Milwaukee County signs off on affordable development in Franklin

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Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on Monday signed legislation to award federal funding for an affordable housing development in Franklin for adults with autism and similar disabilities.

Crowley signed a resolution to approve $2.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding and execute a development contract with nonprofit Communities of Crocus. The organization will start a $37 million development with up to 50 housing units and a community hub for young adults with disabilities inside Franklin, according to a county report.

The investment will support the first phase of the project which includes three community homes, which each contain four apartments. Each apartment will have rents between $1,000 and $1,250 per month, the report showed.

Construction is expected to start in June 2024 and the terms of the contract will last through June 2025.

COC will be supported by Three Leaf Partners, Catalyst Construction, Husch Blackwell, HGA and other consultants for development, healthcare and other services for special needs housing.

In January 2023, the county board approved $2.5 million for Luther Group to develop Cornerstone Village, with a similar mission to provide affordable units for adults with disabilities, according to a report. Those plans didn’t move forward, so COC responded to a request for proposals from the county and was chosen to receive ARPA funding.

COC’s development is part of the county’s 2021 Collective Affordable Housing Plan in partnership with the Community Development Alliance, as well as County Executive David Crowley’s goal to expand affordable housing options and address health disparities, officials added.