Neighborhood meeting set for 'Net Zero Energy' proposal

Eco Bay proposed for former Bay View Army Reserve site

The Department of City Development announced today a neighborhood meeting will be held in Bay View later this month to brief residents on a recommended ‘Net Zero Energy’ development proposal for the former Army Reserve site at 2372 S. Logan Ave. Alderman Tony Zielinski will host a neighborhood informational meeting on Tuesday, May 26th at 6 p.m. at Bay View High School 2751 S. Lenox Street.

The City of Milwaukee solicited proposals for the purchase and development of the 5.6 acre site and for the first time, the request required the proposed development produce the same amount of renewable energy as the energy consumed on-site. This means development proposals had to provide for alternative energy sources, such as solar panels.

“We want Milwaukee to lead by example, when possible, to increase the demand for green, clean technologies that create jobs,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “The fact that the Department of City Development received seven proposals indicates the level of interest and demand for greener housing.”

The recommended proposal to be presented at the meeting was submitted by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee for ‘Eco Bay’ a $40 million mix of single-family market-rate homes, townhouses and senior-only apartments for both independent elderly and those needing assisted living facilities. Independence First will work with the Housing Authority and Quorum Architects to ensure that all housing is universally-designed to be fully-accessible.

The project proposes to meet the ‘net zero energy’ requirement by incorporating solar technology and through sustainable building design. Solar panels will power the development, geothermal heat pumps will heat and cool, and the buildings will be designed to maximize solar gain and passive solar. All stormwater will be contained on-site using green design building materials will be local and sustainable.

“This will be the first 100% solar development of its kind in the country,” said Alderman Tony Zielinski. “Milwaukee’s leadership and vision will result in a rapid reverberation of similar projects around the country.”

Alderman Zielinski said he wanted the neighborhood to be briefed and offer input first before the proposal moves forward.

As proposed, the development would meet the local need for family, young professional and senior housing and include: 20 market-rate single-family homes and townhomes; 75-80 independent senior apartments; and 35-40 assisted living senior apartments. Additional details will be provided at the neighborhood meeting.