Green Bay committee OKs $10 million in contracts for 'once-in-a-generation' development on JBS-donated land

GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Finance Committee approved over $10 million in contracts on Tuesday to build a first-of-its-kind neighborhood in the city, combining multi-family and multi-generational housing that project leaders hope will be a "model for the nation" in a time of housing insecurity.

Calnin & Goss , an Appleton-based excavation company, received a nearly $4 million contract to build out the project's infrastructure. Vinton Construction Co. operating out of Manitowoc won a contract worth over $6 million to create a planned park and boulevard lined with social gathering spots.

Amaad Rivera-Wagner, who has championed this development, recommended that the Finance Committee reject a third bid to complete an urban farm on the site, citing high costs, while the city looks for additional funding.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create one of the most dynamic projects in Green Bay's history," said Rivera-Wagner, who is also the Mayor's chief of staff, during his presentation to the committee members.

The contracts move a vision to develop a livable, yet affordable, neighborhood closer to reality on land donated in 2021 by JBS , a global food industry giant, next to its meatpacking plant along Lime Kiln Road. Nearly three Lambeau Field Atriums could fit on the 26.5-acre parcel that developers intend to fill with over 200 housing units. The resulting increase in housing would combat a current stagnant trend in Green Bay's housing supply that's contributing to growing unaffordability for many.

The project area is in one of the most diverse pockets of Green Bay, with a greater portion of the surrounding neighborhood, Imperial Pride, identifying as Hispanic, Black, or Asian than the rest of Green Bay. Historically, its infrastructure has also been one of the most neglected in the city, said District 3 Alderman William Morgan , whose jurisdiction includes the project site.

"I even see my children struggle to find housing," Morgan testified in front of the committee. "I'm 100% behind this project. This won't solve the housing problem, but it'll help."

The awarded contracts come on top of a $5 million grant to the city by Gov. Tony Evers and half a million dollars donated by JBS to make the project a reality. However, the grant money will need to be spent within a constrained timeframe, said Rivera-Wagner, around 12-18 months.

As such, the committee also approved the creation of a Tax Increment District to finance the project. These districts mark off boundaries around development projects, allowing future property taxes within those borders to pay back the loans taken out to finish construction. This would allow the city to take out formal loans on top of the limited grants.

Even though the contracts and tax district took up the most space on the committee's agenda, stretching over four items, deliberations were the fastest of the entire meeting.

"I don't have any questions, I just want to know how soon we can get this done," said Alderman Bill Galvin, member of the Finance Committee.

The two other members present swiftly agreed, making Rivera-Wagner smile all the way back to his seat.

The proposals now go to the full City Council.

Jesse Lin is a Press-Gazette reporter covering Green Bay and politics in northeastern Wisconsin. Contact him at jlin@gannett.com or call 920-431-8247 .

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay committee OKs $10 million in contracts for 'once-in-a-generation' development on JBS-donated land