Ald. Robert J. Bauman: 414-286-3774
Ald. Nik Kovac: 414-286-3765
A proposed ordinance introduced today and sponsored by Alderman Robert J. Baumanand Alderman Nik Kovac would require the deconstruction of most one- to four-family residential structures built prior to 1930 that are slated for demolition in an effort to preserve old growth building materials, create employment opportunities for city residents, and to reduce taxpayer expenditures for landfill tipping fees.
If approved by the Council the new ordinance would go into effect on January 1, 2018and would cover structures built in 1929 or earlier, designated historic structures, and structures in historic districts. The proposed requirements state that those structures must be deconstructed rather than demolished to maximize salvageable building materials and to help reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
Alderman Bauman, a longtime historic preservation advocate and a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, said deconstruction will also reduce carbon emissions, as well as the release of asbestos, dust, and other hazardous substances caused by mechanical demolition.
“The demolition of Milwaukee’s older housing stock does more harm than good. New deconstruction requirements will benefit our environment and our workforce,” he said.
Alderman Kovac, a member of the Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee, said deconstruction will “promote sustainability and save taxpayer money.”
