New Permanent Vets Home Proposed

"Veterans will be able to stay with veterans and have other veterans support in a place that's designed specifically for them, which I think is awesome," says Jim Haskins of the Brown County Veterans Recognition Subcommittee.

The complex would be located behind the old Brown County Mental Health Center on the 2900 block of St. Anthony Drive and be open to veterans of all ages.

The Center for Veterans Issues would staff and run the facility, providing any kind of service the vets would need, including support with unemployment and working with the new VA clinic that is schedule to open next spring.

"I think it's a long time that they should have built this before because I really think that the city of Green Bay needs this," says Haskins.

The Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit for the project on Monday.

"It's a good project, a good location, we have a good developer that has a successful track record when applying for these types of funds. They've done a very successful project down in Milwaukee area," says Director of Planning and Developing Rob Strong.

Cardinal hopes to pay for the complex through tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Development Authority. Applications for the credits are due in February, and competition is stiff, but the city is hopefull.

"We feel very good about it, we don't have control of the tax credits so, what we can do is make sure their application is as strong as possible," says Strong.

Veterans say, between the clinic and new housing, they may be finally getting the recognition and care they deserve.

"I think those two things in general will show people that they do care, and that there are some places veterans can go," says Haskins.

Developers tell us the project could cost between $10-11 million. If all goes well, construction could begin in the next 12 months.