Sherman Park becomes Milwaukee's 2nd eco-neighborhood as part of plan to create 'world-class eco-city'

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Mayor Cavalier Johnson declared April 29 "Sherman Park Eco-Neighborhood Day" across Milwaukee. 

Johnson and other city leaders planted a tree to commemorate the day, and he gave them the official proclamation. 

"It's the hard work of dedicated caring individuals that moves Milwaukee forward as a world-class eco-city," said Johnson. 

Leaders are tackling one neighborhood at a time as part of Milwaukee's goal to be a world-class eco-city.

In the city's latest energy plan, they announced some big goals, including making Milwaukee a zero net emissions city by 2050. 

Lindsay Heights was the first eco-neighborhood, and now Sherman Park is the second in the city. 

Residents and business owners have stepped up to become stewards of the community and the environment. 

They want to bring people together to create a cleaner, greener and more racially equitable community. 

"To be an eco-neighborhood, you work with our office and establish a series of neighborhood cleanups, tree plantings, beautification projects and other educational programming throughout the course of the year," said Erick Shambarger with Milwaukee's Environmental Collaboration Office. 

Organizing cleanups, creating community gardens and educating residents on energy efficiency are just some of the ways they've started work in Sherman Park. 

"I've learned a lot about trees and the value of rain and the water systems," said Jennifer Potts, the executive director of the Center Street Marketplace BID 39.

"We are doing some incredible work engaging residents as it relates to our environment, climate change, also energy efficiency to their home, also keeping the neighborhood clean and safe," said Mabel Lamb, the executive director for the Sherman Park Community Association.

Work started over a year ago to create an eco-neighborhood out of Sherman Park, but it's only just begun.