Committee approves zoning change to allow Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub project

Tanya Fonseca of the Department of City Development presented a request to change the zoning at 2626 North 38th Street from RT3 (two-family residential) to NS2 (neighborhood shopping) so Metcalfe Park Community Bridges can establish a mixed-use community hub. She said the proposal aligns with the Fond Du Lac-North Area Plan adopted in 2021 and that City Plan Commission recommended approval.

Anthony Casey of Casey Development Group described a two‑phase plan: phase 1 is a rehab to include a cafe, bookstore, soup kitchen and two affordable housing units with an estimated $800,000 development cost; phase 2 would be new construction with expanded commercial kitchen, laundromat and community spaces, projected at about $1.2 million. Community representatives including Mabel Lam and Danelle spoke in support, noting proximity to Milwaukee College Prep and neighborhood benefits. The committee moved to recommend passage and recorded no objections.