Don Boots Jensen - In Perception is Reality

The city is now accepting proposals for what will be the first residential development in the state of Wisconsin fully powered by renewable energy sources, Ald. Tony Zielinski said today. Net Zero Energy project in Bay View, located on the former U.S. Army Reserve site at 2372 S. Logan Ave., encompasses an entire two-block area within walking distance of the Bay View/S. Kinnickinnic Ave. business district, and with easy access to Lake Michigan and downtown. One major incentive for potential developers is help defraying costs.

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Alderman Zielinski said the future residential units at the site will most likely be powered entirely by solar energy and wind power. "This will be a catalytic project showing that homes can be powered by solar, wind, and even geo-thermal energy sources, emitting zero green house gases," the alderman said.

"We think this location is beneficial because it is likely that Bay View residents will quickly see the benefits of 100% renewable energy and will choose to use it to power their own homes and businesses," said Alderman Zielinski, a member of the Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee.

According to the Department of City Development’s RFP, development proposals for the site must be net zero energy, meaning that the amount of energy created on-site through renewable energy resources annually is equal to or greater than the amount of energy consumed annually. In addition, a high level of sustainable building elements and energy-efficient practices is required.

In fact, according to Alderman Zielinski, Congress has approved a 30% solar tax credit with no cap for both single-family and multi-family homes, and Focus On Energy offers an additional 25% rebate to eligible renewable energy residential projects in Wisconsin.

Using 100% renewable energy (and not fossil fuels) helps create jobs in the U.S. and locally, according to Alderman Zielinski, as local workers are hired to manufacture and install the energy systems for the residences. "Milwaukeeans will benefit ultimately because they’ll see the initial wave of ‘green sector’ jobs and business growth that’s expected to take place during the next few years, and we’ll all benefit as well by the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

"And instead of cutting a check to the energy company every month, owners of 100% renewable energy homes will actually receive a check from the energy company as it looks to invest in these important new energy sources," he said.

Proposals must be submitted by January 17, 2009. To learn more about the project please go to www.mkedcd.org/realestate/ArmyReserveSite/Main.html