Comments on: High speed rail headed for Brookfield – again

By: Cindy Kilkenny

Cindy Kilkenny — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:46:32 +0000

I suppose I can rephrase that to say the Brookfield I moved into is in significant decline. Really crummy choices are being made regarding development. Extra density, lots more noise.

Just what about Brookfield would you describe as “quaint” these days?

By: Dan H

Dan H — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:08:23 +0000

Brookfield is in significant decline? By what standards? Im just curious. You know more than I do.

By: Cindy Kilkenny

Cindy Kilkenny — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:29:41 +0000

I would think Oconomowoc too far out to be suburban, too.

We are languishing, (actually, Brookfield is in significant decline) but I’m kicking and screaming trying not to give up our “city in the countryside”. I really liked our slow, sprawled existence. That’s why I moved here!

By: The Lorax

The Lorax — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:16:59 +0000

Well Oconomowoc isn’t really suburban, more exurban, but you’ll probably think that is splitting hairs.

I think Brookfield could USE that kind of connection and it will help the city, not hurt it. We’re kind of languishing somewhere between subrub and urb right now…

By: Dan H

Dan H — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:06:18 +0000

I guess I didn’t catch that Brookfield would be the only stop… I thought you mentioned Oh Cow No More Walk

By: Cindy Kilkenny

Cindy Kilkenny — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:58:21 +0000

I guess I see that point. It’s my assumption that the only suburban train stop would have park and ride type bus service to get people to and from the mall, wctc, etc.

By: Dan H

Dan H — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:19:53 +0000

Yeah but that train hasn’t caused Lake Forest to have a bunch of city buses running day and night, so what makes you think that would happen in Brookfield?

By: Cindy Kilkenny

Cindy Kilkenny — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:33:42 +0000

Ooooh. A real downtown! that’s been there with a train stop forever. No changing the rules.

The spouse used to take the Hinsdale train morning and night. That’s a similar setup. Again – it’s been there forever and not new to the city.

Like I’ve said, I like public transit. I simply think it will change Brookfield forever.

By: Dan H

Dan H — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:47:59 +0000

Cindy – I’d like you to do a case comparison of Brookfield and Lake Forest, Illinois. I’d bet you’d be pleasantly surprised by their “downtown” (look at the intersection of Deerpath Rd/ Western Ave. Here’s a google street view of what I am talking about:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lake+forest,+IL&sll=43.084342,-88.267357&sspn=0.009795,0.022659&ie=UTF8&ll=42.251345,-87.839856&spn=0.009927,0.022659&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=42.251359,-87.839756&panoid=4gMPg-qHWaXikD9dWqbtCw&cbp=12,336.5359811092021,,0,6.789772727272723) and train stop. This train serves a MUCH more urban area (hello, chicago!) but the community has remained suburban and “upper class”. I think you could drawn a lot of similarities between the two cities. Let me know what you think. I say if they want to link of Chicago and Minneapolis by way of MKE and its suburbs, then – pardon the pun – All Aboard!