Ald. Bauman calls Mayoral veto of home improvement loan program a “slap to the face” of Milwaukee homeowners

Alderman Robert Bauman vowed Friday that he will work to overturn Mayor Tom Barrett’s veto of Common Council legislation that would offer forgivable loans up to $25,000 to homeowners to perform major repairs to their homes, calling it a “slap to the face” of middle- and working-class homeowners in the city.

“Mayor Barrett’s veto demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the depth and breadth of the crisis in our neighborhoods,” Alderman Bauman said. “Middle-class and working-class homeowners are the glue that holds many of our most challenged neighborhoods together.

“These homeowners want to improve and maintain their properties, thereby contributing to neighborhood stability. However, their homes have lost so much value, in some cases 35 to 50 percent, that they cannot afford repairs, leading to further neighborhood deterioration and more potential foreclosures and vacant properties.”

Alderman Bauman said the program is primarily geared toward homeowners who have been hard hit by the dramatic decline in assessed values in many neighborhoods due to foreclosures, crime and disorder. The decline in property values has made it impossible for many homeowners to obtain second mortgages or home improvement loans to undertake renovations including roof tear-offs, porch reconstructions, exterior painting and restoration projects.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by Ald. Bob Bauman

Historic Designation and city renovation programs save historic home in the Merrill Park Neighborhood that is now being listed for sale at $439,900

Mar 28th, 2024 by Ald. Bob Bauman

Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman March 28, 2024

Ordinance lays out city regulations and registration framework for protests/assemblies during the RNC

Mar 18th, 2024 by Ald. Bob Bauman

 

Homes MKE program, investment in affordable housing shows promising results

Jan 10th, 2024 by Ald. Bob Bauman

Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman January 10, 2024