Dec. 17, 2024 1:40p
(WGTD)---Details of a large-scale, infill, single-family housing program in Kenosha are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Over a year ago, Uline announced that it would match a $3 million city contribution to create a $6 million fund to incentivize construction of affordable, quality housing.
Since then, city officials have come up with a framework of a plan that includes incentives for builders, including making available for a token charge vacant, city-owned lots. A second component would include mortgage help for home buyers.
"We recognize as do large corporations like Uline that economic development in this city is going phenomenally," said Kenosha Mayor Dave Bogdala. "But the one area that we need some assistance is in the housing market."
Bogdala says city officials have been talking to various builders.
In addition, one bank has already signed on to participate in the financial end of the program. Others are expected to join.
The idea is to develop a plan that’ll result in a noticeable dent to the shortage of affordable, quality, single-family housing. "What I'm hoping to do is kind of pool all this together with various incentives we can work through and be able to get a lot more of these going so we can actually start to help the inventory," Bogdala said.
Another goal is getting the biggest bang for the buck out of the Uline donation, with an eye toward making the program last as long as possible.
-0-