Planning Commission approves 60-unit mixed-income site plan for 440 Spring Street

The Charlotte Planning Commission on March 3 approved a conceptual site plan for a 60-unit, three-building multifamily development at 440 Spring Street submitted by Commonwealth Development.

Caroline Kimmel, representing Commonwealth Development, said the project is "a new construction development of one, two, and threebedroom apartments um for residents earning 30 to 70% area median income." She described on-site management, a clubhouse, playground, fenced dog park and a mix of units intended as workforce and affordable housing.

Commissioners pressed the developer and staff on accessibility and infrastructure. Kimmel confirmed "we will have uh we will have eight uh sorry, nine units that are fully accessible" and that first-floor units are adaptable, but the buildings will be walkups with no elevators. Planning staff estimated the addition would generate "under a 10,000 gallons a day of usage" in water and sewer demand and said DPW is conducting broader capacity studies. Staff also discussed a traffic-control recommendation for a right-turn-only movement from Sumpter onto Lancing Road to reduce left-turn conflicts.

Kimmel said the developer plans to apply to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for tax-credit funding and described the financing: MSHDA awards tax credits that are sold to investors to raise construction equity. She said the project scored competitively in recent rounds and "this one scores 103 points." If funded, she said construction would begin as soon as spring next year with an estimated 15-month build time, targeting summer 2028 for occupancy.

The commission read a resolution finding the plan consistent with city code (citing city code chapter 82, section 4982) and approved the site plan by roll-call vote with all members present voting yes. Staff will continue plan review through permitting; final engineering and a civil permit review remain to be completed before construction.