Public hearing: 'Seeds of Promise' Brownfield amendment proposes 14 factory‑built 'smart homes' across 13 parcels
Summary
Project representatives and city staff presented a Brownfield plan amendment to support 14 factory‑built 'smart homes' across 13 parcels, with $3.8M in development costs, $1.2M Brownfield‑eligible activities and targeted inclusion goals; materials were referred to the Committee of the Whole for review.
City staff and project representatives presented a public hearing on the Seeds of Promise Brownfield plan amendment on Nov. 5, describing a redevelopment that would place 14 factory‑built homes on 13 parcels to create for‑sale infill housing at a range of incomes.
Reginald Thomas, speaking for the project team, said the development targets a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom homes aimed at households from about 80% to 120% of area median income under a 25‑year Brownfield plan. Thomas said total development costs are about $3.8 million, with roughly $1.2 million of that classified as Brownfield‑eligible housing activities. He said the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority recommended a $200,000 revolving fund loan to help buy down mortgages on seven units expected to serve households at 80% of AMI.
Todd Vaneken of InovaLab described the homes as factory‑built "smart homes" designed under the MH Advantage/HUD code pathway and said the product aims to match stick‑built quality while enabling faster delivery. Vaneken said completed neighborhoods of similar modular units have been delivered in as little as 45 days once foundations are in place. He and other representatives said the homes will be financed through a mix of private financing and public supports (including IFF, TIF and MSHDA where applicable), and that Champion will supply homes under terms that delay payment until sale to assist the capital stack.
Public comment included several supporters who said the development could add affordable for‑sale options (one commenter estimated many units could list under $250,000). A resident asked whether the homes will be all‑electric or use a mixed electric/gas approach, citing Michigan power‑outage concerns; speakers did not give a definitive answer on the record. Commissioners asked for clarification about the "smart homes" designation, potential timing and homeowner protections; one commissioner urged caution, saying similar projects have sometimes taken longer than advertised and stressing the need to make buyers aware of rights and responsibilities.
The mayor referred the Brownfield plan amendment materials to the Committee of the Whole for additional review before the commission takes final action.
The hearing record as presented included site, financing and inclusion details but left some technical questions (electrification, exact buyer assistance terms, final schedule) to follow up in committee.
