Milwaukee area embraces backyard homes, but not without debate

When Therese and Dan Hanson bought their Wauwatosa home in 2017, the selling points included a run-down second house in the backyard – being used for storage.

The couple now plans to spend a six-figure amount, helped with city cash, to make the building livable for a family member or other person.

The Hansons are taking advantage of the growing trend among Milwaukee-area communities to boost development of such backyard second homes. They`re known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs...   ...more

Leo’s notes: Incremental housing solutions are becoming increasingly important in the workforce housing puzzle, particularly in well-established neighborhoods like Wauwatosa in Milwaukee. No amount of NIMBYism should outweigh the upside of these solutions.