In a recent meeting of the Milwaukee Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee, significant discussions emerged regarding the future of a key property managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM). The meeting, held on December 10, 2024, highlighted concerns about the timing of property sales in light of upcoming leadership changes at HACM.

Alderman Baumann expressed apprehension about proceeding with the sale of a substantial site before the new executive director of HACM is appointed. He argued that it would be prudent to allow the incoming leadership to evaluate the property and its potential, emphasizing the importance of HACM's real estate assets. Baumann's concerns stemmed from a desire to ensure that the new management team has the opportunity to assess the agency's portfolio comprehensively before any decisions are made.

In response, Scott Simon, Vice President of Development at Trevo and HACM, clarified that the sale process had been in the works for over two years and had received unanimous approval from both Trevo's and HACM's boards. He assured the committee that they had not been aggressively selling off real estate and that the current property was one of only two surplus properties being considered for sale. Simon emphasized the extensive planning and community engagement that had already taken place, indicating that delaying the sale could negatively impact the interested party, Kinship, which has been seeking a suitable location for years.

The discussion highlighted a tension between the need for careful oversight in property management and the urgency of moving forward with development projects that have already garnered community support. Alderman Cox, who had been involved in the discussions, argued against delaying the sale, stating that it would be unfair to Kinship, which has made significant investments and has been actively engaged in the process.

Ultimately, Alderman Baumann withdrew his motion to hold the sale, acknowledging the arguments presented by his colleagues. This decision reflects a balancing act between ensuring new leadership has input and recognizing the importance of timely development in the community.

The committee's discussions underscore the complexities of urban development and the critical role of effective communication among stakeholders. As Milwaukee continues to navigate its growth and development, the outcomes of such meetings will have lasting implications for the city's neighborhoods and the organizations that serve them.