Muskegon City Commission approves sale of 561 Catherine to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

Muskegon City Commission on Aug. 26 approved the sale of a city-owned vacant lot at 561 Catherine Street to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, authorizing staff to convey the property for development of three single-family homes targeted to buyers at or below 80% of area median income.

The sale — moved by Commissioner Jermaine German and supported by Commissioner Kochan — passed on a voice/roll-call vote. Sam Pulis, Muskegon’s code coordinator, told the commission the parcel measures about 132 feet by 132 feet and that staff and the buyer plan to split it into three lots about 44 feet wide each for single-family homes. Andrew Clardy, a representative of Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, said the project would be the organization’s first new-construction work in Muskegon and that the houses are expected to be priced in a range estimated at $165,000 to $185,000 depending on buyers’ affordability.

“This is a new venture for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, but we hope to make this a long term partnership with the city,” Andrew Clardy said.

Pulis said the organization has been in talks with the city and that the three lots are sized to accommodate three-bedroom homes, with plans calling for either one- or two-bath layouts depending on whether the house is one or two stories. Clardy said buyers will qualify with a traditional lender but Habitat limits mortgage payments to 30% of a buyer’s gross monthly income and subsidizes the difference; homes will be listed on the MLS and Habitat will provide HUD-certified homeownership education and counseling as part of the program.

Commissioners asked about timing and outreach. Clardy said the group anticipates a 2026 timeline that allows time to build local volunteer capacity; Habitat plans to post application information on its website and list the homes on MLS and other real-estate platforms when they are available.

The commission’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with sale terms already discussed with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. The motion passed with an affirmative roll call; the clerk recorded the motion as carried and staff will complete conveyance and follow-up permitting and planning steps.

The discussion occurred during the commission’s regular general session and included questions from Commissioners German, Kochan, Kogel and Kilgo about unit sizes, financing, timeline and outreach. No amendments or conditions were added to the motion at the meeting.

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and city staff will return to normal permitting channels for final site plans and building permits before construction begins.