From, an unnamed source . . . some more points this person thought were of interest:
1. Ho-Chunk does not plan to need any of the Land Bank money, leaving that available for other projects.
2. They plan to keep their development (as much as possible) within already approved project parameters so as to speed the development process.
3. They have investigated the idea of using geothermal at the site but it appears that geothermal would not be practical due to the high water table. However, their stated intent is to be as green and energy sustainable as possible – incorporating the latest technologies.
4. The proposed health care clinic and day care center would include a strong educational component with emphasis on “wellness” and other proactive strategies. They also would emphasize education in other ways on site, not only for promoting tribal culture and history, but also for job training and youth activities.
5. They said they plan to use local contractors and suppliers whenever possible and said their practice is to pay very good wages.
6. They want to make the development walkable and well-connected to the surrounding neighborhood. They plan on building a significant amount underground parking (saying new technologies do make that possible in spite of the high water table).
7. They would be open to proposals for partnering with other entities both in development and later in ownership/management of the property.
8. They said they have an excellent staff of grant writers with a proven track record and expect to draw significant federal funding into the project, such as from HUD and WHEDA.
9. They said they plan to rebuild the French Battery Building.
10. They would provide security for the site.
11. To re-emphasize their main point: They very much want the development to fit into the neighborhood architecturally and economically, and to be something that the neighbors want.
I can’t help but be struck by how much more in tune with the neighborhood and community the Ho Chunk folks were and how that is reflected in their first go at a proposal, than say, the Hammes Company and the Edgewater Hotel proposal. I’d like to thank them for showing there is another way to do development in our community.
Ha! Take that, Barrett! 🙂 🙂
