A Brady Street business group wants to study the idea of closing the street to cars after a pedestrian was struck and killed this week by a hit-and-run driver.
The Brady Street Business Improvement District board has voted to pursue the study for “pedestrianizing” the street — known for its numerous bars and restaurants.
The district, which is funded by assessments on the street’s commercial property owners, will work with the Department of Public works and other city officials “to ensure this study reviews all aspects of traffic impact and provides a variety of options,” according to a Thursday announcement.
The group will seek input from neighborhood residents and business operators, it said.
Any decision to close the street to cars would need approval from the Common Council and Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
The district’s action comes after 32-year-old Arne J. Bast died after being struck by a driver late Sunday night in 1200 block of East Brady Street, near the intersection with North Franklin Place.
“Arne was an employee, friend and fixture on Brady Street, and he will be very missed,” the district statement said.
The statement said the district has invested in traffic cameras and increased security for events in an effort to keep Brady Street safe.
“The events of this week are cause for us to make a plea for a stronger partnership with the City of Milwaukee,” it said.
Brady Street is one of two east side streets that are now being pursued as possible pedestrian plazas.
Developer Tim Gokhman has pushed for roughly a half-block of East Ivanhoe Place, east of North Farwell Avenue, to be closed to cars.
Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
