Committee advances Stafford House mixed‑use rehab, seeks 12‑year PA 255 exemption

The Detroit City Council Committee of the Whole on Feb. 13 moved forward a request from Stafford House Inc. for a 12‑year commercial facilities tax exemption (Public Act 255 of 1978) for the rehabilitation of 9301 Oakman Avenue.

Casey Jackson of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation presented the request and the project’s finances to the committee. The proposal would gut and renovate a roughly 10,098‑square‑foot, two‑story structure built in 1925 that has been vacant for at least a decade. Stafford House plans a mixed‑use redevelopment with four ground‑floor commercial spaces — described in presentations as a coffee shop, a training center/retail space, an office for a Black‑owned engineering firm and an after‑school program operator — and 10 affordable residential units on the second floor.

Jackson said the developer expects to invest about $3.2 million. Without the proposed tax exemption the presenter estimated ad valorem taxes at roughly $17,886 annually; with the full 12‑year abatement the project’s taxes during the abatement period would be approximately $188 per year, with taxes returning to the full ad valorem amount in year 13. The city assessor’s office reviewed the application and confirmed eligibility criteria for a PA 255 certificate, and the DEGC said the project does not work financially without the incentive.

Stafford House executive director Patricia Dockery and board chair Lyndon Crosby spoke to the committee about project timing and community goals. Crosby and Dockery said the nonprofit will prioritize affordable rents and community benefit; they said the organization is Black‑led and that the project aims to serve North End neighborhood residents. Presenters estimated the project will create about four full‑time jobs in operation and 22 construction jobs during rehabilitation.

Public commenters supported the project; one caller asked whether the notice showing “Oakman” or “Oakland” was a typographical error and the presenters clarified the address used in the public notice is 9301 Oakman Avenue. Presenters also said the First Floor commercial portion of the project is eligible for and will receive an ADA accessibility grant covering commercial spaces; the building will include accessible restroom(s) and accessible entryways.

The committee voted to send the item (line item 7) to the formal session with a recommendation to approve. The chair declared the motion adopted after there were “no objections.” The application and assessor reports remain part of the file and the item will return for a recorded vote at a formal meeting.