(BEAR Development)
A four-acre L-Shaped piece of property near 39th Ave by the transit building, was supposed to be a park for neighboring families. However, if Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala (R) gets his way, it will be a four-story, 94-unit, low income apartment complex that will house about 250 people. The City plan Commission voted last Thursday to approve the changes need to make this massive building come to fruition. The records of this meeting seem to be scrubbed from the City’s website. Mayor Bogdala ended the City’s decades-long policy of having all past agendas and supporting documents available to the public on the City’s website. Citizens now have to make public records requests for the documents.
(City of Kenosha)
Multi-millionaire Steve Mills of BEAR Development, approached Bogdala about changing the neighborhood plan for the piece of property from “Parks and Recreation” to “High-Density Residential.” Bogdala liked the idea. He liked it so much, that he sponsored three agenda items for a vote last week to change the zoning and neighborhood plan to accommodate BEAR’s request. The City Plan commission, nearly all liberal, voted in favor of the changes needed to green-light this project. Steve Mills was one of Bogdala’s highest campaign donors. Neither would speak with KCE about that fact.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Many local residents showed up to speak against the project, saying they don’t trust BEAR Development and worry about crime, blight, and lower home values.
Janelle Anderson was upset that the neighborhood wasn’t given a lot of notice for last week’s meeting. “I know a lot of the neighbors that wanted to be here, couldn’t be here. They work and things like that,” she said sarcastically. “This area was originally supposed to be a neighborhood… [I] really feel like they’re just turning this into a giant rental income property…My primary concerns are safety, property values, and then also huge concerns for the way that BEAR currently treats the area…, there’s huge concerns about that street already not being able to accommodate the activity in the area. There’s not enough parking for the sports complex during that season… I [] can’t even imagine what 42nd [Ave] would be like. I think that would be really unsafe. Also, obviously, I mentioned I have two small children that are here with me today… I just really don’t feel like the area, for people who live there and understand it. I don’t think it was built for a complex of this size for what they’re proposing. Also, being a homeowner directly across from the [complex,] obviously, we are concerned about property values…we have invested a lot in our property over the last four years, and now it’s kind of like, ‘oh, too bad for you. Bear wants more rental income.’ My final concern, again, is just the way that BEAR currently treats the area. For these last two years since they’ve started building, those construction sites are covered in trash. The pond that they’re eventually going to try to charge HOA fees to care for is left a mess. I walk my dog every day. I bring extra bags with me just to pick up trash from around the construction sites, alcohol bottles, cigarette packs, just things that you don’t want. Your children have to play around. It blows all over.”
Becky Cassidy, another neighbor, didn’t mince words. “I don’t trust BEAR. I think that they have this LLC because they know that the community is so frustrated with them… We have no say in what happens in our neighborhood. I’ve been there for almost 15 years now. I was probably one of the only people still on that block that bought the house that stayed. It’s just infuriating. I feel like the city and BEAR is just a dumping ground of a neighborhood right now. It’s not what it’s supposed to be. I just found out that the apartments that are going to fix this housing crisis are only two bedrooms. What families are looking for just a two-bedroom? I mean, if there were going to be three-bedroom apartments, condos, whatever, that’s great. But two-bedroom rentals? Come on. The whole area is just rentals. It’s a money grab…BEAR, can do better than just throwing a bunch of rentals to make themselves more money…And since BEAR has put the senior citizen complex and those Section 8 homes in, our vehicles have been continuously broken into. There’s garbage strewn all over our yard from the kids throwing their chip bags and stuff…So you’re looking at 200 to 300 more people moving in there and the congestion is just going to be astronomical… I left work early to make this meeting because that’s how important it is to me.”
Nancy Vescar shared similar sentiments. “I had to talk to BEAR, or they had to come to me a lot of times because of a grading issue on the side of my house. It took about a year and a half for them to actually do [something], and then they messed it up. I can’t walk on the side of my house.”
Chris Hughes said “I’ve lived here since 2010, and for the last 15 years it’s been good up until the last two. The last two years I’ve never seen more crime in the area than I’ve had in the last, 18 months to 24 months since they’ve moved in these Union Corps apartments or living condos that they have over in the corner. There’s been a heavy amount of police presence, and, like these people said, it’s trash. There’s people just leaving their stuff over. Nobody seems to really care anymore. And it’s kind of difficult to raise your kids in an area where it seems like crime is getting worse and worse. I don’t think inviting a 96-unit apartment complex is going to be doing any better than what already is this current situation. I’d like to see it not happen, so I hope it doesn’t. But, you know, the city has plans for everything, so we’ll just have to see where everything goes, I guess.”
Steve Mills then spoke and said BEAR was “disappointed in ourselves” with all these issues being brought up. “We’re proud of the product. We’re not perfect, but we certainly are right down the road to try and deal with it if there’s any issues. We try our best to work through it.”
Alderman Anthony Kennedy spoke in favor of the project, saying he didn’t like it, but it was “needed.” “I found BEAR to be responsible in my neighborhood.” said Kennedy. “In reference to this development, density is what we should be concerned about. But density in itself is not a bad word,” he added. He didn’t schedule a neighborhood meeting before last week’s City Plan Commission meeting. Commissioner Vince Ruffolo asked why he didn’t. Ruffolo suggested delaying the vote so the residents could be heard. No one else seemed to agree with him.
Alderman Kennedy then spoke about another upcoming project that is also believed to be low-income. He received a rebuke from the mayor, who said “You were announcing a program we haven’t announced yet.”
At one point in the meeting, a frustrated neighbor tried to talk and Mayor Bogdala rebuked her saying “no” when she asked to speak again.
Commissioner Ruffolo then asked BEAR “Why didn’t you guys have a community and neighborhood meeting prior to coming here tonight?” Mills then said, it would be six months before such a meeting would occur, well after the project is scheduled to be approved.
“But there’s a number of people here that are obviously in the neighborhood, and I’m sure that they contacted Mr. Kennedy in regard to the situation, and the cat is out of the bag,” said Ruffolo. “And my concern is that the neighborhood is not, at least what I’ve seen here, is not in favor of it,” he added. “It’s vital that the neighborhood bites into a project… And same thing, the alderman, they vote for him. He represents them. Of course, it’s vital for him to just develop their rapport with them at the same time.”
With that, Commissioner Mark Bourque made a motion to approve and Lydia Spottswood made the second. The vote passed 8 – 2. Commissioner Ruffolo and Alderman Ruffalo were the only two to vote against it.
The proposal still needs full city council approval, which is widely expected to occur. Neither Bogdala, nor Mills responded to emails with questions.
Here are the commissioners:
- Mayor David F. Bogdala – Chairman
- Ald. Jan Michalski – CC President Designee – 4/26
- Ald. Dominic Ruffalo – Public Works Representative – 4/26
- Ald. Rocco LaMacchia – Park Representative – 4/26
- Kris Binninger – 2025
- Mark Bourque – 2027
- Michael Foster – 2027
- Stephen Retherford – 2025
- Vincent Ruffolo – 2026
- Lydia Spottswood – 2026
Here is the video from last week’s meeting:
(BEAR Development)
(BEAR Development)
(BEAR Development)
(BEAR Development)
76 Responses
Seems like the more housing you build for low-income families, the more low-income families come to Kenosha from other areas. This type of housing should be used temporarily while you better yourself, not as a multi-generational staple. No doubt Bear is looking at the dollar aspect as well as the tax advantages.
Not really sure what people can do since the Mayor of Kenosha and other officials continue to get kickbacks.
Meanwhile, in Washington State: “According to a KCSO post on X Friday, the damage occurred after an unknown individual or individuals gained access to heavy equipment overnight and used it to cause extensive destruction.”
How many low income families have you seen over the years that can fit into a 1 bedroom apartment? What a fucking joke.
An ekder who has no money fir house taxes or assisted living
So this is an old folks home? Senior living facility?
Please remember that many low incomes are our elders who want to remain in the hood, dont wanna leave their fav stores and churches and want transportation and Healthcare but don’t want or have the money for assisted living. Bear has a nice lo income in Twin Lakes. No complaints that I have heard. Bear has very nice lo income in Salem Lakes and has for years!. In this keno loc, I would hope for an open space for adults to congregate outside their own rooms inside and out. Bear builds are above basic/standard. Be happy they want to do business in Keno. Mayor however, needs to do a self, ethical review.
Those low income buildings you mentioned out in the county are frequently where the drug dealers live and “work”. They are not safe and monitored.
No thank you! Kenosha has already become little Chicago
No not senior living. Lo income people who happen to be elders
Low
No nit drug houses in the county. Clearly u don’t know
Does the kmiec house count?
Cop sucker
KEEP EXPANDING THE KENOSHA GHETTO….. WHAT A TERRIBLE IDEA
I recommend if you live near there get your house on the market fast. Some Illinois idiot will buy it up from you in a snap.
Sounds like there will be enough tenants to support some quality retail shops…
pay-day-loans
bail bond
abortion clinic
liquor store (probably more than one)
vape shop
nail salon combined with a massage parlor
Short list—no doubt others can add to it.
You forgot tattoo parlor
Popeyes chicken
100 % correct
Bear is something else. I used to live at their one of their rental property. It got worse every year. My building constantly smelt like a skunk. Cops constantly coming there. People sitting in the parking lot like it’s a hang out, smoking and playing loud music at about midnight. People parked in handicapp spaces that shouldn’t have been. Packages being stolen. The kids were always screaming and running up and down the halls. The trash everywhere. People were so lazy one dunpster would be completely full and they just threw their trash around it because they were too lazy to lift the lid for the other dumpster that was completely empty The list goes on. But you get the point at what it’s gonna be like having these types of places around.
Some newer homes across the street that are about to see their property value plummet if this project comes to fruition.
My thoughts exactly. Who is going to want to buy a home next to that? Kenosha needs less apartments.
I am one of the original home owners in this area where BEAR has completely taken over. The amount of vehicle break ins and attempts (caught on home cameras) is crazy! Police are constantly called over to the townhomes. We went from no crime in our neighborhood to daily crime. A majority of the vehicles we see in our neighborhood now are from Illinois. Our once quiet neighborhood has now turned into a race track with cars speeding through not caring for children in the front yards playing. We no longer feel safe in our neighborhood and that’s because of BEAR’s irresponsibility. We were blindsided by the new additions and the sudden HOA fees that we havent had since moving in the neighborhood in 2010. They have refused to meet with the original homeowners and ignore our phone calls/emails trying to communicate. BEAR is very messy. It has been a horrible experience having them take over our neighborhood and on top of everything, we were slammed with a $500 increase in property taxes.
And Anothony Kennedy is useless. He doesn’t care about the people of Kenosha. Never has, never will. He’s lazy and incompetent. But to have any great expectations from a criminal that also lives in low income housing would be ignorant.
He eats well
Let the shootings begin
I thought all, not some but ALL Zoning changes Had to have a Public Hearing ?
Additionally that before the public hearing that a single was required to be posted on the property at least 30 days before the hearing to give the passing by public notice that changes were being requested by the owners for said property.
This is state law, isn’t it ?
Sure I guess it doesn’t pay to go through or start with the process unless you are reasonably certain you are on good footing with the local government officials but a hearing needs to be held even if only to go through the motions. Lip service as they say
Start a recall for Dave Bogdala!
A Sign
You would think after all these years and $$$,they would take more pride in what and where they build.But if they don’t some other hack will.
Kevin, thank you for mentioning the political parties of all involved with this process.
Bogdala is a Rhino
Perhaps Mayor Bogdala or Mr. Lamacchia would like BEAR to build one of these in their neighborhoods too, since they are so great.
Bogdala and Lamacchia and the rest of city hall are worthless and hopefully won’t be reelected. Talking to Rocco he is two faced talking out of both sides of his mouth.
Start a recall.
Build one for the whole state next to Mills house
Where does Steve Mills live?
This kind of NIMBYism is not helpful to growing our community. We are 6.5m houses short of what we need in the United States, we need more places for people to live.
You said it.
I’m just repeating it. We need Homes !!
Single family homes that families can plant roots and memories and have pride in.
Not apartments where you sit on your car out back drinking beer and hoping your kids don’t get run over by some rowdy teenager in a souped up car.
They can stay at your house.
Or yours
Willing to put your money where your mouth is? Build it and they will come and destroy it.
Years ago I thought the city was on a mission of buying the duplexes and 4plexes in the neighborhood to the north of this one, which has been declining since the 70s, to build single family homes.
One would think good planning is keeping high density housing separated.
700-1,000 square feet is hardly enough room for a ‘family’. Turn them into 55+ housing if anything. This will get elders into housing that doesn’t need any maintenance and in return adding more single family HOMES to the inventory.
Hey Bear, Build affordable homes so folks can live the American dream of home ownership, show us you care about people and not about the $$$. I dare you, won’t hold my breath.
It’s difficult to bear all this news about apartments.
Bear Realty payola with the city
Recipe for disaster. Massive? Low Income?
So how much is this low income rent going to cost these people.
I would flipping move. This is a bad decision Steve. You will destroy this entire neighborhood and years later after your development is built and it starts declining it on you. But of course your wallet will be fat. F off Steve.
Nothing , free heat , free cable etc…
The low income community deserves a nice place to live
and raise a family.
Don’t know about “deserve” but most certainly the opportunity to experience home ownership should be the objective.
If Kenosha’s leadership was truly concerned about advancing low income families into the so-called middle class they would be looking at ways to tear down all the substandard structures in Kenosha and along with utilizing empty space build new innovative single family homes.
Of course—that would be way too much work, taking critical thinking that Kenosha’s leaders have always lacked, and would inhibit influence peddling.
They should get a better job than.
Wannabe a small claims guest?!
Kudos to both commissioner and alderman Ruffolo for their heroic attempts to protect the people.
They are both very wise, intelligent men that truly care about the people.
They understand all of the problems these 700 units will create for home owners in the area.
This has nothing to do with helping low income elderly and families.
How tragic for the people and the city to allow this cancerous Bear to destroy Kenosha in my opinion.
Hopefully at some point they will face a major lawsuit. I believe this eight headed monster is completely out of control.
Where was the notice before hand many many months ago that community didn’t receive so that they could add their 2 cents worth of advice and consideration to the aldermen ??
How did this get this far without a Zoning Hearing ?
Is this a violation of state law ?
Just another reason the community needs to recruit regular citizens to run for the board.
Start getting all the paperwork together by submitting a Public Records request. Whole ypu are there, find out the steps for a Recall
.. to know there was never a sign put up on the property announcing a Zoning Change Request !!
Basic under the table dealings that if nobody files a lawsuit challenging the process nothing will change.
But I think we all know, most hearings are nothing more than going through the motions because they are required by law.
The people in charge just do what they want anyway.
Ah yes, Kenosha. Midwest’s home of low income housing, an extension of Milwaukee and Chicago ghetto living. But as long as millionaire Mills
from Bear Realty gets his cut and shares it with the board, all is good in da hood, right? When the Indian tribe came in and paid off the local politicians to
get their casino approval, Mills knew he was next to get what he wanted. Cha-ching to the board.
What could POSSIBLY have changed Bogdala’s mind so suddenly?
BEAR was a big donor to Bogdala’s campaign.
A few years back Bear got into Pleasant Prairie and overtook a great neighborhood. At the time, Bear could build a number of $400+ homes but to get government assistance needed to add some “low income rentals.” They had a name for them but it was really low income rentals. Many of us who lived in the area pleaded with the Pleasant Prairie board not to let rentals in. We were ok with condos, just not rentals, let alone “low income” ones. People don’t understand that crime increases around rentals. Some of the renters don’t care about the place and the entire neighborhood pays. Anytime you bring more people into a smaller area there will be issues. Bear greased the palm of PP and got their rentals in. Sure they added nice houses, but who wants to buy a $500k home with low income rentals next door?
Think about this…over the years Bear makes more profits on rentals than on single family homes. And since there is government backing Bear will always get a rent check. All for the sake of Bear and not the community. Steve Mills is all about himself only. Ever see him volunteering at any local pantry? Giving blood? Donating to local schools? Nope. He doesn’t care because he doesn’t live here and it’s all about money to him.
Actually Mills is on the outs with PP. They wouldn’t let him put a Walmart where the Keno was.
Oh my Goodness! You know how many YEARS ago that was? MANY! Mills is buddy buddy with PP officials and gets what he wants! Wake up. He’s not on the outs with them at all!
Mills offered a local farmer pennies on the dollar for some of the farmer’s property and was denied by the farmer. This farmland has agricultural and residential zoning on it. The farmer wanted to build a house for the parents on it, but PP said it wouldn’t be allowed unless ALL of the property was rezoned to residential! Yeah, don’t tell ME Mills has nothing to do with THAT after he was denied the sale of some of that property not long before the farmer asked about building a house.
There have been nothing but problems for this farmer since he asked about buying that portion of property and Mill started his “project”.
Mills also has so many attorneys in his pocket! This farmer went to at lest 9 different attorneys, but once they found out they were going to be dealing with Steve Mills, they didn’t take the case!
This is a horrible idea, and it will just end up in a slum area like so many in the city already. We don’t need more drugs, crime, stores with barred windows, payday lenders and home and auto break-ins.
Key words missing from the story. Projects; crack; crime. Also , it’s sad to see that Lydia Spottswood is still involved in our citie’s politics. This won’t affect her mansion on 2nd Avenue. Mills gets richer while that neighhood gets poorer. Anthony Kennedy, the angry cab driver , likes to see the virus spread.
Mayor Bogdala just like Mayor Bosman. Anything for a few thousand above the table. Who knows what’s under the table. Wow
Mayor John A. He always stood up for the right thing. Probably there’s $0 from Mills and bear to his campaign.
Rocco LaMacchia He’s always drinking in a bars. He also carries a gun in there. I know people have reported him and the police do nothing. Last I looked my conceal and carry says I cannot be drinking in a bar with my gun. Somebody also told me carries it all over City Hall. Another one taking money under the table.
Look up Wis. Stat. 941.237(2).
I vote, to put these low income apartments right next to BEAR/HOTVEDT homes.. All there thievery throughout the years with their unethical/shady dealings. You reap what you sow.
Look up hotvedt, he is a disbarred lawyer who lost his attorey license for stealing hundreds of thousand from his own clients.
As us gold bug’s say. From silverware to plasticware to nowhere. The non united states of Israel usi is become a third world totalitarian country.
Bear has sued municipalities that tried to block their projects. The link below explains why leftists on mayor-appointed city commissions support whatever Bear wants.
https://www.beardevelopment.com/about/
These low income housing units start out nice. Eventually the place gets run down with windows broke and bed sheets as curtains