by Mary Wood Ohiku
A Milwaukee Temps bus is creating quite a stir in Riverwest, according to resident Chris Merkel. Merkel, of the 3300 block of N. Bremen, reports that her neighbor (employed by Milwaukee Temps), began parking the Temps bus across the street from her home in mid-January. The bus parks daily for over 10 hours, creating what Merkel calls “a safety hazard and an eye sore.” Milwaukee Temps, owned by Sal and Steve Corrao, is an employment company located at 546 W. Historic Mitchell St. The company uses these buses to transport people to job sites. Merkel contacted Sal Corrao to voice her concerns, and Corrao assured her the issue would be resolved. In weeks that followed, the Temps bus remained. Merkel took further steps by contacting Ald. Mike D’Amato, and she recently attended an RNA meeting to lobby for her cause regarding the issue. Although the bus is not illegally parked, Merkel states that many residents on the block are frustrated by its presence. Steve Corrao, co-owner and vice president, confirmed the bus does park on Bremen Street, but he says it is legally allowed to do so in residential areas for five hour stints. According to Corrao, the bus parks on Bremen street in the morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and in the evening from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. After Merkel voiced her complaints, Milwaukee Temps contacted city police to determine whether the bus was legally parked. Milwaukee police confirmed that the company was within the limits of the law. “Merkel can try to get the law changed, but we are not in violation of any laws,” Corrao said. “We have rights as citizens too.” Riverwest Currents – Volume 2 – Issue 5 – May 2003
by Mary Wood Ohiku