Park-and-ride lots on College Avenue are closed after increased police calls

MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin has begun closing another park-and-ride lot Milwaukee County. A week ago, the Holt Avenue park and ride was closed. Now it’s happening at the College Avenue locations.

Ric and his dog, Sasha, have been calling the College Avenue park-and-ride blockhouse off and on for months.

“They came by today with another letter saying the third one. So that buys us more time. Instead of spending money on a hotel, I can use money to get my car fixed,” Ric said.

Ric told FOX6 News he is a veteran. He works nights and could stay in a hotel. But he wouldn’t have enough money to try to find his own place – if he could find one at all.

“I could drop $25 on an application fee and get rejected. Do that multiple times; it’s a waste of money,” Ric said.

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Earlier in October, the state began closing park-and-ride lots — citing a 42% increase in police calls compared to 2023. Milwaukee County helped people find stable housing, more and more people showed up.

“Unfortunately, we have not seen any additional resources being added,” said Eva Welch, co-founder and executive director of Street Angels.

Homeless group Street Angels said it’s about housing.

“As far as solutions go, obviously more shelter space and more affordable housing. Until those solutions are available, Street Angels will be out in the community making sure people have exactly what they need to survive outside,” Welch said.

County officials say outreach teams will try to get people home — because the parks department had to close a road near Wilson Park this weekend and clear out RVs and vehicles.

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‘I wonder: the powers that be have decided to throw us out of here. The shelters are full. What do they expect from the people? Have they thought about that carefully?
asked Rick.

Ric can only control one thing at a time.

The park-and-ride area on the southwest side of College Avenue remains partially open to transit riders. In the northeastern part, once people leave, they can’t come back unless they want to get more of their stuff.