Green Bay considering $750k in ARPA money to help pay for JBS site`s urban barn

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- An urban barn has long been part of plans for a new neighborhood that`s being built on Green Bay`s east side.

The city is now considering paying for the barn with ARPA funds originally set aside to increase affordable housing options.

Between Walmart and the Kroc Center, work continues on the 26 acres of land JBS donated during the COVID-19 pandemic that will include a variety of housing, a destination playground and the urban barn.

“It’s really designed to be a real food transformation hub for our community, and really linking community health, economic development, workforce development and food all in a central location,” said Natalie Bomstad, executive director of Wello, a nonprofit focused on community health...

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Leo’s notes: Green Bay’s east side redevelopment shows how housing can anchor broader community well-being. As the city weighs ARPA funding for an “urban barn” within the new JBS Park neighborhood, the project illustrates that affordable housing doesn’t stand alone—it flourishes when paired with access to food, jobs, and shared community spaces. With 95 workforce apartments underway and more planned, Green Bay is redefining how local investments can connect housing, health, and opportunity in ways that strengthen both families and the local economy.

Ken Notes: Like I said, amenities can bring much to a project. Apartments have been doing this for decades, it is time for neighborhoods to step up. I like the idea of mixing food, health, recreation and more into our communities...