During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed plans to acquire vacant properties to enhance the city's affordable housing initiatives. The Community and Neighborhood Services (CNS) department aims to rehabilitate two houses and sell them to individuals earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or lower, utilizing home funds for the project.

The meeting also featured a public hearing regarding the establishment of a commercial redevelopment district at 280 West Muskegon Avenue, previously owned by the Central United Methodist Church. The request, made by West Haven 280 LLC, seeks to create a district that would allow the company to apply for a commercial facilities exemption certificate, which would provide tax benefits for the redevelopment project.

Mike Bernhardt, representing West Haven 280 LLC, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to serve as a community hub focused on child development, performance arts, and wellness. The total budget for the redevelopment is projected at $1.3 million, with plans to preserve the building's historic architecture while updating it to meet modern standards.

The project is expected to create approximately 22 jobs, with a commitment to hiring local contractors. Bernhardt emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that the space would continue to host neighborhood association meetings and other community events.

Commissioners raised questions about the timeline for the project, with Bernhardt indicating that they aim to complete immediate developments by the second quarter of next year, while also opening parts of the facility incrementally. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to establish the commercial redevelopment district, paving the way for the project to move forward.