[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6293273,"mediaKeyId","2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd","parentId",2523636,"title","Port Huron developer seeks purchase agreement for workforce housing on county parking lot; commissioners ask for appraisal and time to review","audioSeconds",2969,"startMs",4320000,"endMs",7289000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd&start=4320&end=7289","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd/thumbnail_4320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6293273/St-Clair-County/Michigan/Port-Huron-developer-seeks-purchase-agreement-for-workforce-housing-on-county-parking-lot-commissioners-ask-for-appraisal-and-time-to-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293273-cfa5f13cd03e673f8adb244ecd4e7a4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155045&Signature=Lv16RuKl~Cyejo6Zh1TCn~Pj8q5aMehEWPsWck4aolFNBF6cu9YGG-trvoklAiElZLh9iHY-5tv~zpF~jCNnOzMjfzokjZIwqnMedJmZIxeX53H58u8c5NII3rNL8vcSe5GCZ~4bXYRHXkjLdan0SmdxUgGVV50zK5sSvdQ~af4CH97ZjPzecPldMRdGENWVzSR-WOldDJLS5EZ3lsdHG7JrUjctgI-6w-f7I1uy0WmGBfEHmMlJ-uQyszHFh22Pnaihv2qLc1u5K7G0rIketffQtaw8BpXFW1TUhJjjHgQ5Yolzskdbwuqu-ve7IfrJpG6ftrl0gtBNyb4vmweI1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-07T01:59:13Z","article","City of Port Huron and Woda Cooper Companies representatives presented a proposal to the Ways and Means Committee for a purchase agreement on a county parking lot adjacent to the municipal office center. The developer sought a purchase agreement to support a $16–17 million, 50‑unit workforce housing project that would apply for Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) tax credits.

City and developer presenters said the site scored highly on MSHDA’s rubric (walkability, proximity to services) and that the development would include 26 one‑bedroom and 24 two‑bedroom units, with 18 units reserved for chronically homeless households and 32 units for general occupancy. They projected rents ranging from approximately $430 to $980 per month (income limits 30%–80% AMI) and said the project would bring new taxable value and community wraparound funding.

Committee members raised multiple unresolved questions. Commissioners asked for an independent appraisal of the county parcel (equalization staff had given a cash‑value estimate of about $560,000), asked how odor from the nearby wastewater plant would be addressed and sought detail on parking, utilities, construction timing, and the county’s long‑term campus parking needs. County counsel said a legal review would be needed and staff noted limited time to complete appraisal and permitting steps before the MSHDA application deadline.

After extended public comment and commissioner questioning the committee held a roll‑call vote on forwarding the purchase agreement to the full board; the motion failed for lack of support (several commissioners voted no during the committee roll call). Committee members said the proposal could return after additional due diligence, appraisal, and clarified parking and odor mitigation plans.

Why it matters: The proposal would convert a county‑owned parking asset into workforce housing intended to address a documented shortage in Port Huron. Commissioners were cautious about selling a county asset without an independent appraisal and more detailed mitigation plans for wastewater odor and parking impacts.

Ending: The committee did not approve sending the purchase agreement to the full board; staff to gather appraisal information, parking studies and additional detail if the developer re‑submits.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 6, 2025 St Clair County Board of Commissioners","oneSentenceSummary","City and developer representatives proposed buying a county‑owned downtown parking lot for a 50‑unit workforce housing project that would rely on MSHDA tax credits; commissioners asked for an independent appraisal and additional time and did not approve the proposed purchase agreement in committee.","taxTitle","St. Clair County, Michigan","taxId",4310,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6293278,"Commissioners advance request to credit late deputy with service years so widow can access benefits",328,3815000,4143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd&start=3815&end=4143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd/thumbnail_3815000.jpg","/articles/6293278/St-Clair-County/Michigan/Commissioners-advance-request-to-credit-late-deputy-with-service-years-so-widow-can-access-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293278-12115981144471580aa8f0f3a9a0b6c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155045&Signature=OHCPzzftChd2d9jI-WZbqGBTQ5KHcJu8p~Hi-tfXrzY2sHAW7uqUNLjd9HxmoC87AQ0DTUT94xKWf0~Qf7DKwxmKrfex5~Re3QA07N-EyPlxQ8SZhg9l6gc0xtF49YxCl~n-Lizxg-5VXid~PAuJaxTFK26PK9ujy~wQGcEYi6Jq3bbaJGHqZMp2W6TtWq0jluz96v7rz3xgA0Tw1SatX4pXI3LX4qbI7-sWIK6srC3MxJ0mLIQptza67nJra~F8PfkWDjNWicsb4ctklzhwWqSlQVkTBw~I0v4k3zCMHMHwcH0AG4nXYHSz5uXcufmqFpOF85j95YOWuMQHrcgqnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheriff Matt King and other sheriff’s office personnel asked the Ways and Means Committee to approve a motion that would increase the credited years of service for the late corrections deputy Gary Weese so his surviving spouse, Jeanette Weese, can qualify for retiree health benefits.

King described Deputy Weese’s nearly 20 years of service and said Weese died unexpectedly a few months short of the 20‑year service threshold required to receive post‑employment health benefits. King and deputies attending in force asked the county to bridge the gap so the deputy’s widow could receive the insurance benefit her husband had worked toward. “We have an opportunity to do the right thing here for one of our employees and his family,” King said.

Jeanette Weese addressed commissioners and described her husband’s long service and dedication, asking that the county honor the benefit he was pursuing. Commissioners moved the proposal to the full board for final action; a committee member said he would support the item and planned to review actuarial documents before the board meeting.

Why it matters: The motion affects pension/retiree health obligations and would add an actuarial cost if the board approves crediting the additional service. Commissioners sought actuarial estimates and noted the legal and budgetary implications before final board action.

Ending: The committee voted to send the matter to the full Board of Commissioners for final action; staff provided an actuarial analysis in the packet and commissioners requested follow‑up materials before the full‑board vote.","Sheriff Matt King and colleagues asked commissioners to approve counting additional service years for the late Deputy Gary Weese so his widow can receive the retirement health‑care benefit; committee moved the request to the full board for final action.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6293283,"St. Clair County commissioners vote to suspend funding, in‑kind services for Economic Development Alliance",1149,4344000,5493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd&start=4344&end=5493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd/thumbnail_4344000.jpg","/articles/6293283/St-Clair-County/Michigan/St-Clair-County-commissioners-vote-to-suspend-funding-inkind-services-for-Economic-Development-Alliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293283-46f27e198f95189dc35ef29a39978b34/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155045&Signature=eHpR1t7NMR~JNinRnH29PPUX25GoJDGBA1Xi1mxo2IwMclBrBt1Y3VYBhKzPuvHFPofuKCaSkzbsvmuUoxcvzoTtxcMIVrCGButmtrj10JQZZlOSWr0F1V972WnB1jFRMRC-cehrT5Xnr7Q~H3pObtB8hAnRcaXFWxVCVT0qosiWuU35Kuti-z4RKql7eW70tHIqaMKXVSYlTuFl0VVNR6xg9m6uUBv5dFzqAopFQ~DrICAND4Y8slE9qFdhM~6giyl-VhNXP1X5UwFvEykdh155coFrweN37O~Mko0SE7r0ciVdMpu1HoXs91-kFTdTVpo~m3TpcyU4sVwYtza9iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners voted to suspend county funding and in‑kind services for the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) after an extended committee discussion and public comment. Commissioners said the EDA’s governance structure and refusal to accept transparency safeguards left the board with no choice.

The board voted on a motion to “suspend any funding of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and suspend any in‑kind services indefinitely.” The roll call recorded unanimous support: Commissioner Angie — yes; Commissioner Beaton — yes; Commissioner Trello — yes; Commissioner Samasco — yes; Commissioner Rushing — yes; Commissioner VandenBosch — yes; Commissioner Felix — yes.

Commissioners noted several concerns in the lead‑up to the vote: the EDA’s use of nondisclosure agreements, the executive board’s response saying it would not accept proposed memorandum terms, and a long‑running perception that the EDA operated with limited public accountability. Several commissioners reviewed historical records and statutes and said the county could either revive a dormant county economic development corporation (created decades ago) or pursue other, more transparent structures to support economic initiatives.

Members of the public both for and against the EDA spoke during the committee stage. Supporters said the EDA had helped recruit projects to the county; critics argued the EDA pursued development without sufficient public input and had shielded deals behind NDAs.

Why it matters: The EDA had been a longstanding local economic‑development partner. The suspension will pause county funding and services and requires the board to decide whether to replace the EDA with another delivery model for county economic development, revive a county entity, or pursue different contractual arrangements.

Ending: Commissioners instructed county staff and counsel to follow up on next steps. The board also considered—but did not adopt in the same motion—language limiting county in‑county services to statutorily required items; that motion was withdrawn before a final vote.","The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to suspend county funding and in‑kind services to the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, citing lack of transparency and refusal by the EDA board to accept proposed public‑accountability terms.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6293288,"Residents urge county action on proposed utility‑scale solar; commissioners say ordinance drafting underway",893,2525000,3418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd&start=2525&end=3418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd/thumbnail_2525000.jpg","/articles/6293288/St-Clair-County/Michigan/Residents-urge-county-action-on-proposed-utilityscale-solar-commissioners-say-ordinance-drafting-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293288-26e4863a96cd75a09038a8af346327ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155045&Signature=Rvm8quAXvQp7xrmSa2H2T~9zYGFFd2r2j1~sOpNmvQwRF3xBymLLCELQ4R5ljes0JhzThT3nYR377TeEzYiP5LdPGgzJmQe3~PLDctie0XwZqxjZHTNXR8Kp~uEdvCKMJqVmHapHQp3Li5lvzfYBfRRhxl7ElQaQOGDzHGc7n6rROwBR1I6~t0xvNkT9k7LJqj373vzxe-o8KJ~WJ26tlcpAk2t-X7Pw82JUsICe0RMb9lyg~zDmnGivg~EiBvq5n1rv2h6uWXVWawbZxfYfbLLNGwp2uX1sWwTp-Al8AxLSFvajYLVb1M6s7vfV~ZhqAVL8D4tf74ZGpixeF9RO3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents spoke during the Environmental and Public Works Committee and later committee sessions to express anxiety about proposed industrial solar projects in rural townships, arguing the installations would harm quality of life, property values and health.

Speakers from Clyde Township, Fort Gratiot and other rural areas described noise, visual impacts and stormwater concerns. “This solar stuff is ruining our lives,” said Jill Bartow, a Clyde Township resident. Sandra Richardson, a Fort Gratiot resident, told commissioners she had been told by a local township official that companies pushing projects were not focused on resident health and welfare.

Several speakers cited the county’s request to corporate counsel and the health department for recommended regulations. Bob (surname not stated) and other residents asked for an update on a draft ordinance; a resident noted the county has had Dr. Nevin’s memoranda and the health director’s recommendations on local regulation and said a draft ordinance was awaited.

Commissioners and corporate counsel said they have reviewed objections from at least one power company and are preparing an ordinance. At least one commissioner and corporate counsel said they wanted the department of public health and legal counsel to ensure the ordinance is on “rock‑solid ground” before presenting it for approval because any health‑related regulations are likely to be challenged. “Whatever it is… we want to be on rock‑solid ground,” corporate counsel said in committee.

Why it matters: County regulation of utility‑scale solar projects involves land‑use, public‑health and tax questions and can determine whether and how projects proceed in townships. Residents say local action is urgent because companies continue outreach and permitting processes at the township level.

Ending: Commissioners and staff said the county will continue drafting regulatory language and consult with the health department and counsel; residents asked the board to move quickly and keep the public informed.","Multiple residents and county speakers pressed commissioners to move faster on local regulation of large solar projects; county attorney and public-health director have reviewed guidance and corporate counsel is drafting an ordinance for review.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6293293,"St. Clair County mental-health agency outlines expanded crisis response and integrated services",1237,477000,1714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd&start=477&end=1714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523636-26a086902037ae883f00de23ce72a6bd/thumbnail_477000.jpg","/articles/6293293/St-Clair-County/Michigan/St-Clair-County-mental-health-agency-outlines-expanded-crisis-response-and-integrated-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293293-bdbd9c82c7c6598cd2f0e0aaaa03cf65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155045&Signature=KU8asg7QqgxS72OjLTd1CutGHVjoCXYRgv1hVZ3DBizGBQy2pBhwEBEpCBaXqsUfNMMUaU7jQIegdgBQ~SWgl0cnp9Swi3Bj~1CozuKGukJk9W4dvu2JR9VQZ5lPPWgBkS908QE7CeyAZD37ByN9gwrnPwbPSPE95IATjWhZluA~ltRMXx-e6P4odP5dgNJFQk7J1gtjyVmuQArXMcmZdQdzg-B03NjeXA7Fahs2nfBz4UeFmGojv83gcZzrASctEPUry3dckEGXKAGhHCkSIuVgfy76pMpsZDluDGVkX9KgOzBwvvHMSbWumgGfgiikqbs5kdYkdC4hkgcrjG-1XA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deb Johnson, director of St. Clair County Community Mental Health, gave commissioners an overview of the agency's services, history and recent changes, including its status as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and a 24/7 mobile crisis unit that responds countywide.

The presentation, which included a short video, said CMH operates five locations, offers integrated behavioral and physical health care in partnership with local clinics and pharmacies, and provides services to adults, children, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with substance-use disorders. Johnson said the agency served about 7,082 people in the last fiscal year, an increase of about 11% from the year before, and that the organization expects to serve another 500–600 people this year if projections hold.

Johnson told the commissioners that as a CCBHC the agency expanded who it can serve, including people with private insurance and people seeking stand‑alone substance‑use disorder treatment. She also said CCBHC status did not expand coverage for intellectual or developmental disability services, which remain under other state rules and funding streams. “As a CCBHC… our comprehensive services ensure people have access to the care they need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay,” Johnson said.

The presentation highlighted the county’s mobile crisis unit (MCU), available 24 hours a day at (810) 966‑2575, and an access center phone line (888) 225‑4447. Johnson said the MCU conducts telephone screenings and in‑person face‑to‑face evaluations when indicated and that the team sometimes responds alongside local law enforcement. She cited past collaboration in which local sheriff’s office leadership advocated for CCBHC funding in Washington, D.C.

Johnson outlined CMH’s four organizational priorities: organizational efficiency, education (community outreach), workforce development and program excellence. She said the agency employs about 474 people across direct‑operated locations and uses roughly 205 contract providers; the broader contracted provider ecosystem employs about 1,200 people. She also said the agency operates about 22 owned facilities (including group homes) and supports roughly 30 group homes through residential providers.

Johnson invited commissioners and the public to an annual meeting on May 21 and offered building tours; she also noted community events including a March 21 “mental health night” at a local hockey game and a May 10 Run for Recovery 5K.

Why it matters: County commissioners consider board reappointments and budgeting that intersect with CMH operations. Commissioners asked procedural questions about the authority that governs CMH and about advisory boards; CMH said both the governing board and advisory board hold open meetings and provide a pipeline for community members to gain board experience.

Ending: Commissioners did not take formal action during the presentation beyond opening the item for questions and noting that reappointments to the Community Mental Health Board would be considered under a separate agenda item.","Deb Johnson of St. Clair County Community Mental Health briefed county commissioners on services, workforce and a 24/7 mobile crisis unit, and described the agency's role as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic serving more than 7,000 people last year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Port Huron developer seeks purchase agreement for workforce housing on county parking lot; commissioners ask for appraisal and time to review

Commissioners advance request to credit late deputy with service years so widow can access benefits

St. Clair County commissioners vote to suspend funding, in‑kind services for Economic Development Alliance

Residents urge county action on proposed utility‑scale solar; commissioners say ordinance drafting underway

St. Clair County mental-health agency outlines expanded crisis response and integrated services