[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6076548,"mediaKeyId","2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925","parentId",2969297,"title","Public hearing held on Hastings Street Brownfield TIF; neighbors raise plan-change concerns","audioSeconds",2200,"startMs",8898000,"endMs",11098000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925&start=8898&end=11098","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925/thumbnail_8898000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076548/Van-Buren-County/Michigan/Public-hearing-held-on-Hastings-Street-Brownfield-TIF-neighbors-raise-plan-change-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076548-b33524fc086a35c13996cec772ee5547/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177492&Signature=b2QNBsJwwwl~lTBMV2ubtkUxA~IusGuOGu19I0m8wlUEGtq-bO09NeG2neZGPGuy6qiW11EiaQc3rv2KGN2iVgbFmxUcUXpTNIiStKLaEnVwBj5x36QgueKC4Bz-u9hombZ3WtYX71bluLLFA7lJGNPZRTu8C7tbEds-UW-8GcHJ~erFRWrrswf1cFgsOyefULZxCmZ-BnU1w4kN-COlttjmKI90JQciKwh2uQR141Q-WAwRrZ5SKBOBh7D9kDV35NzK6O7eVYI3G-wN8o9Dtrw~aBhYdi3nahkBSCPPAoSxurxlbOlTD5~K2rOPU2MWYbEYgea~6Srei3PXsWbzcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Van Buren County, MI","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","Van Buren County’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority held a public hearing April 10 on a developer’s request to use Brownfield tax-increment financing for the Hastings Street project, a mixed housing proposal the developer says would include 66 rental units and 52 single-family homes.

The project’s Brownfield plan would reimburse installation of roads, water and sewer through a TIF capture described in planning documents as roughly $10 million (including interest) and would use the state’s housing TIF provisions, county staff said.

Why it matters: County officials said the state housing TIF program is a new tool aimed at helping housing projects that do not “pencil” under current construction and financing costs. If the Brownfield plan is approved at the county level and by the state, TIF revenues would pay project infrastructure costs and then revert to taxing jurisdictions. Neighbors said rapid changes to the site plan since a village approval two years ago deserve more local review.

County planner Lisa Vansley described the project summary to the authority and noted the village of Paw Paw adopted a resolution on March 24 supporting the plan. Jared Belka, an attorney for the developer, said the plan was revised after engineering review to improve layout and add single-family homes: “The reason it was changed was a far better layout, and one that worked to add some additional, single family homes into that site plan,” he told the authority.

Resident Steve Byatt, who spoke during public comment, pushed back on the revisions. He said the earlier plan approved by the village two-and-a-half years ago included townhouses and other product types that better buffered nearby houses. “The plan has changed, dramatically,” Byatt said, and he urged county and village officials to compare the two versions and consider whether the village planning commission should revisit the site plan.

Developers and county staff said the Brownfield request before the authority is financial — to confirm the project’s TIF eligibility and capture schedule — and not a site-plan approval. “The request before you is for Brownfield TIF support,” Belka said. County staff explained a typical next step would be review and final action by the full Board of Commissioners after the Brownfield authority’s recommendation.

Opponents at the hearing questioned whether the shift toward more rental units would best meet local housing needs. Several speakers said Paw Paw already has a sizable rental stock and expressed preference for more starter single-family homes.

The authority closed the public hearing and moved the matter forward for further consideration; no final county-level approval of the Brownfield plan was recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: The Brownfield authority’s recommendation will be forwarded to the county Board of Commissioners for formal action. If the county approves the Brownfield plan, state review and approval would follow before TIF capture begins.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04/10/2025 Board Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Van Buren County’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority held a public hearing April 10 on a developer’s request to use Brownfield tax-increment financing to install roads, water and sewer for a mixed housing project on Hastings Street.","taxTitle","Van Buren County, Michigan","taxId",52299,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076529,"County approves March claims totaling $2.89 million; pays final Safe Harbor contract installment and authorizes boat purchase",1417,5421000,6838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925&start=5421&end=6838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925/thumbnail_5421000.jpg","/articles/6076529/Van-Buren-County/Michigan/County-approves-March-claims-totaling-289-million-pays-final-Safe-Harbor-contract-installment-and-authorizes-boat-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076529-0e8ece7d5d2990e9b7fc7833befec895/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177492&Signature=SmdZ9raeZmYQPWykvzX~N2zneJCdVQwltvyBeV3vjIUzXCKaKiS~9A6u5T2mLyisYPlv5GVER8R3ShGVUE4sFT6OiFWiaGIiWYC049rwgxyUaNQnYj6zLWeArYi6MoxB3V82rqEXWvJzp~bv1I3TJbBbx7rSSXTlQ2JFLe~oi~IxTlcF1wRCKGtGyZ7fbg9lGQ0O-B5IRVlslLeHLD35Vt6XWt07e~E2aooyzk~AfzeHTXGWyYYH2s5NIDdyUHc908dNmKhX2DJEiAPndiIa~OQamZzn43gd6Yrhw-j5qcGfQdbjhNku5rKIghkAl3weLuoex1ZPVJo~OUowJ~kgWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Van Buren County commissioners approved March claims of $2,893,137.93 during the April 10 meeting.

County finance staff highlighted several large disbursements in the claims packet: approximately $780,000 paid to the road commission, a $113,000 payment related to construction on the transit office addition (a grant-funded project), and several previously authorized capital improvement payments. Staff said most recurring contract and payroll items were “status quo” for the month.

Commissioners also discussed a final outstanding contract payment to Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center. County staff explained the payment represented the third and final installment of a three-year agreement (originally $120,000 per year). The county said the payment fell through the administrative transition and that the final installment was paid now; no new contract has been requested by the provider.

Separately, the board approved the sheriff’s request to purchase a patrol/rescue boat for inland lakes, using public safety account funds, with a not-to-exceed price of $38,000 to include a motor. Staff said two boats are in the fleet; one requires replacement and the other needs a new motor.

The board also approved disposal of excess sheriff’s equipment as submitted in the packet.

Why it matters: The claims vote and individual purchases are part of routine county financial oversight. The Safe Harbor payment rectified an identified missed invoice from a prior year; commissioners discussed the program’s role and the county’s prior three-year funding arrangement.","The Board considered March claims totaling $2,893,137.93, approved large payments including a $780,000 check to the road commission and a $113,000 construction payment on a transit office addition, authorized final contract payment to Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center, and approved purchase of a patrol rescue boat not to exceed $38,000.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076534,"County approves two economic-development loans: refinancing for Chart Welding and $35,000 equipment loan to Jeremiah Smith",294,6866000,7160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925&start=6866&end=7160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925/thumbnail_6866000.jpg","/articles/6076534/Van-Buren-County/Michigan/County-approves-two-economic-development-loans-refinancing-for-Chart-Welding-and-35000-equipment-loan-to-Jeremiah-Smith","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076534-31c60b119f701328a9079190127d85fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177492&Signature=BLyznfkmSrtbmtl1oWKAwIvYF~-atBf5JXqZSlWEIn3gUqrLansOBRJ8mNZ4hi5ZYo4K3R3NyLep-3pfa5~SOWUnro5F8aYdYIwaekfE1uOS6I99o4G1QVWWR3TTQKf7v7OJUSj8UgVP9Kg1xY~uyRjpXBVeQLSc-B2xynPMBNeeB-YXzwPRU96Kwq2anNAZwo0-bzUrCf4BvJGdgrXmnktiVaSc61UX7pzmt~xuigi-KXuPMH8Z4D1koWxYvpX9kKQI34Tm4j6uiau7zsk3L2mtLA2Xw317ZDDyGKaYMjvu8vi1xNdI2n08REkROz4iz2H0QKQxxnV1oLHQ1bBIgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Van Buren County’s economic development items moved forward April 10 after the board approved refinancing terms for a Chart Welding revolving loan and a new $35,000 equipment loan to Jeremiah Smith Enterprises, LLC.

Zack Morris presented the Chart Welding refinancing request. The company borrowed in 2018 to purchase equipment and later had pandemic-related business interruptions. Morris said staff and the Economic Development Corporation recommended refinancing the note to a seven-year term at 4% interest, which would reduce the monthly payment to about $494.50 and include a provision commonly used on county loans: interest forgiveness if the borrower makes all payments over the term. The board approved the refinancing motion.

The board also approved a $35,000 equipment loan for Jeremiah Smith Enterprises (Airswine Express), a Hartford-based laundry/processing business. Smith described a need for a 70-pound commercial washing machine to expand capacity for contracts including hospital linen work. The loan would be a 10-year equipment loan at 4%, and county staff said the loan is expected to create one job; the board approved the motion.

Why it matters: Both actions are part of the county’s revolving loan activities to support local businesses and job creation. The refinancing aims to allow a struggling company to remain viable and meet monthly payments; the equipment loan supports local expansion and workforce opportunities.

Both motions passed by voice vote during the meeting; staff will execute the loan documents and monitor repayment per standard EDC practice.","The county’s economic development board sought approval to refinance a revolving loan for Chart Welding and to issue a $35,000 equipment loan to Jeremiah Smith Enterprises; both motions passed at the meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076538,"Van Buren County public defender seeks FY26 MIDC grant renewal; office says it created 18 positions in first year",314,7084000,7398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925&start=7084&end=7398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925/thumbnail_7084000.jpg","/articles/6076538/Van-Buren-County/Michigan/Van-Buren-County-public-defender-seeks-FY26-MIDC-grant-renewal-office-says-it-created-18-positions-in-first-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076538-632832bda47ec77547349a5a5215361e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177492&Signature=IziKQ~aTQixFgTNsjhaOicvZ4YY-8PbVgDN53cXbXbGng36VoynJY2SBr21fxLtjiI32CACWUfA-JHqrvNXRkMivLxLfoDP~ePk0YXTt47WyY4f714XW~GfW9JEvej6kaaZxdzBpSPmzoUzMeDSVck4U92nkZFlm-OjTKwiz0XU4SreiIvMw9Cv-KKbCtXcQXTooqUUhJg1jHQNxREwku8mj0EX6~OrLeAv83uaIWxV-aPaqL9P7hKIMaGC-GXw3RSgMCdWvZQiq1szM~LNaWxmj4rsnPqQnuZ6J1WIbHv-PgZGZwilnXoRf1bnBfH5JSd2CCrBL8vKxiEoeheRD3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Van Buren County’s public defender’s office asked the board April 10 to approve submission of an FY26 Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) annual grant application and to authorize the county administrator to sign grant documents if the state approves the award.

Chief Public Defender told commissioners the office’s first full year of operations has resulted in staffing growth and reduced reliance on outside roster attorneys. “We created 18 new positions for Van Buren County. We're funded for all of these positions through the FY25 grant, and the request is the same for FY26,” the chief said.

The MIDC grant request will be near the same level as the prior year, county staff said; the presentation noted the grant request is still being finalized pending case-count reports from the courts. The requested grant amount is approximately $3.4 million (final numbers pending), and the county’s required maintenance-of-effort (local match) was listed as $310,000; staff said the county has budgeted that MOE.

Why it matters: The MIDC grant supports in-county indigent defense staffing and reduces dependence on private roster attorneys. The chief said the office now employs seven full-time staff attorneys (plus supervisory positions), with two additional attorneys expected to start in May pending bar admission, and continues to use contract attorneys as conflict counsel.

Commissioners asked about staffing plans and whether roster attorneys remain part of the contingency budget. The chief said roster spending has dropped as the in-house office grew, but a roster line remains to cover conflict cases.

The board approved the motion to submit the FY26 MIDC application and authorized the county administrator to execute required documents if the state approves the grant.","The county’s chief public defender asked the board to approve submission of the FY26 Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grant renewal. The office said it established 18 positions during its first full year and requests the same staffing and a county maintenance-of-effort of $310,000.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076543,"Commission moves to reallocate fund balance: $400,000 to facilities, $100,000 to stabilization, $500,000 to CIP",576,5899000,6475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925&start=5899&end=6475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969297-d26626120e745be4b566da5dab189925/thumbnail_5899000.jpg","/articles/6076543/Van-Buren-County/Michigan/Commission-moves-to-reallocate-fund-balance-400000-to-facilities-100000-to-stabilization-500000-to-CIP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076543-fecfd75d03ee3e0e2557ef7ebe351617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177492&Signature=VfRoOxpHwEt3a5~mvkgcA9i1VedMoqbnAw8HVYgFHQL7vYTf1JJsvm19eaO8pol9x~41ZxN0BqBxCbv0~Q1-r5fkMY2kBUugiS3gXMe3Zt8drCg052cefz9Txw2rYsonuSvCbe6Qx-Lq7Qscl70TxvNsxzlF8F-mB2rphSXk27TnSkneNDKj8hT5hAyOSyWrYWO3FDsnpURCwUOXvTCuhUK-OfKKtkmajbTy0WBr5am8Hb1T1zK5MQVu1MVsxrOIoaI4jnFIfJI0zl98h24~IwHqzgQvR6PvuinDfU5nyiRJKeRHqHKTJpVQlSrPm4U2EuqVT8ScI9qJrX5EGZl6Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Van Buren County finance staff presented recommended transfers April 10 to make use of an above-policy general fund balance identified in the year-end audit and to fund near-term capital planning.

County finance director proposed three transfers from general fund balance: $400,000 to a newly created Strategic Facilities Fund for long-term building projects, $100,000 to the Budget Stabilization Fund to maintain a 5–20% policy range, and $500,000 to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) fund to support ongoing projects. Finance staff said the transfers are possible because audited fund balance exceeded policy thresholds and that the actions will be forwarded to the full Board of Commissioners with the required two-thirds roll-call votes.

The Facilities Master Plan, approved by the board in December, now requires $230,000 of funding that was not included in the original budget; staff proposed offsetting the cost from fund balance so the general fund budget remains balanced.

Why it matters: Commissioners cited a desire to seed long-term facility planning while preserving an operational safety cushion. County staff said the strategic facilities fund can only be used for long-term facility needs and that withdrawals from budget stabilization require a two-thirds roll-call vote.

Commissioners posed investment and oversight questions. Staff said strategic funds will be held in the county’s pooled cash and invested in safe, allowable instruments that earn interest rather than sitting in non-interest-bearing accounts.

The board approved forwarding the transfers and budget amendments to the April 22 Board of Commissioners meeting for final roll-call approval.","After auditors reported a healthy general fund balance, county staff proposed moving roughly 4% of fund balance into strategic facilities, budget stabilization and capital improvement funds, and to cover a $230,000 Facilities Master Plan expense.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public hearing held on Hastings Street Brownfield TIF; neighbors raise plan-change concerns

County approves March claims totaling $2.89 million; pays final Safe Harbor contract installment and authorizes boat purchase

County approves two economic-development loans: refinancing for Chart Welding and $35,000 equipment loan to Jeremiah Smith

Van Buren County public defender seeks FY26 MIDC grant renewal; office says it created 18 positions in first year

Commission moves to reallocate fund balance: $400,000 to facilities, $100,000 to stabilization, $500,000 to CIP