The Muskegon City Commission on Dec. 9 approved a slate of items intended to support housing development and downtown business investment.

Development analyst Isabella Gonzales reported multiple Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) applications: Stephen Homes & Investments received approvals for 502 and 508 Mary Street (estimated project costs $175,000 and $140,000) granting 15‑year NEZ tax incentives; West Urban Properties LLC received NEZ approval for 1355 Adams Ave and 1366 Leonard Ave (combined estimate $294,900); and Aventure Investments LLC received a 15‑year NEZ certificate for 289 Meakin Street (estimated $166,000 project cost, listed sale price ~$243,000). Commissioners closed the public hearings on these items and approved each NEZ certificate on roll call.

The commission also established a commercial redevelopment district and approved a four‑year commercial facilities exemption certificate for Zini LLC, a tasting‑room concept proposed for 380 W. Western Ave. Owner Katie Lennon told the commission she expects to employ local culinary students and plans to open a tasting room within months. The internal tax committee recommended approval for a four‑year term.

Separately, commissioners corrected a prior resolution and approved an 8‑year commercial facilities exemption certificate for Gigi’s Grill at East Laketon Avenue. The city also authorized an amendment to a purchase and development agreement for parcels at 450 and 454 Orchard to recombine a lot so a single house can be built without imposing undue hardship on adjacent neighbors.

On Brownfield matters, the commission approved Brownfield Plan Amendment #2 for the Benton Brownfield. Director Jake Ekholm explained that the city is owed roughly $613,000 in TIF capture from earlier eligible activities; the Brownfield board voted to extend local‑only capture to the full statutory term to allow the city to be reimbursed, and the commission approved the amendment.

Other consent items approved include establishing a Plant Rehabilitation District at 701 W. Laketon Ave (Treasury prefers PRD classification) and approval of FY26 allocations of Muskegon County senior millage funds for local programs (including $20,000 toward a senior home repair program and $20,000 toward a Senior Power of Produce program).

All the above items were adopted by roll call vote during the consent agenda and individual public hearings where required. City staff said each project met local and state requirements for certificates and that staff will sign applicable applications and resolutions.