Security zone for Democratic National Convention will cover much of the west side of downtown Milwaukee

Much of the west side of downtown Milwaukee and some areas east of the Milwaukee River will be inside a security zone during next summer's Democratic National Convention, officials announced Friday.

Outlining the broad footprint of the convention security zone, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said it would stretch from Cherry Street on the north to Clybourn Street on the south, and from 10th Street on the west to Water Street on the east.

Every resident and business in that zone will have access to their property, Morales said. Officials say the main inconvenience for residents will be travel times. 

But Friday's announcement did not answer a key question many residents and businesses have been asking — which part of downtown will be behind barriers or fences.

During the announcement, officials stressed that they were talking about a "security footprint," not the “perimeter," or area that will only be accessible through security checkpoints.

"We’re not talking about a hard perimeter," said Robert Pasci, U.S. Secret Service assistant special agent in charge.

That smaller, more restricted area is expected to be announced later.

Pasci stressed that increased travel time and other inconveniences won't begin until days before the convention.

"What residents and business owners can expect in that area by way of enhanced security measures will not begin to be put in place until the weekend prior to the convention," Pasci said.

The main convention venues include Fiserv Forum, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Miller High Life Theatre and the Wisconsin Center.

Other key locations inside the security footprint include many of the hotels delegates and attendees will be using, including the headquarters hotel Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Saint Kate and Hyatt Regency.

It also includes Milwaukee Area Technical College, which won't have classes at its downtown location during convention week.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett stressed that no businesses will be asked to close during the convention.

"We are a city, and that means we will be in full operation at the time of the convention," Barrett said.

Morales said that the security plans are "subject to change."

Letters to downtown residents and business owners are being mailed Friday, said Joe Solmonese, chief executive officer of the 2020 DNC in Milwaukee.

The letters include details about how people can get additional information on convention and security plans.

The details on the security perimeter came two days after Barrett announced the city requested a federal grant of $50 million to cover security costs for the event, which will be held July 13-16.

In late December, Congress approved $100 million in grant funding for the convention cities. Charlotte, North Carolina, host of the Republican convention in August, will also get its $50 million outlay.

The two conventions are considered to be National Security Events, similar to the Super Bowl and international summits.

Barrett said the grant funding would "provide a safe and secure environment for Milwaukee residents, all DNC participants, delegates, news media, protesters, service providers and the general public."

The grant covers the proposed costs for the police and fire departments with a significant amount going to cover personnel costs for police officers and firefighters from other jurisdictions, Barrett said.

About 1,200 Milwaukee police officers, along with thousands from across the state and nation, are expected to provide protection for visitors and delegates.

Authorities are anticipating about 4,000 officers will be assigned to the convention that runs from July 13-16.

Next month, the host committee and the Democratic National Convention Committee will hold three community conversations. They will discuss convention-related opportunities for volunteers and businesses, and what businesses and residents can expect logistically during the four-day convention.

The community conversations will be held:

Downtown: Feb. 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at Milwaukee Area Technical College – Cooley Theater (2nd Floor), 1015 N. 6th St.

South: Feb. 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Journey House gymnasium, 2110 W. Scott St.

North: Feb. 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 3456 N. 38th St.

Contact Mary Spicuzza at (414) 224-2324 or mary.spicuzza@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MSpicuzzaMJS or Facebook at facebook.com/mary.spicuzza.