New affordable housing project celebrated in Milwaukee's King Park neighborhood

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Improving Milwaukee's struggling neighborhoods doesn't happen overnight, but we've seen a clear move in that direction very recently. 

Earlier this month, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson toured a new affordable housing project in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood, and we checked out an even more ambitious project Tuesday, June 17. 

"When I started designing and developing my first home at 19, I knew I wanted to revitalize neighborhoods," said Michael Emem

Michael Emem's residential building group is working with Milwaukee County and Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing units in the King Park neighborhood. 

Tuesday's ribbon cutting was for a home at 26th and Garfield; this housing plan starts with offering units in the homes for rent first. Taquilla Thomas will be one of the first renters. 

"I'm at peace," said Thomas. "I'm happy and most importantly, the neighborhood. You know as a citizen, when we move, we worry about is the neighborhood safe, and it is."

"After the rental period, we sell the homes at a discounted price to continue the affordability, but also to increase home ownership for families in the neighborhood," said Emem. 

This is just part of a project to build 120 new and affordable homes in that north side neighborhood.