Green Bay Council approves housing project at former Badger Sheet Mill site

In the heart of Green Bay, city officials gathered to discuss a pivotal redevelopment project that promises to reshape the community's landscape. The meeting, held on May 15, 2025, focused on a unique initiative that combines a new fire station with much-needed affordable housing, reflecting the city's commitment to innovative urban development.

As the discussions unfolded, city leaders expressed their appreciation for the hard work of the community and economic development teams. One official highlighted the collaborative effort, noting the challenges faced in housing development and the necessity of creativity in addressing these issues. “We’ve been working on this for about a year,” he remarked, acknowledging the complexities involved in merging public safety infrastructure with residential needs.

The proposed project, which includes a $15 million budget for the fire station, is under scrutiny as rising costs threaten to exceed initial estimates. Officials are striving to keep the project within budget while ensuring it meets the community's needs. “We’re just in the process of trying to get the cost of the fire station as close to that number as possible,” one official stated, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility.

The meeting also touched on the broader housing crisis affecting cities nationwide, with Green Bay no exception. A housing study approved in 2019 revealed significant gaps in affordable housing, particularly for low-income households. City leaders are preparing to update this study to better understand current needs and trends. “We’ve made progress in raising awareness, but we still have a long way to go,” one official noted, thanking the county for its financial support of $3.5 million from federal funds allocated to the project.

As the meeting progressed, officials discussed the urgency of submitting applications for tax credits to secure funding. The timeline is tight, and the city is eager to move forward without jeopardizing the financial support already in place. “We want to ensure that we don’t miss out on these opportunities,” one leader emphasized.

The project aligns with the city’s Shipyard Corridor Plan, which aims to revitalize the area with appropriate density and usage. Officials expressed enthusiasm for the innovative approach, which seeks to integrate public safety with community living. “This is a creative solution that serves the urban neighborhood in more ways than just public safety,” one council member remarked.

As the meeting concluded, a motion was made to approve the offer to purchase the former Badger Sheet Mill site, contingent upon a later development agreement. The motion passed unanimously, marking a significant step forward in the project’s progression.

With the groundwork laid, Green Bay stands poised to tackle its housing challenges while enhancing public safety infrastructure, a dual effort that reflects the city’s commitment to thoughtful and inclusive urban development. As officials look ahead, the community watches closely, hopeful for a future where innovative solutions meet pressing needs.