Habitat for Humanity Lakeside proposes buy-and-build plan for district land, offering workforce training and community investment

Habitat for Humanity Lakeside presented a multi-part proposal to the Sheboygan Area School District: purchase the parcel for $20,000 and allow Habitat to build multiple owner-occupied affordable homes that would be constructed with volunteer and partner labor while serving as hands-on workforce training sites for high-school vocational students.

Michelle Guy, executive director of the local Habitat affiliate, said the affiliate has built 52 homes in Sheboygan County and currently has three underway; she described a funding model Habitat uses that blends local sponsorships, donations, grants and mortgage revenue recycled into new projects. Habitat said it would pay legal costs, site preparation and infrastructure, and would aim to start within 12 months. Habitat also proposed investing $10,000 back into district programs for each home built and characterized the project as "zero risk" to the school district.

John Hoffman, Habitat construction manager, described typical home footprints (three- and four-bedroom layouts), full basements suitable for Wisconsin frost conditions, and energy-efficiency measures that can keep operating costs low. Board members asked about zoning changes, infrastructure costs, parking and stormwater. Habitat said it would coordinate with city planning, pursue grants for infrastructure and build the initial site work to municipal requirements.

No action was taken; the district will continue review and coordinate neighborhood outreach and planning.