‘Agri-hood’ planned for Madison’s east side

An investor group called Bt Farms LLC proposes to create an “agri-hood” featuring low-cost housing and farming in an area of wetlands and open agricultural land on Madison’s far east side, according to a report from WISCNews.

Bt Farms LLC reportedly has engaged a team with local, national, and international experience to help advance the proposal. The group has already spent $4.9 million to buy three parcels of land off East Buckeye Road, east of Interstate 39-90, to preserve farmland to grow food, restore about 70 acres of wetlands, and create hiking and skiing trails.

Becky Steinhoff, the former longtime executive director of Goodman Community Center, has been chosen the investors to help facilitate the project. According to Steinhoff, the project will promote home ownership and wealth generation for low-income residents.