Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tells the story

Last week the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published an excellent update on the progress of Braeger's move to Oak Creek. You can find the full text of the article here.

The article reports that a resolution to the zoning questions could come in early to mid June.

"Braeger president and owner Todd Reardon made his latest pitch to Oak Creek aldermen last week during a public hearing on possible restrictions that may be used when new zoning is approved for the area. The Common Council could take action on that issue June 7 or 21. Another public hearing would be held prior to any zoning changes," they said.

However, time is incredibly important, as the siblings who currently own the property, and who have entered into a contract with Braeger, are all over 80 years old. As the Journal Sentinel also points out "The family,...has hired an attorney, who said the city is denying the owners their property rights on land that has been in the family since 1926...'All they want to do is sell their property,' Stern said. 'They want to reap the benefit of the sale of the property in their lifetime."

The alternative to Braeger which is being considered by the Oak Creek Common Council is referred to as an "Urban Village." Specifically, "a mix of high-end residential, office, shops and retail which all draw upon each other," said Doug Seymour, the city's community development director.

The article also implicates another group in the ongoing affair.

"I have a problem with a three- to four-car dealership . . . across from the premier office complex in southern Milwaukee County," Foeckler [the alderman who represents the area] said.

And therein lies a part of the problem, Reardon contends.

The premier office complex to which Foeckler refers is Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., which Reardon refers to as "the 800-pound gorilla on the road.""

We're all hoping that the Aldermen see the direct and tangible benefits to Oak Creek though. Remember, also from this article, that while the current property owners paid $4,589 in taxes in 2003, it is estimated that Braeger would "yield a total local tax payment of $377,400"--almost 100 times as much.

Great changes are coming!

Braeger Automotive Group

You may have heard rumors and you may have had a feeling that something big was around the corner--now the cat is out of the bag! This week, (April 29, 2005) the Milwaukee Business Journal published an article detailing some of Braeger's big plans for the future. You can find the entire text of the article here.

They report that "Braeger Automotive Group wants to build a $20 million mega dealership as part of a $178 million commercial and residential development that has been proposed for South 27th Street between West Drexel and West Rawson avenues in Oak Creek." Rather than being three separate dealerships spread over a half-mile on 27th street, soon Braeger will house all four lines--Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, and Jeep--in one "mega-dealership." The plans sound simply amazing too. "The mental picture most people have of auto dealerships is long rows of cars along the edge of a highway displayed under bright lights, but Braeger plans three buildings around a circular drive that would house [the] three dealerships. The buildings will be tailored to complement the look of the Northwestern Mutual campus across the street. The Braeger cars will be stored behind the buildings under a covered park pavilion."

Management at Braeger explained that "this will allow us to serve our customers better than ever before. No matter what someone is looking for, it'll be under one roof. We'll also have five hundred used cars in one location! A lot of the hassle of buying a used car is trying to find the right one. With this many to choose from, the chance of meeting the car of your dreams skyrockets."

Final approval is still pending though. The Milwaukee Business Journal also reports that "Braeger will be the first developer to present a plan after the [May 1st development] moratorium ends. The auto dealer will meet with Oak Creek's Community Development Authority May 4, seeking zoning changes that will allow the dealership to move forward under the Urban Village concept."

"Braeger made us feel like family!"

Braeger Automotive Group
I just received a wonderful e-mail from one of our customers, and I think it summed up what Braeger is trying to achieve. Richard just bought a Chevrolet truck from us. This is what he had to say:

"Braggin about Braeger
Bought our Chevy truck @ Braeger and the sales experience was terrific from the sale to the delivery! Our salesperson went the extra mile for us and really made us feel more like family than a customer."

I couldn't express how we at Braeger hope you feel any better than that. Our goal every day is to treat you as an honored and welcome guest in our house. Thank you Richard.