City outlines plan for 50 townhomes and new public park in Whitehall

During the City Council Voting Meeting on March 24, 2025, the Whitehall City Council approved a significant development project aimed at enhancing community living and increasing public park space. The project, located at the intersection of Aetna and Carraway, will see the construction of 50 new townhomes across 11.5 acres, with the city acquiring approximately 3.8 acres for public use.

The council discussed a layered incentive structure designed to support the project. This includes a 30-year non-school Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan, a property tax abatement for the first 15 years, and the establishment of a New Community Authority (NCA). The NCA will collect property taxes equivalent to the abatement, ensuring that the city and local school district receive their expected funding during the initial phase of development. The city will maintain its full millage, while the school district will receive a negotiated amount to account for the anticipated increase in students from the new homes.

A key motivation behind the project is to address the community's need for more public parkland. Currently, Whitehall has only 6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, significantly below the national average of 11.2 to 12.6 acres. The new development will include plans for a public park, contributing to the city's goal of improving recreational space for its residents.

The council's decision marks a proactive step towards urban development that not only provides housing but also enhances the quality of life in Whitehall. As the project progresses, it is expected to foster community engagement and provide essential amenities for current and future residents.