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Affordable High-Speed Internet Comes to Westlawn Gardens

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Residents of the revitalized housing community will be eligible to receive free internet access thanks to a partnership between PCs for People, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, and Microsoft.

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — Nearly 1,000 households in the Westlawn Gardens community will have access to affordable high-speed internet. With support from the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), and Microsoft, PCs for People built a 4G LTE tower to provide internet access to residents at an affordable cost of $15 per month or completely free if the resident uses their federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit.

Unlike many other high-speed internet service providers, PCs for People does not require a contract or credit check. Westlawn Gardens residents will receive the first month of service free of cost, as well as a free modem.

“PCs for People is thrilled to join the exciting and transformational outreach provided by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee in the development of the Westlawn Gardens community,” said Thami Hastings, Community Impact Manager at PCs for People. “This project demonstrates the best of public/private partnerships and how we can meet residents’ needs by working together. It is a model that will inspire PCs for People as we advance digital equity across the country.”

Nearly 1,000 housing units are planned for Westlawn Gardens with 773 completed or under construction. The high-speed internet will be available to all of the homes, as well as the neighborhood’s playgrounds and garden. This expanded connectivity area was requested by the community and supported by the Housing Authority.

“By connecting more residents of Milwaukee, affordable, high-speed internet can add to our economy and to educational achievement. It is an effort to empower everyone, and

I appreciate all the support this project has received,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.

As part of this initiative to improve digital access, PCs for People and Microsoft will provide a complimentary Microsoft Go 2 computer to the first 100 residents registered in the pilot phase. All Westlawn Gardens residents can also purchase low-cost laptops and desktops through the ACP benefit.

“Our world is becoming more digital every day, but people without broadband and a device to use it are effectively cut off from opportunity,” said Vickie Robinson, general manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “We’re proud to work with the Housing Authority and PCs for People to ensure all residents of Westlawn Gardens have greater access and adopt affordable connectivity – and the opportunities of the digital world beyond.”

HACM is developing Westlawn Gardens as a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood to meet the community’s housing, retail, and social service needs. With 958 affordable and market-rate housing options, new parks, playgrounds, retail spaces, and partnerships to deliver services to neighborhood residents, Westlawn Gardens is helping to transform Milwaukee’s northwest side for generations to come.

“Great communities are built through partnerships, and we sincerely thank the partners who are ensuring that every resident of Westlawn Gardens can participate fully in the digital world through this new affordable high-speed internet service,” said Willie L. Hines, Jr., HACM Secretary-Executive Director.

“It’s very important for the community to have affordable access to internet service and computer equipment,” said Jackie Burrell, Westlawn Resident Council President. “This great new service increases options for Westlawn Gardens residents to connect with family, friends, jobs, health care, school and other important parts of daily life.”

About PCs for People

PCs for People is a national nonprofit working to get affordable quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals and families with low income. By recycling and then refurbishing computers, PCs for People provides a valuable service to businesses, families, and the planet by keeping computers out of landfills and repurposing them to advance digital inclusion.

Since 1998, PCs for People has become a national leader in digital inclusion by serving over 520,000 individuals, providing 190,000 home computers, connecting 77,000 households to the internet, and responsibly recycling over 9 million pounds of electronic waste through the secure e-waste recycling service. To learn more, visit www.pcsforpeople.org.

COVID-19 Vaccination Week Kicks off today in Westlawn Gardens Neighborhood

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Beginning today, Monday, July 25, 2021, several local groups will kick off a grassroots effort to provide residents of Westlawn Gardens and the surrounding neighborhoods an opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine. From Monday-Friday (Noon-5 p.m.) teams of residents trained as Community Mobilizers will go door-to-door, providing vaccine education and outreach, which is especially crucial considering the increase of new COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin over the past few weeks. The mobilizers will be accompanied by vaccinators from the Milwaukee Health Department and Milwaukee Fire Department, who can immediately provide the Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for residents ages 12 & up.

“The health and safety of our residents is our top priority, and easily accessible COVID-19 vaccinations are key to achieving that goal at this time,” said Willie L. Hines, Jr., Acting Secretary-Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM). “This partnership will bring the opportunity to be vaccinated to the doorsteps of hundreds of households and help protect our communities by stemming the tide of the pandemic.”

Vaccine week is a collaboration between HACM, the Westlawn Resident Council, Jump at the Sun Consultants, LLC (JATSC), the Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee Fire Department and Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. The groups have worked together since the beginning of the pandemic to support community-based efforts to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and address other health disparities. In addition to the door-to-door effort, a special pop-up vaccination clinic will be hosted from Noon – 5 p.m. at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center as well.

“Our goal is to meet residents where they are, help them get accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccines, and help them realize that this pandemic is not over and that those who are unvaccinated are the most at-risk,” said Lorraine Lathen, President and Founder of Jump at the Sun Consultants, LLC.

Jackie Burrell, President of the Westlawn Resident Council, believes the effort is critical to keeping the entire neighborhood healthy and safe.

“I have had family members severely impacted by COVID-19. I can tell you that seeing a loved one suffer from this disease was worse than the idea of losing them. Personally I put my trust in God that getting vaccinated was the right thing to do. We don’t need to see any more people get sick or die, so it’s very important for our neighbors to be vaccinated to protect themselves and our community.”

A training was held last week at Victory Manor to prepare adult residents and a youth squad to serve as Community Mobilizers during Vaccine Week. Both groups are being paid an hourly wage for their work and will join an existing team of 80 Community Mobilizers. In addition, nursing students from Alverno College will be on hand to offer health resources and activities for children.

In support of these and other efforts, HACM has issued a COVID-19 vaccination challenge with incentives for each of its housing developments across the city. HACM is also planning pop-up vaccination events in other housing developments and has already scheduled events for residents in the Hillside and Parklawn neighborhoods.  Residents and others can look up their vaccination record online on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry website at dhfswir.org.

The effort also supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to an equitable response to COVID-19 and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ joint efforts to increase access to vaccinations and address hesitancy among vulnerable communities that have been most impacted by COVID-19.

“We must center our COVID-19 vaccination efforts around the guiding principle of equity,” said HUD Midwest Deputy Regional Administrator James A. Cunningham. “HUD assisted households are among the most impacted and we are incredibly proud of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee and its partners’ laser-focus and proactive efforts to increase access and awareness among the most vulnerable communities.”

Interview Opportunities: HACM residents, Community Mobilizers, HACM staff, JATSC President

What: COVID-19 Vaccine Week

When: July 26 -29th (Noon-5 p.m., Best day Tuesday)

Where: Westlawn Gardens Housing Development (W. Silver Spring Drive/ N. 60-68th St.)

What: COVID-19 Pop-up Vaccination Clinic

When: Monday July 26th (Noon-5 p.m.)

Where: Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, 5460 N. 64th St.

Free “Live & Revive Business Summit” Will Offer Workshops, Resources and Inspiration to Help Small Businesses Grow

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Milwaukee, WI – On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) and partners will host the Live & Revive Business Summit in the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. The event will feature resources and speakers to support startup small business entrepreneurs, established businesses interested in adding a second location, and continued business recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. All entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to attend and register at www.mke-cni.eventbrite.com.
“Local businesses are more vital to our neighborhoods than ever,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “This business summit will provide valuable information, resources and networking to help businesses stabilize and grow as they continue to navigate through pandemic recovery.”
In addition to breakout sessions and a panel discussion with successful small business owners, attendees can learn about low-interest loans and façade grants through the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, as well as new retail space openings along the busy W. Silver Spring Drive commercial corridor.
“The Westlawn Gardens neighborhood is growing fast with hundreds of new apartments opening during the next two years, as well as new retail spaces to serve those and neighboring households,” said Common Council President Cavalier Johnson, whose aldermanic district includes Westlawn Gardens. “This presents an exciting opportunity for businesses to establish a foothold in a neighborhood on the rise.”
“It takes a leap of faith to start a small business, and making sure we help set up entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to succeed is crucial and can help make all the difference,” said Alderwoman Chantia Lewis. “This event will provide the opportunity for local business owners to learn from those who have stepped out before them, learned invaluable lessons, and pass that knowledge along to help set others up for success.”
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative is a multi-faceted neighborhood transformation plan in and around the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. The CNI plan is supported by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CNI grant and includes construction of over 700 new mixed-income housing units and investments in local economic development, supportive services for neighborhood residents, and new amenities to serve community needs. The business summit is hosted by several CNI partners, including the City of Milwaukee, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., and Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership.
COVID-19 health precautions will be in place for this in-person event, including the use of masks for all attendees while indoors.
Interview Opportunities: Business entrepreneurs who have utilized CNI resources to grow their businesses, CNI and elected officials, event presenters.
 
What:   CNI Live & Revive Business Summit
When: In advance of and during the event
              Thursday, July 29, 2021
Where: Victory Manor, 5556 W. Silver Spring Drive
Summit Breakout Sessions:
–          Be Your Own Boss: Launching Your Start-Up Business presented by small business consultant Bevelyn Johnson
–          Exploring Expansion: Preparing to Open a Second Location presented by Gregory Martin, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
–          Magic Money: Making the Most of Low-Interest Loans and Other Funds to Grow Your Business presented by Tiffany Miller, co-owner of TheBronzeville Collective
Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion: Moderated by Alderwoman Chantia Lewis with panelists Basia Rose of Basia Rose Designs; Latrece Nelson of Prenasis Hair Gallery; and Chrishella Roche of Vibez Creative Arts Space

Second and final Wheelin’ at Westlawn free bicycle tune-up event Friday

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The second and final Wheelin’ at Westlawn event of the summer will take place Friday, August 10 at the Westlawn Gardens Playground Pavilion (located on W. Custer Ave., between N. 60thand N. 64thSt.), Alderman Cavalier  “Chevy” Johnson said.

 

The first Wheelin’ at Westlawn event of the summer was held on June 22.

 

Westlawn Gardens has been working with DreamBikes to give bicyclists the opportunity for free bicycle tune-ups. Bicyclists can bring in their bicycle and receive a wide variety of services, including filling up tires, fixing a flat tire, oiling a bike chain and other minor adjustments. “I strongly encourage anyone interested to please come for the free services and then get some exercise, help reduce air pollution, save money on gas and have some fun!” Alderman Johnson

 

The free bicycle tune-up days are part of the work put forth by the Westlawn Partnership for a Healthier Environment.  Other sponsors for the free bicycle tune-ups include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing, Milwaukee’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative, Care and the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center.

 

 

What:       Final free bicycle tune-up day

 

When:       3:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10

 

Where:    Westlawn Gardens Playground Pavilion

HACM’s Westlawn Gardens Receives Prestigious National Planning Award

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the American Planning Association (APA) announced today that Westlawn Gardens will receive the HUD Secretary’s Opportunity & Empowerment Award, one of the highest recognitions in the planning profession. The award honors the first phase of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s transformation of the aged and stressed Westlawn, Wisconsin’s largest public housing development, into a vibrant, environmentally-friendly and sustainable mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhood.

The HUD Secretary’s Opportunity & Empowerment Award is given in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A single award is given for an effort that demonstrates improved quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. Emphasis is placed on how creative housing, economic development, and private investments have been used in or with a comprehensive community development plan to build social equity and empower individuals and families who reside in that community.

“Milwaukee’s Westlawn Gardens is a great example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships and an innovative approach to community planning,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “We endeavor to see more public housing communities adopt similar strategies and create a healthy, sustainable living environment for families.”

“We are delighted to have this recognition of Westlawn Gardens and the transformational impact it is having on Milwaukee’s Northwest side,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “We are proud of the innovative work of our Housing Authority, its planning team led by Torti Gallas + Partners, and the residents and other stakeholders who have been central to the neighborhood’s revitalization.”

“The collective effort of this team has achieved a triumph over the tyranny of monotony, and with it, hopefully, inspiration to those seeking to elevate the human spirit,” said Tony Pérez, HACM Secretary-Executive Director.

 

Formed more than 50 years ago, the original Westlawn neighborhood consisted of 726 barrack-style housing units on 75 acres to house nearly 1,800 minority and very-low-income residents. Superblocks were isolated from their surroundings, both physically and socially, and housing units were too small to accommodate growing families. Storm water drainage and energy systems were outdated and inefficient.
The focus of the redevelopment was to be financially, environmentally and socially sustainable. Developed through a holistic, community-based design process, Westlawn Gardens includes 250 new units in a mix of townhomes and apartments accommodating the housing needs of families, seniors and residents with disabilities.

 

The $82 million first phase was funded through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority’s (WHEDA) largest Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award and equity investment by PNC Bank.

 

When it opened in 2012, Westlawn Gardens was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council as the highest rated Stage 3 Silver-Certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) neighborhood in the world, with Milwaukee’s first LEED Platinum-Certified home.  Every new home was designed to LEED standards. Durable, weather-resistant materials were used to reduce heating and maintenance costs as well as improve indoor and outdoor air quality. A renovated elementary school, playground and beloved community center are centrally located for residents. Opportunities for job growth and economic development were also incorporated in the plan. A partnership with Growing Power created a 30,000 square foot community garden to educate and train residents about onsite local food production.

Future phases will more than double current available housing and add additional market rate homes and rental units intermixed with affordable housing. For more information about the transformation taking place at Westlawn Gardens and the surrounding neighborhood, please visit www.mke-cni.org.

 

“Westlawn Gardens is inspiration for communities around the country looking to change the conversation and approach to public housing,” said W. Shedrick Coleman, AIA, chair of the 2018 Awards Jury. “The hard work and collaboration with residents has generated a strong and vibrant community for years to come.”

 

APA’s national awards program – the program’s highest honor – is a proud tradition established more than 50 years ago to recognize outstanding community plans, planning programs and initiatives, public education efforts and individuals for their leadership on planning issues.

 

This year’s five excellence and 20 achievement recipients will be recognized at a special luncheon during APA’s National Planning Conference in New Orleans on Monday, April 23, 2018. Award recipients also will be featured in the April issue of Planning magazine.

For a complete list of the APA’s 2018 National Planning and Excellence and Achievement Award recipients, visit www.planning.org/awards/2018.

 

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About the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Founded in 1944, HACM provides high-quality affordable housing options to over 10,000 households in Milwaukee. HACM’s award-winning programs foster strong and inclusive communities that support self-sufficiency, good quality of life and the opportunity to thrive. Learn more at www.hacm.org.

 

 

About the American Planning Association (APA)

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides vital leadership in creating communities of lasting value. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the professional of planning, offering better choices for where and how people work and live. The 38,000 APA members work in concert with community residents, civic leaders and business interests to create communities that enrich people’s lives. Through its philanthropic work, APA’s Foundation helps to reduce economic and social barriers to good planning. APA has offices in Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Learn more at www.planning.org.