ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 2026-03-20
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee approved two workforce housing TIF districts in Walker's Point: TID 130 (Via Apartments, 82 units at 1000 S 5th St) and TID 131 (Forma Apartments, 65 units at 412 S 4th St), both developed by Newland Enterprises with units capped at 80-100% AMI. The committee also dissolved four TIDs (39, 42, 46, 51), returning approximately $5 million in excess revenue to the city's general fund and releasing $51+ million in tax base back to the general tax rolls.
Key Decisions (9)
Deconstruction Ordinance Moratorium Extension
Extended the moratorium on the property deconstruction ordinance for one additional year while the Department of Neighborhood Services develops modifications to shift from full deconstruction to a salvage and reuse evaluation program.
Certified Survey Map for West Boblink Avenue
Approved final certified survey map for land on the South Side of West Boblink Avenue, West of North 122nd Street in the 5th Aldermanic District. Owner Alexis Morgan is dedicating right of way to clarify title to city street.
TID 130 Via Apartments - Workforce Housing
Created Tax Incremental District 130 for Via Apartments at 1000 South 5th Street (Southeast Corner of South 1st Street and West Mineral Street) in Walker's Point. 82 workforce housing units (studios, 1BR, 2BR) at 80-100% AMI with 4,000 sq ft commercial space. Developer: Newland Enterprises. TIF amount: up to $3,802,000 for up to 24 years at 6.5% interest. Total investment: $23.68 million.
TID 131 Forma Apartments - Workforce Housing
Created Tax Incremental District 131 for Forma Apartments at 412 South 4th Street (Southeast Corner of South 4th Street and West Florida Street) in Walker's Point. 65 workforce housing units at 80-100% AMI. Developer: Newland Enterprises. Two existing houses on site to be demolished/deconstructed. Estimated completion end of 2027.
Dissolution of TID 39 - Hilton Hotel
Dissolved Tax Incremental District 39 (Hilton Hotel). Generated $51 million in incremental tax base over its lifetime. Excess revenue of approximately $3.2 million total, with city portion approximately $1.1 million (34%).
Dissolution of TID 42 - Midtown
Dissolved Tax Incremental District 42. City portion of excess revenue approximately $3.4 million.
Dissolution of TID 46 - New Arcade Project
Dissolved Tax Incremental District 46 (New Arcade Project). City portion of excess revenue approximately $345,000.
Dissolution of TID 51 - Grandville
Dissolved Tax Incremental District 51 (Grandville). City portion of excess revenue approximately $180,000.
Reimagining Wisconsin 175 Study Final Report
Received and placed on file the final report for the Reimagining Wisconsin 175 Study (Stadium Freeway) from Wisconsin Avenue to Lisbon Avenue (1.8 miles). Study narrowed 27 alternatives to 4 options ranging from $100-126 million. No preferred alternative selected. Next phase (PEL or NEPA study) estimated at $10-14 million but currently unfunded.
Development Activity (2)
Via Apartments
82 workforce housing units (mix of studios, 1BR, 1BR+den, 2BR) averaging under 800 sq ft; 4,000 sq ft commercial space; rents $1,300-$2,300 at 80-100% AMI; total investment $23.68 million; completion early 2028
Forma Apartments
65 workforce housing units (studios, 1BR, 1BR+den, 2BR) at 80-100% AMI; requires demolition of two existing houses and surface parking lot; completion estimated end of 2027
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Market studies show significant high demand for workforce housing (80-100% AMI) in Walker's Point, with this product type not currently being constructed in Milwaukee.
Housing Demand
Developer noted gap in housing market between luxury towers being built downtown and affordable housing at 60% AMI and below, with no new construction serving middle-income renters.
Commercial Demand
Luxury apartment towers downtown are reportedly not filling up, suggesting potential oversupply at high-end price points while workforce housing remains underserved.
Sentiment
Multiple developers are anxious to use the new workforce housing TIF program, with potential to unlock thousands of units according to Newland Enterprises.
Infrastructure
Wisconsin 175 (Stadium Freeway) study identified 27-37 acres of potentially developable land depending on alternative selected, representing significant future development opportunity near Washington Park.