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City approves 12-year OPRA tax abatement for two downtown University Avenue buildings
Summary
The Mount Pleasant City Commission approved an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) tax exemption for 115 and 117 S. University, a 12-year abatement intended to support downtown rehabilitation and new retail spaces.
The Mount Pleasant City Commission voted to approve an OPRA (Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act) tax abatement for properties at 115 and 117 South University, adding a 12-year term to the exemption.
The exemption received a public hearing and public support from local economic development officials. Katie Mora, president and CEO of Middle Michigan Development Corporation, told the commission the project aligns with downtown revitalization goals and will bring multiple ground-floor retail spaces to University Avenue. She said, "This is one of the tools that we have in our toolbox…we couldn't recommend this project more."
The city manager explained that approval would "freeze property values in place at current levels" so that taxing jurisdictions would not collect on increased assessed value until the exemption ends; staff recommended approval after reviewing the submitted application and determining the proposal met program goals. Property owner Sarah Beauchamp Hicks confirmed owners will invest about $2,000,000 in renovations, described the owner's suite and upstairs residential layout, and said the owners intend to remain involved in the property long-term.
Commissioners expressed support for downtown rehabilitation. Commissioner Perschbacher said the OPRA helped past renovations and called the project a "win for everyone." Commissioners discussed the standard 12-year term; staff noted 12 years is a standard OPRA length and that the city's OPRA policy includes conditions allowing rescission in cases such as sale or closure.
A motion to approve the exemption for 115 and 117 South University passed by voice vote; a friendly amendment specifying a 12-year term was added and approved before the final vote.
The commission did not record individual roll-call votes in the public transcript; the motion passed by consensus voice vote. The resolution and application packet with the assessor's letter and conditions remain on file with the city.
Members of the public, economic development staff, the property owners and commission members discussed project details during the hearing; no formal legal challenge or additional conditions were placed on the approval at the meeting.
