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