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No ‘Mifflin’ on Frederick
Block party planned via Facebook cancelled after warning
By Kevin Lessmiller
They [UWM administrators] told him that a SWAT team may be at the scene, as well as the possibility of horse-mounted police officers
A block party scheduled for Saturday Sept. 20, which would have been held on N. Frederick St. near the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee campus, was cancelled after warnings from UWM officials.
And despite plans by some group members to still party Saturday, legally or otherwise, presence by UWM Police and Milwaukee Police Department in the neighborhood may have prevented problems from arising.
The event was planned by UWM student and Post Sports Editor Jimmy Lemke via a Facebook group. He had in mind a school spirit event, complete with cookouts and pick up football games. Lemke intentionally left alcohol out of the group’s description.
But soon, the Facebook group’s membership skyrocketed to about 5,000. References to Madison’s “Mifflin Street Block Party” were made by some members. And then, members of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association learned of the block party.
Neighbors contacted police, 3rd district Alderman Nik Kovac, and, of course, UWM after learning of a potential Milwaukee version of “Mifflin” in their backyard. Such an event would require a permit from the city, and possibly thousands of dollars worth of insurance.
After UWM administrators told Lemke he may be held personally responsible if students began partying in the middle of Frederick St., he posted a message in the group in June saying the event was off. Apparently, Lemke could have been expelled if the block party occurred Saturday.
In late August, Lemke was called to a meeting with UWM Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Helen Mamarchev and Jim Hill, Dean of Students. They told him that a SWAT team may be at the scene, as well as the possibility of horse-mounted police officers.
Since, Lemke has done everything in his power to prevent people from showing up. He recruited some friends to help spread the word.
An e-mail was sent to all UWM students Sept. 19 containing a copy of Lemke’s message to students, pleading for them not to show up.
“Any chance that this party could happen has long gone out the window,” he said in the message.
Fortunately for him, a potential “Mifflin” turned out to be just another Saturday night on N. Frederick St.
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