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Developer says code enforcement practices threaten Union Green project aided by TIF No. 20
Summary
The developer of the Union Green project told the Common Council that recent code enforcement actions are undermining a missing-middle housing development supported by TIF No. 20 and that staff partnership has eroded since a prior official left.
Jeffrey Hook, developer of the Union Green project at 604th and Greenfield, told the Common Council on July 8 that code enforcement practices are threatening the viability of his missing-middle development, which the council previously supported with Tax Increment Financing No. 20.
Hook said the project has 69 people on the interest list and that the city “stepped up and partnered with us” during earlier stages. He said he has been trying to keep costs down and has worked “tirelessly” to make the project feasible but is frustrated by what he described as an uncooperative stance from current code enforcement staff.
Hook said an electrical inspector told him, “I’m good if no project is built in the city of West Allis,” which Hook cited as symptomatic of a broader shift away from partnership. He said a prior staff member, Mike Masmanian, had been willing to work with the developer and that that working relationship has not continued since Masmanian left the role.
Hook told the council he has raised these concerns with city staff (he named Patrick and Sean) and with Alderman Ray Turner and asked the council to be aware that developers may walk away if local regulators are not responsive. He said, “This is both the first and most likely the last development I'll do in the city of West Allis” unless the situation changes.
Hook framed the issue as a practical barrier to producing small-scale, context-sensitive housing and cited a passage from the Urban Land Institute on municipal regulation and flexible permitting. He did not present a formal complaint to trigger an immediate staff action at the July 8 meeting; council members did not take a formal vote or directive on the matter during public participation.
Hook's remarks came during public participation. He noted the council created TIF No. 20 to support the project and urged renewed partnership between developers and permitting staff to realize similar infill housing in West Allis.
