What we know (so far) about how the RNC will impact those who live and work in downtown Milwaukee

With the Republican National Convention quickly approaching, Milwaukee residents who live near the downtown convention venues learned a bit more Thursday about how their neighborhood will change to accommodate the massive event — and what that means for them.

Residents gathered at the Baird Center asked local and federal officials questions that ranged from logistical to political as they considered the "national special security event" that is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Milwaukee.

Earlier in the day, the business community made a strong showing at a similar presentation held to address their questions.

The RNC takes place July 15-18, but that doesn't mean traffic and other noticeable impacts will be limited to those four days.

Here are some of residents' top questions and what they learned:

Are any residences within the inner security perimeter that will require credentials to enter during the RNC?

Currently, no, said U.S. Secret Service Assistant Special Agent in Charge Audrey Gibson-Cicchino.

The Secret Service is reaching out to any buildings that are expected to be within the inner perimeter where credentials will be needed to enter, she said.

While that perimeter has not yet been released, officials said the goal is to minimize the area of the inner perimeter. The three main RNC venues — Fiserv Forum, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center — are right in a row downtown.

If I live or work within the broader security zone, will I still be able to access my residence or workplace during the Republican National Convention?

Yes.

Gibson-Cicchino said those who live and work within the wider security footprint will be able to access their homes and workplaces but will have to go through a vehicle checkpoint.

The wider security footprint extends from Cherry Street to the north to West Clybourn Street on the south and from North Water Street on the east to North 9th Street on the west.

How long will it take to set up and tear down the security perimeter for the RNC?

Security officials have not yet determined the exact timeframes, but Gibson-Cicchino said historically the process to set up and tear down the security perimeter takes a couple days on either end of the event.

"During the build-up and tear-down, there will not be any security measures for the event in place until the (national special security event) goes live," Gibson-Cicchino said.

Will boats be screened on the Milwaukee River through downtown?

Security officials are still working through impacts to Milwaukee's waterways, Gibson-Cicchino said.

How will the city's streetcar, known as The Hop, be impacted during the convention?

Increased streetcar ridership is anticipated, but riders should not expect anything else out of the ordinary, officials said.

How will residents know which streets are closed to traffic during the Republican National Convention?

About a month before the convention, the exact secure perimeter will be announced along with traffic impact maps. Those will be released on the city's website, Milwaukee.gov/RNC and via local media.

Residents are also advised to expect it to take an additional 20 to 30 minutes to reach their destinations.

Do residents need to carry an ID with them during the RNC?

Residents will not need an ID to enter the outer perimeter, according to U.S. Secret Service Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jim Morley. In that area, people will be able to move freely except for the vehicle screenings.

The only identification that will be needed is for the credentialed, inner perimeter, he said.

Alison Dirr can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the RNC for downtown Milwaukee residents, workers