Milwaukee is getting a new publicly funded dock to accommodate its growing cruise ship business — despite an attempt by some Common Council members to use $5 million in city cash for other programs.

That dock funding was included in Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s 2025 budget approved by the council.

Work on that new dock, which will better handle large Viking cruise ships, begins in 2025. It’s to be operating by spring 2026.

Here’s what to know.

Viking cruises spur the project

Viking in 2022 began using Milwaukee as a turnaround site for its Great Lakes cruises — with trips starting or ending here. That means more spending by visitors at hotels, restaurants and other businesses, Port Director Jackie Carter says.

But other Great Lakes cities are eyeing that business and Port Milwaukee faces the prospect of increased competition, according to Carter.

That led the port to plan a $17 million project to create a new cruise dock. It will be built on vacant land just east of the Lake Express Ferry Terminal, 2320 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive.

The Viking ships now dock at Port Milwaukee’s heavy lift dock — which mainly serves cargo ships. It’s within an industrial area off South Carferry Drive on Jones Island and “isn’t the most welcoming place” for tourists, according to Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic.

Smaller cruise ships, which can maneuver through shallower waters, dock at Pier Wisconsin, 530 N. Harbor Drive.

Dock funding includes federal, state grants

The project will be funded with $4 million in federal and state grants, $7.64 million in port cash reserves, and $5 million from city taxpayers.

That $17 million tab includes spending on road, sewer and water improvements to make the site available for other development.

Cruise ship passengers visiting Milwaukee generated a $7.2 million regional economic impact from 2022 through 2024, according to a study commissioned by Port Milwaukee.

Ald. Bauman sought to divert funding

Ald. Robert Bauman, who chairs the council’s Public Works Committee, opposed the $5 million funding request that was part of Johnson’s 2025 budget proposal.

He said the cost was too high, and was skeptical of the economic impact study.

Bauman offered an amendment that would have diverted the funding to street reconstruction and paving projects, and a city fund that helps first-time homebuyers with down payments.

Dimitrijevic, whose district includes the dock site, supported the dock funding. She said it would help attract more visitors who spend money in Milwaukee while also setting the stage for additional development at the site.

That amendment was rejected by the council on a 12-2 vote in November. Bauman was joined by Ald. DiAndre Jackson in supporting it.

Other port projects

Meanwhile, a $45 million agricultural maritime export terminal, opened in 2023 on the west side of Jones Island at 1711 S. Carferry Drive.

Clinton-based DeLong Co. uses it to ship dried distillers grain, an animal feed supplement, and other products aimed at international markets.

The terminal is being expanded, with that work likely to start in 2025.

Also, PCB-polluted sediment being removed from the Milwaukee River Estuary will be stored at the port’s Dredged Material Management Facility. It’s being built east of South Lincoln Memorial Drive and north of the Lake Express Ferry Terminal.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Bluesky, X and Facebook.

MILWAUKEE — Neighbors in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood are calling for the closure of an after-hours lounge following a triple shooting early Saturday morning.

The shooting, which left three people injured, took place at a business that neighbors say has been operating with little oversight.

Jennifer Robinson, who lives near the establishment, described being woken up by gunshots around 3 a.m. Saturday.

“To know that that happened so close by is pretty scary,” Robinson said. “It definitely needs to be looked into.”

The incident occurred at a place known as the “Carter After-Hours Lounge.” Police say a 49-year-old, a 29-year-old, and a 16-year-old were shot. All three victims are expected to survive. Authorities are investigating the shooting and searching for suspects.

The establishment is located on Holton Street near Townsend. From the street, the building looks like a former auto shop. However, the business is advertised online as a late-night venue, where patrons are invited to “turn up for the night till the sunrise,” starting at 1:30 a.m.

Watch: Neighbors call for closure after triple shooting at ‘after-hours’ Milwaukee bar

Neighbors call for closure and enforcement after triple shooting at “after-hours” bar in Milwaukee

Robinson and other neighbors who spoke to TMJ4 News are concerned that the lounge’s operation is unregulated. A sign posted on the door reads “414-Social-Club,” but city records show that the address does not have the necessary licenses or permits for a nightclub or bar. The City Clerk’s Office confirmed that no license or permit exists for the address.

“I had no idea that it was here,” Robinson said. “They need to do their jobs and look into it and shut it down because it’s unacceptable.”

On Monday, TMJ4’s Ryan Jenkins reached out to the lounge’s owner, the alderman for the district, and the city attorney responsible for prosecuting ordinance violations, but none were available for comment.

The shooting has left neighbors questioning how such a business was able to operate without proper checks and balances.

“We just really need to come together and make sure that place is gone,” Robinson added.

As the investigation continues, residents are urging city officials to take action and ensure that establishments like this one are investigated and held accountable.

It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Report a typo or error

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Department of Public Works will be modifying certain operations due to the Christmas holiday.

Here is a list of changes that residents need to know.

Garbage, Recycling, and Drop-Off Centers: 

• There will be no garbage and recycling pick-up on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25. Reminder – collection days shift forward after each City holiday. Review your collection schedule here.
• Drop-Off Centers will also be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Parking Enforcement: 

• No parking meters or hourly restriction enforcement on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
• No overnight parking enforcement on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Dec. 25 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) and Wednesday night into Thursday morning (December 26 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.). However, vehicles still must be legally parked and not in violation of any posted parking regulations.
• Night parking enforcement resumes on Thursday night into Friday morning (Dec. 27 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.).
• If a Snow Emergency is declared, Snow Emergency regulations take precedence. Visit milwaukee.gov/parking for more information.

Tow Lot: 

• The tow lot is open on Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Milwaukee Water Works: 

• The Water Works Customer Service Center at 841 N. Broadway will be closed for the holiday on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 for in-person and live telephone assistance.
• Automated account information and bill payment will remain available by calling (414) 286-2830.
• Customers can pay their Municipal Services Bill and check account balances online anytime at milwaukee.gov/water .
• Questions concerning billing or making payments can be emailed to watwebcs@milwaukee.gov or calling Customer Service the following business day.
• For water emergencies, customers are asked to call the 24-hour Control Center at (414) 286-3710.

For other requests, schedules, and information, residents should call (414) 286-CITY (2489), visit the DPW website at milwaukee.gov/dpw, or enter service requests online at milwaukee.gov/click4action. or using the free MKE Mobile Action app (milwaukee.gov/mkemobile).