$3M commitment boosts Milwaukee plan for nearly 100 affordable homes

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By JIMMY NESBITT

Special to The Daily Reporter

A plan to build nearly 100 affordable homes on Milwaukee‘s north side gained momentum this week after Northwestern Mutual committed $3 million over the next three years.

The funding helps close a gap for the Amani project, which includes vacant properties spread across a north-side area bounded by West Meinecke Avenue, North 17th Street, West Burleigh Street and North 25th Street.

The Community Development Alliance is also requesting $3.6 million in tax incremental financing from Milwaukee‘s Department of City Development to help fund construction.

“These homes are part of the Fond du Lac and North Avenue Area Plan adopted by the Department of City Development and approved by the Common Council six years ago,” said Teig Whaley-Smith, chief alliance executive for the CDA. “The Amani TID is the direct result of what residents want and we’re excited to make that plan a reality.

“Building homes affordable to neighborhood families will both allow them to stay or enable those who may have been displaced by abandoned properties to return. We are very appreciative of all of our project partners and the generosity of Northwestern Mutual.”

The CDA is working with the Dominican Center for Women, neighborhood group Amani United, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and Emem Group to build most of the homes. Habitat will build 50 homes in the northern half of the tax increment district (TID), while Emem will build 40 homes in the southern part. Milwaukee Community Crossroads plans to build three homes, and Ezekiel Hope plans to build one, all in the northern part of the TID.

Developer Michael Emem plans to rent the homes to households making 50% or less of area median income for 15 years before selling them at affordable prices.

The proposed Amani tax increment district will undergo several months of public review, including hearings, before advancing to the Common Council and the mayor for approval. If approved, construction could begin later this year.