By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jan 15, 2015 at 10:22 AM

The new majority owners of the Milwaukee Bucks are currently in the process of determining a location for the construction of a new arena, and while the timetable for an announcement remains in flux, the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA) has said it will call for meetings with important stakeholders in the project following the results of a survey it issued on the topic.

The survey was designed to "help the MPA board develop a strategy and position aligned with the organization’s mission, the interests of MPA membership, and our community" the organization said in a statememt.

The "MPA Arena Survey" was sent to MPA members and posted to the MPA Facebook page. The MPA membership had a week to respond to the survey and it was opened up to the community for the final two days. 

Survey results showed the following:

  • The overwhelming majority of respondents, at 77 percent, said they would like to have more public dialogue.
  • The greatest issues stated for concern are the financing of the arena and threats to existing buildings.
  • When asked for a site preference, 66 percent chose sites that are currently vacant (land immediately north of the Bradley Center, Park East Corridor, etc.). Six percent had no preference.
  • When asked if MPA should speak out as the voice for historic buildings located within the proposed sites, 68 percent responded in the affirmative.

In a statement, the MP said the potential construction of a new, multi-purpose arena is an "exciting opportunity to enhance the city’s built environment, one that should be approached sustainably and with consideration of the existing urban fabric by diminishing the threat to existing buildings."

If the MPA can join meetings with stakeholders, it will advocate "for additional public dialogue regarding the arena location. Pursuing alternatives to support a vital, walkable Downtown that will serve city residents, suburban visitors, and tourists alike is essential to the success of the arena and should be the focus of these discussions."