Concerned Citizens of New Berlin, a political action committee formed recently to oppose an affordable housing project in New Berlin, announced that it has launched an effort to recall New Berlin Mayor Jack Chiovatero.
Chiovatero has come under fire from some in New Berlin for supporting the affordable housing project, which would be built in the New Berlin City Center area. The City Center is a mixed use area south of National Avenue where it meets Coffee Road.
MSP Real Estate plans to build a four building development, including three buildings with a total of 80 units of “workforce apartments” and another building with 100 senior apartments. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority awarded $1,195,990 in tax credits to MSP Real Estate for the workforce apartments and $1,086,563 in tax credits for the senior apartments.
Chiovatero originally voted to approve the project. But later he pulled his support after several residents criticized him.
Chiovatero also created a stir when it was revealed that he said in an e-mail discussing the MSP project that the city was filled with prejudiced and bigoted people. He later apologized to city residents for those comments.
“There are many reasons for the recall, but among the most important are that the mayor voted for a low-income housing proposal that was never part of the vision of the City Center, he failed to communicate appropriately and effectively with New Berlin citizens about the project, he has lost the confidence and trust of New Berlin citizens, and he can no longer effectively act in his capacity as mayor,” Concerned Citizens of New Berlin said in a news release.
The group will have 60 days to gather 5,000 signatures for a special recall election.
– BizTimes Milwaukee
