Greenwich Park Apartments Zoning Change Approved by Committee

Mercy Housing Lakefront’s $8.5 million Greenwich Park Apartments project received approval at the January 11th, 2011 meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. The apartment building is planned for the corner of N. Farwell Ave. and Thomas St. on Milwaukee’s East Side. When complete the apartment building will be 5-stories tall with 54-units, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units, and include about 100 parking spots, of which 48 will be available for the general public. The project will seek WHEDA tax credits as part of the financial package and will provide workforce housing, with a goal of attracting residents from US Bank and Columbia St. Mary’s.

Despite Murray Hill and Historic Water Tower Landmark Trust neighborhood groups opposition to the project, to some extent because of the workforce hosing, the project received support from Alderman Nik Kovac and numerous community members. Alderman Kovac explained that area plan includes increasing density along commercial corridors and increasing the availability of affordable housing on the East Side. He added that he had been concerned about parking but now believes “I think we have a good parking solution.” Wrapping up the meeting Alderman Jim Witkowiak spoke about Mercy Housing saying “they’ve become good neighbors in our neighborhood.”

The proposal, including the zoning change and land sale, will now go before the full Common Council on January 19th, 2011.