SOLDIERS HOME PROPOSAL

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

As Published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
November XX, 2003


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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
Section 8161, et seq., provides notice of its plans to designate underutilized land and buildings under its jurisdiction and control at the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,for an enhanced-use lease (EUL). The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments from veterans service organizations, veterans and other interested parties regarding VA�s plans to enter into this
EUL.

HEARING DATE AND TIME:
December 10, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.

HEARING LOCATION
Milwaukee VA Medical Center
Matousek Auditorium  (Room 1590, First Floor)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53295

IDENTIFICATION OF PROPERTY FOR PROPOSED LEASE
The property is located at the campus of the VAMC and consists of approximately 37 acres of land, with 6 historically-designated buildings,that are underutilized and available for commercial development.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED USE OF THE PROPERTY
The land and buildings would be made available to a commercial developer for mixed-use development. Likely uses may include medical offices, non-profit organizations, and/or assisted living facilities, among others. All future uses of the property must be compatible with the proposed site and surrounding environment, and the EUL would be subject to federal historic preservation and environmental laws and impact reviews. VA would work collaboratively with the developer to assure that the development of the buildings and land is compatible with the mission of the Milwaukee VAMC.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED LEASE
Through its Enhanced-Use Leasing authority, VA would lease the designated site for up to 75 years. The ground lessee must secure private financing and assume all risk for redeveloping the property for
VA-approved future use. The EUL lessee assumes all business, legal and financial risk of the leased property over the term of EUL. VA will not provide financing nor guarantee occupancy of any future use or building. In return for the EUL,VA would receive fair consideration as determined by the Secretary.
Likely consideration and benefits to VA and veterans include provision of needed health care space and/or non-appropriated funds used to improve healthcare services for veterans and their families.

Veterans and other members of the public are invited to attend the EUL
hearing. Also, written comment may be submitted in advance. To ensure consideration, all comments should be mailed to the following address no later than December 5, 2003, to:

Mr. Glen Grippen, Director
VA Medical Center