brawls, and teen takeovers. Apparently, no one is following the code of conduct sign.
The city has officially classified the parking lot as a nuisance, which allows the city to charge the owner for security costs.
Yet the store’s security staff are overwhelmed by unruly crowds, in‑store fights, and repeated looting that causes thousands of dollars in damage. Residents worry the store could close, as has happened elsewhere in the city.
Alderman Alex Brower said, “There is not a magic solution, unfortunately.”
Brower launched a six‑week Summer Safety Pilot Program aimed at underage drinking, reckless driving, and late‑night disruptive behavior. Residents say the program is not working.
MPD reports it is short roughly 200 officers and is overwhelmed; Capt. Jeremiah Jacks said, “I don’t have a magic pill for that right now, but we are working on it.”
MPD has begun enforcing new nighttime parking rules (cars removed from 10 pm to 4 am, Thursday–Saturday), and towing has increased.
MPD has not yet released citation totals.
The Heartland Post has covered the Brady Street story before. At the time of that post one of the incidents on Brady and Van Buren had a deadly outcome.
On July 4th, an officer was injured from a fireworks blast.
We discussed “Common Sense Solutions” that the city still is not enforcing. The mayor must work immediately on recruiting more police officers.
Again the absence of the mayor is making community members feel like he is ignoring their issues.
Brady Street cannot be fixed with signs and short term pilot programs alone. We need sustained enforcement, and real investment in prevention so residents can feel safe in their homes and businesses can operate without fear.
Brady Street will remain without help until the city decides to take action with a heavier police presence and strict enforcement measures.
https://heartlandpost.com/how-to-fix-brady-street-brawls-that-have-now-turned-deadly/m
