Alderman Zielinski and the Eco-Bay Development Project:  A Failure of Leadership

For Immediate Release
January 19, 2012
Contact: Jan Pierce, 414-747-9514

(MILWAUKEE) – Today, Jan Pierce, candidate for Milwaukee Alderman in District 14, evaluated current District 14 Alderman Tony Zielinski’s handling of the scrapped Eco-Bay Development Project.

“As a Bay View citizen, it was disappointing to see such a promising development project fall by the wayside,” Pierce said. “The Housing Authority’s plan was a net-zero development that would have used solar paneling and geothermal heating. The development also supported our district’s older citizens, with the majority of residential units being subsidized for seniors.”

“Alderman Zielinski was initially supportive of development on this property, but soon changed his tune when he found the project did not fit in with his vision of more young, urban professionals inhabiting the space,” added Pierce. “This is just another sign of the need for more inclusive and representative leadership, and as Alderman, I plan to provide this to the people of Milwaukee, and specifically, District 14.”

Pierce continued, “District 14 missed out on a tremendous opportunity with this development. Eco-Bay would have been the second major development in District 14 that was comprised of affordable housing, after the success of the WHEDA-funded Hide House Lofts.  The development could have spurred future projects of all kinds and also supported a vital component of the community, our seniors.”

Jan is a District 14 homeowner and attorney. He works with local small businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipalities in the areas of real estate, taxation, and general business law. Jan recently served on the board of the Bay View Neighborhood Association and currently volunteers as pro-bono legal counsel for area non-profit organizations, including the Brewcity Bruisers roller derby league. He is a board member of the Victory Garden Initiative, which promotes a healthy, sustainable local food system.  Jan, Annie, and their dog, Lucy, live in Bay View.

More information about Jan Pierce, his ideas and his campaign can be found at www.JanforMilwaukee.com and at www.Facebook.com/JanforMilwaukee.