• Blog Posts

  • U.N.I.T. Fees/Fines

    The City of Racine's U.N.I.T. (part of the Building Department) currently assesses property owners a $50 fine inspection fee if they do not remove snow from their sidewalk within 24 hours of the snowfall.  Do you think property owners should

    Welcome to the Second District Blog!

    Welcome to the Second District Blog.  The goal of this blog is to encourage communication and the exchange of thoughts and comments about City issues.  Your name and email address are required so that I can get back to you.  Let the blogging begin!

    Racine Unified Discussion
    I was invited to attend a meeting with the administration of Racine Unified School District in early June.  As an Alderman, I have no part in their decisions but I can communicate your concerns to them.  The concerns I addressed included putting 2nd District kids on buses too long; not investing enough in minority education programs, neighborhood schools that promote parental involvement and extracurricular programs, littering on the 1300 block of Park outside the Mack Center and more.
    Thanks!
    Thank you to the voters of the 2nd District for the trust and confidence you have placed in me – I will do my best to earn it every day.
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     Eric Marcus  

     Eric Marcus
     (262) 633-3012
     eric.marcus@cityofracine.org 
     Biography   

       
      

     Click HERE for the new District map that reflects the new boundaries established by recent redistricting to comply with the 2010 census data.
    The new boundaries are officially effective as of January 1, 2012, but feel free to contact the assigned alderman for assistance.
     

     Welcome to Racine's Second District!

    The Second District is located on the Southside of Racine covering wards 4, 5 and 6.  It is roughly bounded by Lake Michigan, 21st Street, 11th Street and Holborn Street. From the farthest point on the western edge, Lake Michigan is less than a dozen blocks away. We are linked to the Lake Michigan Pathway, a nine mile cycling and walking path along the lakeshore. We are also within walking distance of Racine’s improving downtown and the various festivals that are held there. It is also adjacent to the Uptown Arts District that is currently being developed.  Our district includes the Southside Historic District with its Victorian, Italianate, and Federal style homes and is home to the worldwide headquarters of  S.C. Johnson including its internationally recognized  Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.  You can have your hair cut at Mario's - he's been at 16th & Center for more than 50 years - or have tamales at La Tapatia on Mead or enjoy baby back ribs at The Pit BBQ on Dekoven.  The Second District is the home of diversity.

     
      

  • Mead/DeKoven 4-Way Stop

    Alderman Bob Mozol has asked the Traffic Commission to remove the 4 way stop at Mead & DeKoven.  With several churches, businesses and Fine Arts so close to the intersection, many have already contacted me in support of the current

    Preserving College Avenue Bricks

    The City feels it needs to do repair work on College Avenue.  This is NOT a complete re-paving/re-bricking of the street.  It is repairs/patches such as the one at 15th and College. For those of us who oppose anything but real brick on the street we need to begin planning our approach. (More)

    Property Tax Installments To Be Made More Expensive

    Tonight, the City Finance & Personnel Committee voted to have an ordinance drafted changing the current 4-payment property tax installments to 2-installment.  So, if you pay total property taxes of $8,000 and currently pay it in 4-installments -- $2,000/payment you would now be required to pay $4,000 by January 31st and the balance later in the year.  

    I am strongly opposed to this change as it will create hardships for many residents who get by paycheck by paycheck and will be unable to make these double payments. (More)

    Snow Emergency Parking Restrictions

    A snow emergency is in effect until 6am 2-3-2011 parking restrictions (more) 

    Jobs: Priority #1
    I am continuing to work with local non-profits, schools, the County and the State to identify job programs that will help the people of our district.   (More)
    Public Safety & Licensing Committee Update
    The Public Safety and Licensing Committee (of which I am a member) will be holding several due process hearings in the coming month or so.  (More)
    Historic Artifact Preservation Ordinance
    The ordinance I proposed to protect city owned historic artifacts was enacted into law on July 6th.  I thank all who helped get this important ordinance passed.  (More)
    Housing at the Old Spanish Center
    I am fighting for better housing in our neighborhoods and the old Spanish Center project is an example of having to fight City Hall for quality housing. Some in City Hall have said we don't need $180,000 houses in the area. I won't stand for that kind of thinking and I hope you won't either!  We deserve excellent houses - the kind that make people say "I'd like to live there" and not "Look, that's government housing."  I am committed to fighting for our neighborhoods and for houses that improve the value of all of our homes. (More)
    Housing & Rehabs in the Neighborhood
    There will be new house construction and rehab work using HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Project funds and help from SC Johnson.  (More)
    Update on UNIT Inspection Fees
    Currently, the UNIT assesses a $50 "inspection fee" without notice or a written appeals process to property owners who do not clear snow on their sidewalk within 24 hours of a snowfall and a similar inspection fee on  garbage (note that putting your garbage out before 4pm the day before your collection day is a violation).  I asked the Public Works Committee to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to always give property owners a warning on snow and garbage clearing/removal  (with a requirement that the violation be corrected within 24 hours of notice).  The Committee voted unanimously against my warning provision. Please let me know what you think - either on the blog to the left of this announcement or by emails at eric.marcus@cityofracine.org.  (More)
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  • Would you be willing to pay up to $20/year each year into a special sidewalk fund instead of having to pay the current $160/block fee?
     

     
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