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Council advances transformational Brownfield Plan 87 for New Vision Lansing

Lansing City Council Committee of the Whole · December 16, 2024

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Summary

Committee members advanced an amended transformational Brownfield Plan for New Vision Lansing to the full council, with developer New Vision Lansing describing a schedule that includes bid packages in two weeks and demolition of the tower site by mid-January; councilors asked about affordability and voucher acceptance.

The Committee of the Whole on Dec. 16 moved an amended transformational Brownfield Plan (Plan 87) for New Vision Lansing forward to the full Lansing City Council.

City Attorney Greg Maker said the amended resolution aligns the city's language with the Transformational Brownfield provisions of Michigan's Act 381 and will ease final approval by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Strategic Fund. "The resolution that was submitted initially is very similar to the resolution that we use for approval of brownfield plans," Maker said, adding the amended text addresses additional statutory specifics required for transformational brownfields.

Developer Paul Genolozi of New Vision Lansing answered council questions about housing types and voucher acceptance. Genolozi said the project includes "missing middle" and LIHTC-type units and that the developer "doesn't discriminate against anybody" and would accept vouchers if the tenant's combined income and voucher met the unit eligibility and federal and city inspection requirements. He said the Lansing Housing Commission does not currently have excess voucher funds.

Council members from several districts praised the project's outreach and transparency; Vice President Hussain described the proposal as "massive" and "transformational" and said the development team had been accessible to council and neighborhood representatives. Genolozi said bid packages will go out in two weeks, demolition on a tower site is slated for mid-January, and excavation would follow within about 30 days.

Council action: A motion to move the transformational Brownfield Plan 87 to the council was made and passed by voice vote during Committee of the Whole.

What comes next: The amended resolution will be received by MEDC/MSF as part of the state approval process and the full council will consider final passage at the forthcoming city council meeting.