"Great day for the city:" HUD awards $30M to redevelop Milwaukee's Westlawn public housing
“A great day for the city:” HUD awards $30M to redevelop Milwaukee`s Westlawn public housing
"A great day for the city:" HUD awards $30M to redevelop Milwaukee`s Westlawn public housing
MILWAUKEE -- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Deputy Secretary Nani Coloretti visited Milwaukee on Monday, September 28th to announce the city of Milwaukee and the Housing Authority of the city of Milwaukee were awarded a $30 million "Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant." The money will be used to redevelop the Westlawn public housing development and revitalize the surrounding Westlawn neighborhood.
Mayor Tom Barrett
"This is a great, great day for the city and I couldn't be happier to have you all here today," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.
The "Transformation Plan" at Westlawn includes the redevelopment of 708 new mixed-income housing units, including 394 replacement units, both on the Westlawn site and in the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, officials say the plan includes strategic investments to improve the entire neighborhood by reducing the negative effects of foreclosures, improving access to retail and transportation, and strengthening families’ health and employment.
"Successful housing is related to jobs, school public safety and transit options that surround it," Coloretti said.
Milwaukee's Westlawn neighborhood
Milwaukee was one of five communities that received a combined $150 million to redevelop severely distressed public housing and revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. HUD also awarded grants in Atlanta, Kansas City, Memphis and Sacramento.
Milwaukee's Westlawn neighborhood
"The neighborhood is one entity and I think what people will see is a huge investment not only in housing, but as the mayor indicated -- public education and public safety," Milwaukee Common Council President Michael Murphy said.
"It's about safe neighborhoods. It's about people, as I have said, and the (police chief) has heard me say it a thousand times. It's about grandmas in every part of this city being able to sit on their front porch and watch their kids play safely," Mayor Barrett said.
Westlawn Housing Project in Milwaukee
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.