In a pivotal meeting on March 6, 2025, the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners gathered to discuss a pressing housing crisis in Port Huron, Michigan. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as city officials and representatives from Woda Cooper Companies presented a proposal for a new workforce housing development aimed at addressing the severe shortage of affordable housing in the area.

The proposal centers around a $16 million project that would transform an underutilized parking lot into a four-story building containing 50 units, including 18 set aside for chronically homeless individuals. The need for such housing is stark; city officials reported that many children are currently being picked up from hotels by school buses due to a lack of available homes. Over the past three years, housing prices have surged by more than 50%, exacerbating the crisis for working-class families.

City representatives emphasized the importance of this development, citing studies that highlight the community's dire need for affordable housing. They noted that the proposed site scores highly on the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) rubric, making it a prime candidate for tax credits that could facilitate the project. However, the urgency of the situation is compounded by the competitive nature of these grants, with a deadline looming at the end of March.

Despite the compelling case for the development, some commissioners raised concerns about the sale of the property, which is valued at approximately $550,000 but is being proposed for sale at just $250,000. Questions about the lack of an independent appraisal and the potential impact on county assets were voiced, reflecting a cautious approach to the proposal. The discussion also touched on the implications of placing families in close proximity to a wastewater treatment plant, with concerns about air quality and living conditions.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of the housing crisis became increasingly apparent. With hundreds of jobs available in the area but no housing for potential workers, the commissioners faced a critical decision. The proposal represents not just a development project but a lifeline for many families struggling to find stable housing in a community where the demand far exceeds the supply.

The board is expected to make a decision soon, weighing the immediate needs of the community against the long-term implications of selling county property. As the clock ticks down to the application deadline, the outcome of this proposal could significantly shape the future of housing in Port Huron, offering hope to those currently living in precarious conditions.