Milwaukee River bridges may not be allowed to open during DNC, blocking boat tours

Some boat companies that rely on access to the Milwaukee River may be forced to shut down during July's Democratic National Convention.  

A decision has not yet been made on whether downtown bridges over the river, which runs through the heart of the convention's security zone, will be allowed to open during the event, Milwaukee police confirmed.

"The U.S. Secret Service and Milwaukee Police Department are meeting with organizations to discuss access to the Milwaukee River during the Democratic National Convention," said Nick DeSiato, chief of staff for Police Chief Alfonso Morales.

If the drawbridge-style and lift bridges are locked down, large boats — including those that offer river cruises and tours — will not be able to operate on the river in and around downtown.  

Ald. Robert Bauman said he's also heard from recreational boaters with questions about whether they will be able to use the river during the convention.

"Now with the water level so high, almost anything with a motor requires the bridges to go up at this point," he said. 

Much of the west side of downtown Milwaukee and some areas east of the Milwaukee River will be inside the security footprint during the event. That security zone will 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.

Ten moveable bridges are within the wider security zone.

But officials, who announced the broader security zone in January, have not yet said what part of downtown will be inside the "hard perimeter," and therefore behind barriers or fences and accessible only through security checkpoints.

It's unclear when that smaller, more restricted area will be announced.

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 that delegates and attendees will be using, such as the headquarters hotel Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Saint Kate and Hyatt Regency.

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

The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee and the Democratic National Convention Committee are scheduled to hold three community conversations this week to provide updates about the convention. The community events will provide updates on volunteering, business opportunities, and what to expect during the week of the convention.

Here's the schedule for this week's events:

Tuesday, Feb. 25 - Downtown

Milwaukee Area Technical College – Cooley Theater (second floor), 1015 N 6th St.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; the meeting begins at 6:30.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 - South side

Journey House – Gymnasium, 2110 W Scott St. 

Doors open at 6 p.m.; the meeting begins at 6:30.

Thursday, Feb. 27 - North side

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 3456 N 38th St.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; the meeting begins at 6:30.

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.